Clinical Investigation

Degree Types: MS

The Degree Program in Clinical Investigation is sponsored by the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) institute.

This program is part-time and consists of evening courses primarily for medical residents, fellows and faculty members who wish to receive formal training in clinical research. Other medical professionals in the Chicago area may be eligible to enroll. All program participants are expected to be actively engaged in research with a mentor, preferably one at NU, who should have adequate research funding. MSCI courses are open to graduate students in other life sciences' programs at NU to explore the application of basic science concepts to medicine. Students can enter the program at the beginning of any of the four quarters, although summer and fall quarter are preferred.

The program provides rigorous education in quantitative and ethically sound methods for the design, implementation, analysis, and publication of clinical research studies. Students take courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and medical writing. Elective courses are focused on clinical trials, electronic health record data, and -omics methods.

Our faculty, who engage in clinical research training and participate in course design and instruction, are drawn from various departments including medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, biostatistics, and medical social sciences.

Additional resources:

• Department website
• Program handbook(s)

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Master's

Total Units Required: 10

Eight units of classroom courses and two units comprising a mentored clinical research project that must be submitted for publication are required. Because courses are offered during all four quarters of the year, including summer, the degree can be accomplished over the course of one-two years.

Other Degree Requirements

• Research/Projects: Research/Projects: Students must complete two units comprising a mentored clinical research project. This project must be submitted for publication before the student can graduate.