Master's or Certificate Programs in Clinical and Translational Science

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.

Apply on the MCW Graduate School Website

Are you driven to turn discovery into real-world impact? The Master’s in Clinical and Translational Science (MSCTS) is designed for individuals passionate about advancing health through research, innovation, and collaboration.

This program prepares the next generation of clinical investigators, health care professionals, and research scientists by providing a comprehensive foundation across the full translational research continuum (T0–T5). Students gain the skills needed to move ideas from the lab to the patient—and into communities—through coursework in clinic statistics, epidemiology, ethics, safety, and study design.

Whether you pursue the Master’s degree or a Certificate, the MSCTS offers flexible pathways to fit your goals. Master’s students select from three emphasis tracks and complete a thesis, while certificate students complete four courses (12 credits) within a chosen track.

Each track allows you to tailor your training to your interests and career path, while building a strong, shared foundation in clinical and translational science. No matter your background, this program equips you to contribute meaningfully to the future of health and research.

Emphasis Tracks

Translational Science

Population Science

Health System Science

Program Information

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Program Highlights

The MSCTS program offers flexible pathways designed to support your goals.

Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 2 years, while part-time students have up to 4 years for added flexibility.

Master’s Degree (MSCTS)

36 total credits
Designed for completion in 2 years
Small cohort-based experience beginning each Fall
Structured curriculum with 3-credit core and elective courses
Customized electives aligned with your emphasis track and career interests
Includes completion of a Master’s thesis

Certificate Program

12 total credits (4 courses), starting each Fall
Designed for completion in 1 year
3 core courses + 1 elective
Elective tailored to your chosen emphasis track

Application Information

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Program Start Date: Fall 2026

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 & Degree Requirements
The MSCTS Master’s degree is a 36-credit program designed to be completed in 2 years, with the flexibility to extend up to 4 years for part-time students.
To support working professionals, most courses are conveniently scheduled on one consistent day per week and at night making it easier to balance school, work, and research.

Core Curriculum (18 credits)

Build a strong foundation in clinical and translational science through key courses:

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)

Customize your learning experience based on your interests and career goals:

Electives are aligned with your chosen emphasis track
Options include courses offered through CTSI and partner programs
Access interdisciplinary coursework from programs such as Public Health, Bioethics, and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Zilber School of Public Health

Thesis (6–9 credits)

Apply your knowledge through hands-on research:

Complete an independent Master’s thesis
Work closely with a faculty mentor and thesis committee
Follow structured milestones, including proposal development, progress presentations, and final defense

Detailed requirements, timelines, and required forms can be found in the CTS Student Handbook below.

View the Master of Science Student Handbook (PDF)

View the Master of Science Academic Bulletin (PDF)

CTS Certificate Program

Certificate Program Coursework

The MSCTS Certificate is a 12-credit program designed to be completed in 1 year, offering a focused and flexible pathway to build foundational skills in clinical and translational science. Like the Master’s program, courses are structured to support working professionals, with most classes held on one consistent day per week.

Core Curriculum (9 credits)

Gain essential knowledge in key areas of clinical and translational research:

Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science
Clinical Statistics I
Introduction to Epidemiology

Elective (3 credits)

Tailor your experience to your interests and career goals:

Select one elective course aligned with your chosen emphasis track
Choose from CTSI offerings or partner programs such as Public Health and Bioethics
Expand your perspective through interdisciplinary coursework options

Designed for Flexibility and Impact

Ideal for professionals looking to enhance research skills without committing to a full degree
Credits earned in the Certificate program can be applied toward the MSCTS Master’s degree
Provides a strong foundation for advancing in clinical research, health care, or related fields

Additional details on course options and requirements can be found in the CTS Student Handbook below.

Certificate Program Handbook 2026-2027

Clinical & Translational Science Certificate Bulletin

Curriculum

Core Curriculum: Building Your Foundation (18 credits)

You’ll begin with a strong foundation in clinical and translational science, gaining essential skills in:

Translational research principles and team science
Clinical statistics and data interpretation
Epidemiology and population health
Health services research and study design
Ethical and regulatory frameworks in human subjects research
Scientific communication and research development

These courses are designed not just to teach concepts—but to help you think like a researcher, critically evaluate evidence, and design impactful studies.

