About the MSCR Program
The purpose of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration
in Clinical Research is to provide learners, having previously
earned a terminal degree (i.e., PhD, MD, PharmD), with the didactic and experiential learning necessary to conduct NIH-funded clinical and translational
research.
The program's mission is to produce skilled clinical and translational researchers dedicated to sound scientific clinical research and scholarship, conducted in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, who will facilitate novel therapeutic interventions contributing to the transformation of human health and health care within the State of New Mexico.
The MSCR is a multidisciplinary competency-based concentration, which uses adult learning principles as its foundation, and incorporates 12 domains of study. These domains were selected based on a "straw Man" process drawing on the domains of competency of successful clinical and translational researchers. The MSCR concentration has been developed to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to develop competency in these twelve domains. The concentration encompasses a 38-credit individualized learning experience with a 14-credit core curriculum (required) and 14-credits of electives, 4-credits of seminar, and a 6-credit thesis. Objectives are linked with formative and summative assessments to provide learners with sufficient feedback to gauge their progress in attaining the competencies.
A pre-requisite for the MSCR is to be admitted into the CTS program and complete the first six months in the CTS program. Once admitted, applicants to the MSCR will prepare an Individual Inventory of Needs Assessment to identify knowledge, skills and abilities their prior education, training and experience may lack, related to the clinical and translational science competencies (link to National CTSA KFC Competencies). Together with the MSCR Committee on Studies and their mentor, learners will develop an Individual Program of Studies that will prepare them to develop clinical and translational research skills sufficient to becoming independent investigators.
The program begins after completion of the first six months of the CTS Program (admission into CTS is a pre-requisite for the MSCR). The MSCR starts in January each year, and is designed to be completed in two years. Level 1 competency is developed in all 12 domains during the CTS Program Higher level (Level 2 and above) competencies are developed during the MSCR component and these competencies are customized for each student during the remainder of the program. The program is designed to accommodate the working student. , however, all applicants require a commitment from their employer/supervisor for 50% release time to successfully complete the program in the prescribed amount of time. Please see the MSCR brochure for more information.
Tenure-track faculty,
please
click here
to view the Probationary Hold Policy (i.e. stopping the "Tenure Clock").
Further instructions will be provided to tenure-track faculty who are
formally admitted to the MSCR Program.
ANNOUNCEMENT: To all training grant applicants (institutional and individual) and Clinical Fellowship and Residency Program Directors: The Master of Science in Clinical Research and related Certificate programs are excellent opportunities to provide training to Clinical or Research Fellows and/or Junior Faculty. However, due to the limited space available and the increased interest and demand, a Letter of Institutional Support signed by Dr. Deborah Helitzer, Associate Dean for Research Education, must be obtained PRIOR to listing these training programs in any internal or external grant applications. Please contact the BREP office for more information.
MSCR Program Video
Click here for a closer look at the program, and to meet the program director and a few of our terrific students.
No time for a full degree program?
Take a look at the new
Clinical and Translational Science Certificate Program.
