Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the didactic coursework in clinical investigation and postdoctoral training program in clinical research?
The didactic coursework in clinical investigation is open to students, fellows and faculty on the medical campus pending availability. These classes cover biostatistics, clinical research design, epidemiology, legal and ethical issues in clinical research, and grant and manuscript writing. Students can enroll in one or more courses. If they complete all of the courses (with a choice of either Scientific Writing and Publishing or Grantsmanship), they can earn a Certificate of Completion. The Postdoctoral Program requires the same didactic coursework, but also requires independent research under the tutelage of a mentorship committee, attendance at an ongoing seminar series to present and discuss research as a work-in-progress, and a final project - typically a submitted manuscript or grant application. There is also an option to earn a Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation by fulfilling elective coursework and additional research credits. Advanced placement credit can be earned for past equivalent coursework as determined on an individual basis.
How many scholars are in the Postdoctoral Program? How many go on to earn a masters degree?
We currently have 18 scholars in our program and 10 alumni. Approximately eighty percent of our scholars opt for a masters degree. We accept approximately 10 applicants each year.
How do I apply for the Postdoctoral Program? What are the
admissions requirements?
The Postdoctoral Program requires an online application, which can be completed between November 1st and March 1st for the following fall semester.
Program admissions are on a rolling basis. Applicants who are junior faculty, fellows, or postdocs must have an MD, PhD, PharmD, or other doctoral degree in an allied health profession, support from
their departments to cover salary and tuition, and at least 60% protected time for research and training. They also must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent
residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or some other legal verification
of such status). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Can anyone earn a Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation?
Only scholars in the Postdoctoral Program or other Clinical Research Training Center programs (Predoctoral, Doris Duke or Career Development) can earn an MSCI. Those interested should contact their program directors for more information.
What if I just want to take your didactic coursework in clinical investigation? Do I need to apply?
No application is required. Those interested in individual classes or the entire curriculum are encouraged to register for the desired coursework. Some courses have limited registration
How do I register for classes?
Please contact our program coordinator for a course registration form.
What's a typical schedule for someone enrolled in the masters degree program?
Please refer to our proposed course sequence for details.
When are your classes offered? How many credits do I need to earn a masters degree?
Most courses and seminars are taught during late afternoon or evening hours in the Clinical Research Training Center on the second floor of Wohl Clinic. At least thirty-three credits are needed to earn a Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation.
Who teaches your classes?
The majority of our course-masters and instructors are faculty at the School of Medicine.
There are also alternating guest lecturers from the School of Medicine, other schools at Washington University and
from other universities.
How much is tuition? Do you provide financial assistance?
Tuition is $1,000 per credit. However, in most cases there is a 40% remission for people in the Washington University community and partnering institutions. The 33-credit masters degree with tuition remission is $19,800. Training grant and departmental funds are typically used to cover tuition costs. Program cholars receive funding for research-related expenses.
Clinical Research Training Center
Campus Box 8051
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-8540
follman@wustl.edu