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.

Once admitted, applicants to the MSCR will prepare an individual Inventory Assessment: Needs Analysis and Self-Identification to identify knowledge, skills and abilities attributable to their prior education, training and experience. 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 in July of each year, and is designed to be completed in two years. Level 1 competency is developed in all 12 domains during the first 12 months of the program. The program is designed to accommodate the working student and should take two years to complete. Students must be able to attend classes on various weekdays during the first year and 14 seminars each year from 5:30-8:30 PM. Due to the intensity of the first year of the program, UNM faculty applicants require a commitment from their chair for 50% release time (for year one only). After completing Level 1 courses, each student customizes their Level 2 and Level 3 competencies during the remainder of the program. 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.

 

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.