Educational Opportunities
Master of Science in Clinical Investigation
This is a two-year, multi-disciplinary program resulting in a Master of Science degree in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) from Vanderbilt University Medical School. Vanderbilt has been a leader in the training of clinical investigators for a number of years and is uniquely qualified to offer a graduate degree in clinical investigation. In 1996 the Clinical Research Task Force recommended the development of a Master's program in clinical investigation which would build upon Vanderbilt's legacy for training clinical investigators. Since that time a core curriculum has been developed. The Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Program was approved by the Executive Faculty of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1999.
The Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Program was developed in order to train investigators in the techniques and processes utilized in patient-oriented research. This program is intended to provide direct, mentored experience in clinical investigation and, through didactic work, to provide trainees with a strong foundation in study design, biostatistics, biomedical ethics, clinical pharmacology, human genetics and assay methods. It is expected that graduates of this program will successfully compete for grants such as the K-23, Clinical Associate Physician Award, R0-1 and major foundation grants.
For more information and an application, please visit the MSCI Program web site or contact:
Arnita King, M.Ed.
Interdisciplinary Program Coordinator
Phone: 615-322-3480
Fax: 615-322-4026
Email: arnita.king@vanderbilt.edu
Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is a two-year program offered by the School of Medicine for physicians and other doctoral-level health care professionals. The primary objective of the program is to provide training for clinical and patient-oriented researchers who will conduct non-experimental studies or clinical trials with large sample sizes. The MPH includes didactic course work, public health practicum and mentored research, the latter resulting in a thesis.
The MPH program is open to physicians who have completed their residency training or other health care professionals at a comparable level. Normally, applicants will be clinical research fellows or faculty who seek training for a future career in epidemiologic, clinical, or health services research or health administration.
A five-year joint MD/MPH degree is offered for students interested in acquiring tools needed to conceptualize and conduct studies using the methods accepted by the premiere medical journals. Students in the joint degree program apply separately to the MPH program and the MD program and must demonstrate a level of independence typically associated with fellowship or junior faculty status.
For more information and an application visit the Master of Public Health web site or contact:
Annie Smart, Program Coordinator
MPH Program
Phone: 615-343-6338
Fax: 615-343-8722
E-mail: annie.smart@vanderbilt.edu