The M.Sc. in Clinical Investigation Sciences is offered in the School’s Clinical Research, Epidemiology and Statistics Training (CREST) Program. The M.Sc. degree program provides physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals an opportunity to acquire the clinical research skills necessary for a career in an academic health center.  The M.Sc. is offered also as a joint degree with the M.D..

The CREST curriculum integrates biostatistical and epidemiologic methods in a problem-based learning format with additional instruction in bioethics, health economics, health services and outcomes research and social and behavioral science. Students pursuing the master degree take didactic courses while they engage in mentored and independent research that culminates in the preparation of a professional paper.

Admission

Applicants should have a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and, in most cases, should have completed a professional doctoral degree (e.g., DM.D., D.O., M.D.) or academic degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent. Other applicants with research experience may be considered (e.g., research coordinator).

The following are additionally required for admission:

1. Graduate application (see https://graduate.louisville.edu/apply) submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies (SIGS).
2. Non-refundable application fee.
   
3. At least two letters of recommendation written within past twelve months (can be submitted with form at https://graduate.louisville.edu/apply). 
4. Submission of GRE score to SIGS (no minimum score required).  This is not required if you have an M.D. degree or other terminal degree. 
5. All postsecondary transcripts (may require foreign credential evaluation if not from accredited U.S. institution).
   
6. Statement of goals submitted to the department office (must include desired academic and degree program).
   
7. Foreign credential evaluation is required for each degree not from an accredited U.S. institution. This requirement may be waived, with approval by the dean, for degrees not considered to be relevant to evaluation of the applicant or whose transcript requires no foreign credential evaluation. 
8. International students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by one of:

• Award of a degree from an accredited U.S. institution
• Official TOEFL score of 100 or higher (iBT, or Internet-Based Test), 250 or higher (CBT, or Computer-Based Test), or 600 or higher (PBT, or Paper-Based Test)
• Official documentation of passing the exit examination for the advanced level of the Intensive English as a Second Language Program at the University of Louisville

Degree Requirements

Coursework

Electives

There are two options for the three elective credit-hours, given in the following table. The choice of elective option and courses must be approved by the faculty advisor and program director.

Thesis or Professional Paper

A thesis or professional paper, based on original research conducted by the student, is required of a candidate for the degree of master of science in clinical investigation sciences. It is to be an original work of professional quality and a scholarly achievement that demonstrates the student’s thorough understanding of research techniques in clinical research and the ability to conduct independent research. 

Assistant Professor 

Professor 

Associate Professor 

Acting Chair 

Associate Professor 

Assistant Professor 

Assistant Professor 

Assistant Professor 

Assistant Professor 

Professor 

Associate Professor 

Associate Professor