Master of Science in Clinical Research

12-month degree program | 38 credit hours

Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2023

The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program is a research training program designed specifically for University of Michigan students in healthcare professional degree programs. Students take time out to complete an intensive, yearlong master’s program in clinical research. The degree is awarded by Rackham Graduate School through the Department of Epidemiology in the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

The program is designed to fill a unique gap in the educational training for clinical and translational researchers by introducing students to clinical research early in their professional careers. Please see our admissions FAQ (PDF) for more details. Talk to your current academic advisor to determine the best time to take a "year out" to complete this degree.

Program Curriculum 

The MSCR curriculum consists of three components (total 38 credits):

  • A core didactic curriculum (28 credits)
  • A research practicum (6 credits)
  • Personalized course electives (4 credits)

Each component requires a significant commitment and includes clearly defined requirements. Trainees use the components as building blocks to craft a curriculum plan appropriate to their background and career goals.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in a field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus.

Ready to Apply?

MS applicants apply to our program through the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School.

The deadline for applications to the next MSCR cycle is December 1, 2023.

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, prospective students must provide:

  • Statement of Purpose: Your SOP should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic and research background as well as your career goals.. The length of the SOP should be 1-3 pages. Submitted via ApplyWeb and Rackham.
  • Personal Statement: It should be a discussion of the journey that led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Submitted via ApplyWeb and Rackham.
  • Transcripts:
    • Applicants who attended or are attending a U.S. Institution:
      Upload an electronic version of your official transcript(s) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress through your ApplyWeb application account. ​​​​​​​​​​
      If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Recommended applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission. All students are asked to include an electronic transcript during the online application.
    • Applicants who attended or are attending a Non-U.S. Institution: Review Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for transcript/academic record requirements by country or region. Submitting transcript/academic records is a two-step process.
      ​​​​​Upload an electronic version of your official transcript/academic record for each institution attended through your ApplyWeb application account.
      At the time of application, you must also submit an official transcript/academic record for each institution attended. See Rackham’s detailed instructions on how to submit transcripts/academic records to the Rackham Graduate School.
  • English Language Test Scores: The TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose native language is not English, unless they meet one of the exemption criteria.  
  • Letters of Recommendation:  Signed and on letterhead. Submitted via ApplyWeb and Rackham.
    • Master: 2 letters are required (1 must come from your research mentor)

Application Review Process

The MICHR and Epidemiology Department will review the application. Accepted applicants will be required to meet with one of the MS advisors as early as possible, but no later than the start of the fall semester to review the tentative course of study plan (included with the application).

Questions and More Information

For information on applying to this program, please contact:

Shannon Marshall, Admissions Coordinator
734.763.1711
Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR)
MICHR-EDU@umich.edu