Clinical and Translational Sciences, Master of Science (M.S.)

Program goal

The Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Sciences program provides training and mentoring for a new generation of investigators who, regardless of primary areas of interest, will be able to understand the methods and techniques used along the pathway from the bench to the bedside, to the community and beyond. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to research.

Student learning outcomes

1. Understand, integrate and apply relevant biomedical biobehavioral concepts and theoretical frameworks to research
2. Comprehend, select and apply the appropriate study design to address specific health issues
3. Critically review the scientific literature by applying sound research knowledge and principles to the review
4. Apply data collection processes and information technology to create, maintain and secure databases and other information
5. Apply ethical principles to study design, data collection and dissemination
6. Devise an analysis plan (statistical methodology) and analyze data using methods appropriate for the study design and type of data to be obtained
7. Identify, interpret and implement relevant laws, regulations and policies related to specific studies and/or programs
8. Plan, incorporate and use appropriate methods for the dissemination and adoption of clinical research findings
9. Manage as a clinical translational research team leader, including the fiscal, personnel, facilities, regulatory assets and scientific integrity of a funded clinical research program
10. Effectively communicate specialist-to-specialist
11. Effectively communicate specialist knowledge to nonspecialists and laypersons

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Degree candidacy requirements

A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.