Master's in Clinical Investigations Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (BA, BS or equivalent) in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or similar science discipline; U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status or be sponsored by another institution on a Visa that allows for a full-time course of study in a degree-granting program; and English language proficiency (verbal and written).

Advanced clinical degrees (MD, DDS, DMD, DO, DC, OD or ND) are preferred. For applicants who are St. Jude clinical fellows or junior faculty, a letter of commitment from their division or department will be required.

After the applicant uploads a Curriculum Vitae, transcripts, personal statement, and referee contact information, the applicant submits the online application. The applicant’s information then becomes available online for consideration by the Graduate School.

The admissions committee identifies the top candidates based on past academic achievements, including results of transcripts, how the applicant’s goals and interests match the objectives of the program, and long-term commitment to the field of clinical investigations. Transcripts will identify those that are prepared to succeed in advanced level course work and completion of a master’s project that is acceptable for publication.

There is no fee to submit the application.

The Graduate School does not require applicants to submit GRE or MCAT scores for admission into the master’s program.

Research experience is gained through mentored guidance by faculty members in developing and executing the student’s thesis project.  Additionally, there are multiple opportunities to review the proposals and ongoing work of your peers to understand different models and analysis techniques.

Each course will be delivered through two to three weekly sessions for approximately 3 hours per week of direct instruction per course and an estimated 6 hours per week of out-of-class preparation per course. Class times will be established and available to potential students in advance and will recognize other training/professional commitments that students may have (e.g., clinical duties and work hours). In the first year, students have 3 formal courses per week. In second year, elective course work is also required while most time is spent on research thesis work.

Yes, there is a required thesis project that will be conceived and planned in the first year of the program in collaboration with faculty mentors in your chosen area of interest.  The second year of the program provides time for execution of the proposal with the final product being a manuscript to submit for publication.