Basic Science Research Track Degree Option

Applicants seeking admission as a degree candidate must submit the following documents:

• CV. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
• Transcripts. An official transcript from each graduate school, including medical school transcripts, must be sent to Duke University's Clinical Research Training Program directly by the institution. Personal copies of your records are not acceptable.
• Letter of Recommendation.  A letter of recommendation is required. It should be written by someone qualified to testify to your capacity for graduate work. The form may be accessed from the online application.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). CRTP requires that any applicant whose first language is not English and does not hold a bachelors or higher degree from an English speaking Institution must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Test scores must not more than two years old and an official copy must be sent to Duke University.

The deadline for receipt of applications for priority review is April 15. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis. Priority Review applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by June 1. Regular review applicants will be notified of admission decisions on a rolling basis after that date.

NIH-DUKE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN CLINICAL RESEARCH APPLICANTS: THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE 2024-2025 PROGRAM YEAR IS APRIL 15, 2024. NIH APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS BY JUNE 1. THERE WILL BE NO NIH APPLICATIONS REVIEWED AFTER THE APRIL 15, 2024 DEADLINE.

Application correspondence may be sent by US mail to:

CLINICAL RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM
BOX 2734, DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
DURHAM, NC 27710

or by overnight package delivery company (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL) to:

CLINICAL RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM (919-681-4560)
HOCK PLAZA, SUITE G06
2424 ERWIN ROAD
DURHAM, NC 27705

Applicants will be notified of admission decisions not later than June 1. Materials submitted in support of an application will not be released for other purposes and cannot be returned to the applicant.

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $861.00 per credit. Some faculty members are eligible for the University's Educational Assistance Program. Other sources of support exist in some clinical departments; prospective participants should consult with program directors and division chiefs regarding potential funding sources.

The CRTP Basic Research Track Research Project provides a formal, structured, mentored environment in which students practice skills necessary for conducting basic research. Students work in their mentor’s research space on an individual research project chosen and designed by the student with guidance from their mentor.

Course directors will guide students in the selection of a research mentor and the development of a research committee, which will meet regularly with the student to guide the project.  Mentors will provide 1:1 guidance on the development and conduct of the research project over 18 credit hours. In addition to conducting research, students will engage in regular scientific communication about their project and those of fellow students.  This will include concept reviews, journal clubs, written abstracts, and a formal presentation. The end products are a manuscript and an oral presentation; both of which will be evaluated by an examining committee.

Course components:

• Concept Reviews: Students will be guided through the process of developing, discussing, and refining their research plan through a facilitated review of their scientific concept.
• 1:1 guidance: Course directors will meet with students to help them identify mentors and evaluation committee members in their area of interest. They will also provide guidance on research project planning.
• Hands-on research: Each student will develop and complete their own research project under the guidance of an established principal investigator
• Scientific communications: Throughout the course, students will present their work periodically.  They will practice verbal presentation, create written abstracts, and produce a written thesis.
• Evaluation:  Students will engage an evaluation committee near the beginning of the course.  This committee will meet with students quarterly to evaluate progress toward goals and provide insight to aid in the success of the student’s research project.