The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Clinical and Translational Research (MCTR) is administered by The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at the University of Connecticut. The program, which stresses clinical research methods and a research practicum, is offered to individuals with a health-related terminal degree (for example, M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D., D.D.S., or D.M.D.) to provide practical research training in preparation for independent research. Due to course sequencing, students are typically admitted for the Fall semester. All work should be completed within four years from the beginning of study, which is defined as the beginning date of the earliest course, wherever taken, listed on the approved Master’s Plan of Study. The three core courses in clinical and translational research are generally taken consecutively; therefore, the minimum timeframe to complete the program is 18 months. Students must submit a Plan of Study no later than the beginning of their final semester before degree completion. The MCTR program is a Plan B (non-thesis) program. Students are required to complete a final examination, which entails the oral defense of a grant application and a manuscript. Final examination materials (grant application and manuscript) must be submitted to the MCTR Administrative Office at least one month prior to the student’s final exam.
Location
Modality
Requirements
The M.S. program in Clinical and Translational Research requires a minimum of 30 credits. The credits include: nine credits of core course work, 9-12 clinical and translational research practicum credits, and 9-12 credits of elective course work approved by the MCTR Executive Committee. Students may take an Independent Study (CLTR 5099 Independent Study in Clinical and Translational Research) in place of an elective.
Required Courses
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CLTR 5020 | Biostatistical Methods in Clinical Research | 3 |
| CLTR 5357 | Principles of Clinical and Translational Research I | 3 |
| CLTR 5359 | Principles of Clinical and Translational Research III | 3 |
| CLTR 5407 | Clinical and Translational Research Practicum | 1-12 |
Elective Courses
A total of 9-12 elective credits are required. Students will choose from a list of approved courses. Examples include:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CLTR 5360 | Critical Issues Involving Science Publication: The Scientific Review | 3 |
| ISG 5100 | Foundations of Genetic and Genomic Medicine | 3 |
| ISG 5101 | Principles of Human Embryology and Teratology | 3 |
| MEDS 5329 | Immunobiology | 4 |
| MEDS 5335 | Advanced Molecular and Cellular Immunology I | 4 |
| MEDS 5351 | Fundamentals of Biophysics | 3 |
| MEDS 5418 | Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology | 3 |
| MEDS 6450 | Optical Microscopy and Bio-imaging | 3 |
| PUBH 5201 | Essentials of Social Inequality and Health Disparities | 3 |
| PUBH 5403 | Health Administration | 3 |
| PUBH 5408 | Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics I | 3 |
Students may request permission from the MCTR Executive Committee to enroll in an elective that is not on the list of approved courses.
Although not required, students are encouraged to enroll in CLTR 5360 Critical Issues Involving Science Publication: The Scientific Review.