Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research Training

Department Chair: David C. Page, PhD
Program Director: Steven C. Grambow, PhD
Co-Directors: Kevin P. Weinfurt, PhD; Karen Goldstein, MD, MSPH
Senior Program Coordinator: Gail D. Ladd

Website: biostat.duke.edu/education-and-training/clinical-research-training-program

This Duke University School of Medicine program provides formal academic training in the quantitative and methodological principles of clinical research. In contrast to a public health degree focusing on epidemiology, this program is designed primarily for clinical fellows training for academic careers. The program offers formal courses in research design, statistical analysis, medical genomics, research management, scientific communication, research project development, and responsible conduct of research. Students who complete a prescribed course of study in the training program are awarded a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research degree by the School of Medicine.

The Clinical Research Training Program is offered by core faculty from the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and other clinical and basic science departments within the School of Medicine.

Basic Science Research Track (BSRT) Degree Option

The Basic Science Research Track (BSRT) is an optional customized curriculum for degree candidates designed specifically for physician-scientists. The track prepares individuals for careers as physician-scientists across a range of discovery sciences. The curriculum includes coursework that prepares researchers to perform rigorous basic science; manage, analyze, and present data; oversee a laboratory; and successfully compete for research funding.

Certificate (Academic Core in Clinical Research Certificate)

The certificate option leads to the Academic Core in Clinical Research Certificate awarded by the Duke University School of Medicine. Applicants must successfully complete the 5 required core courses that constitute the foundation of the full degree program (CRP 241, 242, 245, 253, and 254). Students who complete the certificate may convert their status to degree-seeking and apply completed coursework toward degree requirements. Students must change their status before receiving their certificate to become a degree candidate. A certificate will not be awarded if a student elects to pursue a degree program. If a student is awarded a certificate and later decides to seek the degree, they must contact Gail Ladd (gail.ladd@duke.edu) and re-apply to the program.

Nondegree

The courses in the program are also available to qualified individuals who want to acquire specific skills but who may not want to pursue a master’s degree. In addition to clinical fellows, such individuals include faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, other trainees, and health professionals at Duke and NIH. This option allows the flexibility of taking various combinations of courses subject only to constraints imposed by course prerequisites. Students who are interested in seeking a certificate or degree may contact Gail Ladd (gail.ladd@duke.edu) for additional information.

Non-program

The courses in the program are also available to qualified individuals who are enrolled in other Duke credit-bearing degree programs. To register for CRTP courses, please contact Gail Ladd (gail.ladd@duke.edu) for permission and to verify eligibility.

CRTP does not permit auditing.