Electives: Customize Your Path (9–12 credits)

As you progress, you’ll tailor your learning through electives aligned with your emphasis track and career goals. Students can choose from CTSI offerings and interdisciplinary courses across partner programs, with topics such as:

Translational Genomics and Biomedical Engineering
Health Disparities and Population Health
Dissemination and Implementation Science
Health Economics and Medical Geography
Advanced statistical methods and data analysis

This flexibility allows you to shape your training around your interests—whether your focus is bench-to-bedside research, health systems improvement, or community-based science.

Thesis: Apply What You’ve Learned (6–9 credits)

The program culminates in a hands-on Master’s thesis, where you will:

Design and execute a clinical or translational research project
Work closely with a faculty mentor and thesis committee
Develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation
Present and defend your work in a formal setting

This experience ensures you graduate not only with knowledge—but with real research experience and a completed project.

Emphasis Tracks: Focus Your Impact

To further personalize your experience, students select an emphasis track that aligns with their interests:

Translational Science – Moving discoveries from bench to bedside
Population Science – Understanding health outcomes across communities
Health Systems Science – Improving care delivery and healthcare systems
Community-Based Science – Engaging communities in research and impact

Each track provides focused expertise while maintaining a shared foundation in clinical and translational science.

Designed for Real-World Impact

From your first course to your final thesis, the MSCTS curriculum is built to help you:

Translate research into practice
Collaborate across disciplines
Address real health challenges
Advance your career in clinical and translational science

Whether you’re new to research or looking to deepen your expertise, this curriculum provides the structure, flexibility, and support to help you make a meaningful impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why pursue a Master's in Clinical and Translational Science?

If you’re interested in turning research into real-world impact, this degree gives you the tools to do exactly that. Clinical and Translational Science is a rapidly growing field, fueled in part by national initiatives like the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. These efforts are focused on accelerating how discoveries move from the lab to patients and communities. The MSCTS program provides the education, training, and hands-on research experience needed to succeed in this evolving field. Graduates often continue in research roles, with many going on to careers in academic medicine, clinical research, and independent investigation.

Who is this program designed for?

The MSCTS is intentionally built for a diverse range of learners and professionals, including:

Medical students and MD/MS dual degree students
Residents, fellows, and early-career faculty
Clinical research professionals and coordinators
Individuals with undergraduate degrees interested in research careers

No matter your background, if you’re motivated to advance health through research, this program is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.

What's the difference between the Certificate and the Master's?

Both options provide a strong foundation—but they’re designed for different levels of depth and commitment.

Certificate Program

12 credits (4 courses)
Typically completed in 1 year
Focused introduction to clinical and translational science
No thesis required

Master’s Degree (MSCTS)

36 credits + thesis
Designed for completion in 2 years (up to 4 years part-time)
Deeper, more comprehensive training
Includes hands-on research experience and a mentored thesis project

If you’re looking to explore the field, the Certificate is a great starting point. If your goal is to lead or conduct research, the Master’s provides the full experience.

Do I need to complete a thesis?

Yes—if you are pursuing the Master’s degree.

All MSCTS students complete a thesis project, where you will:

Identify a research question
Work with a faculty mentor and thesis committee
Design and carry out a research study
Present and defend your findings

This is a core part of the program and ensures you graduate with real, applied research experience.

Certificate students are not required to complete a thesis.

How does this fit with a full-time job?

The program is designed with working professionals in mind.

Courses meet once per week for 3 hours
Courses are scheduled on consistent days (often afternoons/evenings)
The structured schedule allows you to plan ahead and balance commitments

Many of our students successfully complete the program while working full-time.

What will I walk away with?

By the end of the program, you won’t just have a degree—you’ll have:

A strong foundation across the translational research continuum (T0–T5)
Practical experience designing and conducting research
Skills in data analysis, study design, and scientific communication
A completed research project (Master’s students)
The ability to translate ideas into meaningful health impact

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

Program Director

Margaret M. Samyn, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACC

Director, MD/MS Dual Degree Program
Assistant Dean for Scholarly Activities
Professor, Pediatrics (Cardiology)
Medical College of Wisconsin

Program Coordinator

Angie Holtz

aholtz@mcw.edu