Master of Science in Clinical Research

The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program provides rigorous, interdisciplinary training to prepare health professionals and scientists for careers in clinical and translational research. Designed for individuals with a background in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, or related fields, this program builds core competencies in clinical trial design, biostatistics, regulatory science, and evidence-based medicine. Whether your goal is to become a principal investigator, clinical scientist, or research coordinator, MUSC's MSCR program provides the academic foundation and practical experience to lead in today's research-intensive environments.

Our curriculum is structured to accommodate the demands of working professionals while maintaining academic depth and integrity. Students benefit from a flexible learning format that includes both didactic and applied components, allowing them to balance clinical, research, or administrative responsibilities while progressing through the program. The MSCR program provides students with mentored research experiences, allowing them to work closely with MUSC's esteemed faculty, who actively conduct clinical research in various fields, including Cancer, Cardiovascular health, Digestive Diseases, Precision Medicine, and Neuroscience.

Graduates of the program leave with the skills to design and conduct independent research, contribute to multidisciplinary research teams, and translate clinical findings into improved patient outcomes. Our students actively navigate the ethical, regulatory, and methodological complexities of clinical research as they pursue careers in academia, industry, or healthcare. By training the next generation of clinical investigators, MUSC is advancing its mission to improve health through discovery and innovation.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the program, students should be able to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature
2. Formulate a well-defined clinical or translational research question
3. Select an appropriate study design to address a clinical or translational research question
4. Compute, describe, and evaluate descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to the chosen study design
5. Apply ethical codes and professional standards for the conduct of clinical and translational research

Curriculum

Approved Electives

• IP 738
• ETH 738
• MCR 777. Introduction to Grant Writing (part-time only), 1 credit hour

Application Process

All applications to the College of Graduate Studies are submitted online. If you are unable to apply online, a petition to the Office of the Dean with an explanation must be submitted for special accommodation.

In addition to the application itself the applicant must complete supplemental instruction materials specific to the program to which they are applying. These forms are provided via email once an application has been submitted (and are listed under Application Materials through program links above).

Application Information

Application Materials

1. Academic transcripts from the institution of the highest degree, as well as any professional certifications that indicate the applicant has either of the following:
   • A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the health/clinical sciences (e.g., M.D., PharmD, O.D., D.M.D., Ph.D.)
   • A graduate or bachelor's degree in the healthcare or clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g., BSN, MHS)
2. A one-two page essay that inclues:
   • Future professional goals,
   • Purpose statement for why you're applying to this program,
   • Area of research interest and qualifications, and
   • An acknowledgement, upon acceptance, that you will commit to all scheduled classes.
3. For residents, fellows, and faculty, a letter of support stating the department guarantees the applicant will have protected time to commit to the program
   • From the residency director for residents
   • From the fellowship director for fellows
   • From the division/department chair for faculty

Complete the applications and submit admission materials online. If you are unable to apply you must petition the College of Graduate Studies Office of the Dean for special accommodations with an explanation of why you are unable to apply online. In addition to the application, supplemental instruction materials specific to each program is also uploaded. These forms are provided via email once an application has been submitted and are listed above under Application Materials.

Application Requirements

Part-Time

Candidates in this program will be individuals with a science background, specialists, residents, fellows and other healthcare professionals who seek to advance their clinical research skills and must possess:

• A bachelor's or a master's degree in the health/clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g., BSN, MHS)
• A doctoral degree from an accredited school in the health/clinical sciences (e.g., M.D., Pharm.D., O.D., D.M.D., Ph.D.)

Full-Time

For admission, a candidate must possess an undergraduate degree or graduate degree in clinical or health sciences from a U.S. accredited institution of higher education (e.g. BSN, MHS). International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree from an officially recognized institution and a letter of recommendation or support letter.

Application Timeline

Part-Time

Full-Time

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

International Students

Foreign nationals are urged to submit complete information as early as possible. In addition to other official entrance credentials, applicants whose native language is not English must submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or IELTS score). The TOEFL or IELTS score must not be more than two years old. Final consideration cannot be granted to an international application for admission until the official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management.

If an international applicant has graduated or will graduate from an institution that uses English as the language of instruction, the TOEFL may be waived upon request.