Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Program

Dr. Deborah Helitzer, ScD
MSCR Program Director

A Word from the Director...

The MSCR was developed to meet the current and future need for clinical and translational
researchers. Increasingly pressing health problems, not just in the U.S., but globally, have led educators to accelerate the training of clinical, basic science and translational researchers. The MSCR program is looking for applicants with qualifications and interest to join the ranks of researchers who will use basic science and clinical research to find strategies that can be immediately translated to improve health in practice- and community-based settings.

The skills and approaches of a researcher require them to look at a problem from many different angles, considering disease mechanisms and opportunities to prevent or interrupt disease processes in a very systematic and precise manner. Research uses the population or a representative population sub-sample as its focus for investigation; the individual patient becomes a case or an anecdote that requires replication. Becoming a researcher invites you to stand back and consider whether there is more knowledge to be gained, better therapies to be developed, or additional opportunities to prevent exposure or to reduce risk.

In order to be a competent investigator, you will need a toolbox of knowledge and skills. The MSCR competencies have been selected to fill that toolbox. Within each competency domain (i.e., area of focus), we will help you to improve your ability to conduct independent research. Twelve domains have been chosen because they represent a consensus about the set of knowledge and skills that are required of successful clinical and translational researchers. The MSCR faculty members include more than sixty faculty and staff from the School of Medicine, the Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy, and the Veteran’s Administration. Currently, the faculty to student ratio in this program is an incredible 5 to 1!

In addition to these twelve domains of competency, two cross-cutting competencies will enhance the likelihood that you will be a successful researcher: leadership and communication. We will encourage you to be effective communicators – in person, as a presenter, as a group participant, as writers and as critical thinkers. As a researcher you will be required to convince others of the significance of your work and of your ability to conduct the research you propose to do. We will take the opportunity to develop and reinforce these skills in each and every educational encounter. We will provide you with examples of local role models who are scientific leaders and who have learned to communicate well about their science. And we will encourage you to work in multidisciplinary teams to advance the understanding and mitigation of diseases disproportionately affecting our state and nation.

Please take a look at the rest of the site and if you have any questions or would like to discuss the program in greater detail, don't hesitate to contact us at the quick link to the left.

Sincerely,