Master's Degree in Clinical & Epidemiological Research

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now open:

Apply by March 31, 2024

For questions, please contact [email protected].

The Master in Advanced Studies (MAS) in Clinical and Epidemiologic Research is a two-year program intended for individuals who wish to master clinical research methods and pursue independent research careers.

Through coursework, research and teaching, students will:

  • Acquire a mastery of a broad set of clinical research methods
  • Plan and implement one or more clinical research projects that leads to a first-author publication
  • Obtain experience in the instruction of clinical research methods

Upon graduation, students receive a Master in Advanced Studies degree and are poised to work in a variety of research settings, including universities, public health departments, foundations and private industry.

The 2023-2024 academic year course and program offerings will be based in-person at our Mission Bay campus at UCSF.

See the Demographics, Completion Rates, and Career Outcomes of the MAS program compiled by the UCSF Graduate Division.

Curriculum

The Master in Advanced Studies (MAS) program is designed to be completed in two academic years. Most trainees are able to complete all requirements within seven academic quarters, although occasionally students take extra time to complete their original research.

At least 38 quarter-units of coursework are needed for graduation. Students will take the majority of their coursework in the first year allowing for focus on performing and publishing original research in the second year with faculty support.

In addition to coursework, requirements include:

  • A comprehensive review of the literature in the scholar's field;
  • Presentation of original research at a national or international scientific meeting;
  • Publication of a peer-reviewed scientific report in a biomedical journal; and
  • Experience in the instruction of clinical research methods as an educational apprentice for one course.

See the coursework schedule.

Coursework for the MAS program extends beyond the requirements for the one-year Advanced Training in Clinical Research Certificate to include instruction in advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and specialized topics such as causal inference, prediction science, molecular methods in clinical research, and decision and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Format

  • Select in-person required components with online access to all lectures and assignments
  • Optional in-person labs

Timeline

The program begins on July 17, 2023 with orientation and ends June 6, 2025 (for students on track with a seven-quarter program).

The MAS program is a minimum two-year course of study, requiring registration in seven quarters (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring in the first year and Fall, Winter, Spring in the second year). Students take the majority of their coursework in the first year allowing for focus on their original independent research in the second year.

Cost

Fees for 2023-2024 are $32,086 and subject to change pending confirmation from the University of California, Office of the President.

Learn more about Fees and Financial Support.

Admissions

Applications for 2024-2025 open on January 1, 2024.

UCSF Graduate Division Online Application

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and admission decisions are typically made within six weeks. Early application is particularly encouraged for applicants originating outside of the San Francisco Bay Area who may require housing or travel visas.

We seek applicants who have at least a Bachelor’s degree and a strong interest in clinical and health research. Potentially relevant college majors include pre-medical, epidemiology, public health, population health, demography, biology, and psychology. Because of the strong emphasis on quantitative skills in clinical research, we also encourage applicants with backgrounds in fields such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, or economics who have a commitment to health-related research.

To start your application, please see our Admissions Criteria.

Contact

After you have reviewed the information on the Master’s Program website, please contact Clair Dunne, TICR Coordinator, at [email protected] if you have questions about applying to the program.

Info Session

See our last info session to learn more about Training in Clinical Research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Combined MD/MAS Program

Medical students can obtain a Master in Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in Clinical and Epidemiologic Research in addition to an MD degree in a 5-year combined MD/MAS program. MAS program coursework includes instruction in advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods with electives in specialized topics such as causal inference, prediction science, molecular methods in clinical research, implementation science, and decision and cost-effectiveness analysis. Students graduating from the MD/MAS program will be prepared for careers as leaders in clinical research and medicine.

Download the slides used in this video.

For more information, please visit MD/MAS in Clinical Research.