Advanced Training in Clinical Investigation

The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program is offered by the Training Program in Translational Science (TPTS). This full-time, two-year program leads to an M.S. degree in Clinical Research. STAR fellows may take up to three years so they may submit manuscripts, apply for funding (NIH, foundations, etc.), and transition to a faculty position.

The MSCR Program consists of two “Tracks”. Track A is focused on Research/Clinical Trials and Track B serves physician scientists with an interest in Biomedical Informatics.

The MSCR program is designed to train fellows and faculty to:

• Design and conduct clinical research (clinical trials and observational/translational research studies)
• Successfully compete for funding (e.g., foundation grants, NIH K23, or R01's in clinical research)
• Analyze data and interpret research results
• Present research at scientific meetings and in the medical literature
• Critique and interpret the research of others

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have an affiliation with UCLA, Harbor-UCLA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, or Charles R. Drew University (the CTSI partner institutions)
• Be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the U.S.
• Have a bachelor’s degree or the foreign equivalent
• Have an MD, DDS, DMD, DO, DC, OD, or ND degree; be a doctorally prepared nurse; or have a PhD with clinical responsibilities
• Have salary and tuition support for the duration of the program and a letter of commitment from their division or department
• Have selected and established a relationship with a strong research mentor in a clinical department that also has support for the research

MSCR trainees must:

• Complete a minimum of 48 units, including:
• 32-units of required upper division (100-series) and graduate (200-series) courses
• 8-units of elective courses, which are selected in consultation with and approval by the assigned adviser(s)
• 8-units of Biomath 596 (directed individual study) for thesis research
• Choose between a Thesis Plan (Plan I) and a Capstone Plan (Plan II research report). A quantitative mentor will be assigned to help with the design
• Present the completed research report or thesis in the form of a submitted manuscript and an oral presentation

Application: Applications are accepted Feb 1 to May 15 for the academic year beginning in Sept/Oct (Fall Quarter).

Download coursework requirements →

Contacts and leadership

Veena Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS
Office: 310-825-3061
Email: vranganath@mednet.ucla.edu

There is a May 1 deadline for a fall start date. Applicants will be notified of their status within a month of filing a completed application.

Program Directors:

Isidro B. Salusky, MD (Director)
Veena Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS (Co-Director)