This degree option leads to a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research (MHSc), a professional degree awarded by the Duke University School of Medicine. The program prepares individuals for a career as a clinical researcher. The degree requires 24 credits of graded course work and a research project for which 12 units of credit are given. Five courses (CRP 241, 242, 245, 253, and 254) constitute 16 credits that are required for all degree candidates (see Course Descriptions).
The student’s clinical research activities provide the setting and the data for the project, which serves to demonstrate the student’s competence in the use of quantitative methods in clinical research. The program is designed for part-time study, which allows the fellow/student to integrate the program’s academic program with clinical training.
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.
| STATISTICS | CORE METHODS | TRANSLATIONAL METHODS | MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Trials | Health Services Research | Introduction to Immunology in Clinical Research | Research Professional Development |
| Introduction to Statistical Methods* | Principles of Clinical Research* | Introduction to Medical Genetics | Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research* |
| Longitudinal Data Analysis | Patient Reported Outcomes in Clinical Research | ||
| Machine Learning for Health | Implementation and Dissemination of health Care Research | *Core Course required for degree and certificate options. | |
| Stat. Methodology for Basic Research | Concepts in Comparative Effectiveness Research | ||
| Statistical Analysis* | Decision Sciences in Clinical Research | Proteomics and Protein Biology in Medicine | Research Managment* |
| Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis | Clinical Research Seminar | Research Project and Pro. Dev. - a Stepwise Approach | Scientific Communication |
A degree candidate is expected to complete all requirements within 10 calendar years of matriculation. Degree credit for a course expires 10 years after the course is completed by the student; in this case, degree credit can be obtained only by retaking the course.
All courses within the Clinical Research Training Program utilize a Pass/Fail grading scale. Each Course Director is required to make clear on their course syllabus how grades will be determined, what work in the course will be graded, and what standards will be applied.
“The program definitely improved my ability to create high-quality research proposals, conduct my own research, create a better understanding of the ethics of research and good clinical practice, and to be a critical consumer of information." Yousuf Zafar, MD 2009 CRTP Graduate
Associate Professor, Duke University School of Medicine