MS or Certificate Programs in Clinical & Translational Science
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The goal of the Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science (MSCTS) degree is to train the next generation of health care professionals, clinical investigators, research scientists, and other individuals working in translational research sciences.
The curriculum incorporates the full spectrum of the translational continuum (T0 through T5) and provides training and skills to position candidates to be successful in the growing field of Clinical and Translational Science. Topics covered include foundations of translational research, clinical statistics, epidemiology, ethics and safety, and study designs across the continuum.
The program includes a Master’s degree and four Certificates. Candidates seeking a Master’s degree will select from one of four emphasis tracks and complete a thesis. Certificate students will select from the same four tracks and complete 4 classes, or 12 credits.
Emphasis Tracks
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Translational Science
This track is focused on the foundational principles of the translational process. This “bench-to-bedside” process involves moving discoveries from their basic foundation to clinical settings. Discoveries of focus include diagnostics, therapeutics, medical procedures, and other interventions. Suggested electives for this program include Translational Genomics, Clinical and Translational Science II, Clinical Trial Design, and Survey of Biomedical Engineering.
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Population Science
There are a variety of factors that can influence health outcomes at a population level, and this track will focus on the relationship between these factors, health, and research. This program will focus on factors such as socioeconomic status, health disparities, social determinants of health, healthcare systems, environment, and policies. Suggested electives include Health Economics, Introduction to Statistics using Stata, Regression using Stata, and Health and Medical Geography.
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Health System Science
The focus of this track is on principles and processes within the healthcare system. The topics of focus will include delivery of healthcare, how healthcare professionals work together, and improvements that can be made within the system to improve healthcare delivery. Suggested electives for this program include Health Economics, Health and Medical Geography, Dissemination and Implementation Science, and Qualitative Research Methods.
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Community Based Science
This track is focused on engaging the community in research being conducted near the end of the translational spectrum. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with community members and organizations to promote engagement in developing community-wide approaches to improve health for all. Suggested electives include Health Disparities, Health and Medical Geography, Dissemination and Implementation Science, and Qualitative Research Methods.
Program Highlights
Full-time students can complete the program in 2 years, while part-time students have up to 4 years to complete the program.
Highlights
Master’s
- 36 credits
- Designed to be completed in 2 years
- Cohort-style program, starting in Fall of each year
- Planned course schedule with 3-credit core and elective courses
- Suggested electives based on student emphasis track and interests
Certificate
- 12 credits – Starting in Fall of each year
- Designed to be completed in 1 year
- 3 planned core courses and 1 elective
- Elective based on student emphasis track
Application Information
Application Opens: February 2023
Application Deadline: July 1, 2023
Program Start Date: Fall 2023
How to Apply
- Go to the MCW Graduate School
- Click on the “Apply Now” button on the homepage
- Create an account and complete the application through the online portal
More Information
For more information on the admissions process and requirements, please visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Master’s Degree
Coursework
36 credits are required to complete the Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science. It is designed to be completed in 2 years, but part-time students have up to 4 years to complete all requirements.
To accommodate the schedules of students working full-time, most classes are held on one day of the week.
Master’s Degree requirements
Master’s Degree requirements include the following:
Core Courses – 18 credits
- Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science
- Clinical Statistics I
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Foundations of Health Services Research
- Regulatory Issues in Human Subject Research Protections
- Research Seminar
Electives – 9-12 credits
- Electives are suggested based on student’s emphasis track. See Emphasis Track descriptions for more information on course suggestions and offerings.
- Electives can be selected from CTSI courses or courses offered by academic partners, including MCW programs in Public Health and Bioethics and the UWM Zilber School of Public Health
Thesis – 6-9 credits
- A thesis is required of all Master’s degree seeking students. See the Thesis section for more information on expectations, deadlines, committee proposal and thesis proposal forms.
Additional Details regarding Degree Completion and Required forms can be found in the CTS Student Handbook below.
223 KBView the CTS Student Handbook 23-24
147 KBView the Master of Science Academic Bulletin
Curriculum
Courses included in the Master’s of Clinical and Translational Science program can be found in the CTS Course Catalog.
196 KBView the CTS Certificate Program Guide 2023-2024Note that this list may not be all-inclusive and is subject to change. Please email Mary Jane LaTona or contact the MCW Graduate School with any questions.
CTS Certificate Program
Coursework
12 credits are required to complete the Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science. Full-time students can complete the program in 1 year, while part-time students have up to 2 years to complete all requirements.
Most classes are held on one day of the week.
Students completing the CTS Certificate will be required to select one of the four emphasis tracks when applying to the program:
- Translational Science
- Population Science
- Health Systems Science
- Community Based Science
Curriculum
See the CTS Certificate Course Catalog below for additional information regarding required classes and course descriptions for each emphasis track.
196 KBView the CTS Certificate Program Guide 2023-2024 128 KBView the Clinical & Translational Science Certificate Academic BulletinFAQ
Why should I get a Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science?
The field of Clinical and Translational Science has grown tremendously in the past decade. Many of these advances are a result of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) sponsored by the National Institutes for Health (NIH). This initiative also led to the development of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) in 2012.
A Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science will provide education, training, and research experience in preparation for a career in research and academic medicine. Students completing this program often remain involved in research and many go on to become independent researchers.
Who is this program designed for?
This program is designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking additional knowledge and structured training in clinical and translational research. Our students include MD fellows, early-career faculty, concurrent MD/MS students, and individuals with an undergraduate degree. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to apply or contact CTSI for additional information
What is the difference between a Certificate and Master’s?
The CTS Certificates are 12-credit programs designed to provide an introduction to Clinical and Translational Science. Certificates are designed to be completed in one academic year, with up to two years permitted for part-time students.
Master’s students will complete 36 credits and a Master’s thesis research project. This program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time students, with up to 4 years for part-time students. The Master’s degree includes more coursework and in-depth training on additional topics along with hands on research experience through the completion of a research project under the mentorship of the student’s thesis committee.
Do I need to do a Thesis?
Yes, all students completing the Master’s in CTS program are required to complete a thesis project. Students will select one primary mentor and two other approved faculty to serve on their thesis committee. The student is responsible for identifying their committee members and submitting a thesis proposal before work on the project begins.
Students in the CTS Certificate program are not required to complete a thesis.
How can I fit this program in with my work schedule?
Class dates/times are set according to a fixed schedule, providing the opportunity to plan to ensure availability during planned class times. Each course is 3 credits and will meet one day/week for 3 hours at a time. Most core classes will be on Thursday afternoons between 12-6PM, while some other classes may be scheduled on various days and times. Timing of additional electives offered by other programs are subject to the discretion of those programs.
When do I need to select an emphasis track?
You can declare your emphasis track when you submit the initial application to the program. However, students have until the completion of their first year in the program to decide which track they would like to pursue.
How much will it cost?
The cost per credit varies per academic year. View current Graduate School Tuition and Fee information.
For additional information, please visit the MCW Financial Aid Office website.
The CTSI does not currently offer any scholarships or tuition support.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Program Director
Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH
mwidlans@mcw.edu
Program Coordinator
Mary Jane LaTona
mlatona@mcw.edu
NIH Funding Acknowledgment: Important Reminder – Please acknowledge the NIH when publishing papers, patents, projects, and presentations resulting from the use of CTSI resources by including the NIH Funding Acknowledgement.
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