Clinical Translational Science FAQs

It is suggested that you start during the Summer semester with CRSP 401, "Introduction to Clinical Research". However, if you have taken a course equivalent to CRSP 401, or have a strong background in statistics, you begin in the Fall semester. 

January 10th - Funding Consideration Deadline (Must apply by this date to guarantee consideration for first year funding)

The application and any supplemental documentation must be received by May 16th for Summer enrollment.

The cost is based on a per credit hour rate. The PhD is a 54 credit hour program. Therefore, the cost would be estimated by multiplying 54 credit hours by the current per credit hour rate, which can be found on the Student Financial Services website. Tuition is evaluated and adjusted each year. Since the program takes more than a year to complete, the aforementioned calculation would be an estimate of the total cost.

For a PhD level scholar, 9 credit hours is considered to be full-time and anything less is considered part-time.

The PhD in Clinical Translational Science program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time enrollment requires a student to be enrolled in less than 9 credit hours in any given semester.

Note, if you are on a student visa, you must maintain a full-time status.

Completion of the PhD in Clinical Translational Science program will depend upon enrollment. If the scholar is registered full-time throughout the program, the program could be completed in 3 years. Part-time enrollment varies greatly. Note, the program must be completed within 5 years from enrollment of your first credit hour of CRSP 751, “Dissertation Research”.

The PhD in Clinical Translational Science program is geared towards clinicians and health-science professionals, such as physician, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, etc. However, each applicant is evaluated on a case-by- case basis. Other medical professionals wishing to gain knowledge in conducting research, in collaborating with other clinician-scientists and in patient-oriented research should apply.

Absolutely. Any qualifying applicant is considered for admittance.

At this time, only CRSP 505, “Investigating Social Determinants of Health”, is being offered online during the Summer semester.

The PhD in Clinical Translational Science is a 54 credit hours program. There are three tracks for incoming scholars: 1. Applicants with no relevant advanced degree prior to applying; 2. Applicants with an advanced degree (i.e. Master’s in Clinical Research); and 3. Applicants seeking a dual degree of MSTP-CTSTP.

1. Applicants with No relevant advanced degree prior to applying:
   The PhD in Clinical Translational Science is a 54 credit hour program:
   • 36 credit hours of coursework, of which a minimum of 24 credit hours must be graded coursework. The 36 credit hours of coursework is broken down as follows:
     • 22 credit hours of required courses – derived from four key domains:
       • Clinical and translational theory and practice
       • Research methods
       • Statistical Science
       • Professional development and conduct
     • 14 credit hours of electives, of which a minimum of 2 credit hours must be core electives. Electives should be based on the student’s needs and research interests, and approved by the student’s academic advisor
   • 18 credit hours of Dissertation
2. Applicants with an Advanced Degree:
   Students with a relevant advanced degree must petition the PhD Steering Committee to obtain a waiver for required coursework. For the waiver, the student must submit transcripts showing the course and grade, as well as the syllabus for the course.
   Per the School of Graduate Studies, curriculum for individual with relevant advanced degree:
   • Minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework, of which 12 must be graded. The courses used to achieve the 18 credit hours will depend on individual needs and require the academic advisor’s (mentor’s) approval.
   • 18 credit hour of Dissertation
3. Applicants seeking Dual Degree of MSTP-CTSP:
   Curricula of the two degree programs will be integrated following the successful example of CWRU’s Clinical Translational Sciences Training Program currently implemented via the CTSC.
   Curriculum for MSTP-CTSTP students:
   • 39 credit hours of coursework The 36 credit hours of coursework is broken down as follows:
     • 16 credit hours of required courses (CRSP 401, “Introduction to Clinical Research”, is waived as course material is covered in medical school’s curriculum)
     • 2 credit hours of core electives
     • 6 credit hours of research rotations
     • Up to 18 credit hours of CRSP 601, “Research Practicum”, or electives

If you have a desire to pursue clinical translational science research, from basic science to bedside, collaborate, as part of your career and be part of academia, the coursework in the PhD in Clinical Translational Science program prepares you the roles.

No. For the PhD in Clinical Translational Science, the GRE is not required.

Yes. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will be required to provide verification of successfully passing the TOEFL, IELTS, or the USMLE Part 2. Passing scores are as follows:

• TOEFL (90 on internet-based version, or 577 on paper version)
• IELTS (7.0 or higher)

However, if you have already have obtained a degree from U.S. college/university, or are a permanent resident, they you do not need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS.

Yes. The PhD in Clinical Translational Science does have a publication requirement. Scholars must have two research publications.

Publication requirements are as follows:

• One must be first authored and submitted for publication
• One must be first authored and published/accepted 

Neither publication need be derived exclusively from the dissertation. Publications from the research practicums meet this requirement.

The following is a list of required documentation:

• Complete and submit an online application through our Online Form.
• Three recommendation letters, either through the online application's recommendation forms, or three individual unopened sealed envelopes. These letters must clearly state that they are recommending the applicant for the PhD in Clinical Translational Science program, along with reasoning as to why you would be a good fit for the program and why the program would be a good fit for the applicant. The letters, at minimum, should be two pages in length.
• Submit, as an attachment to your online application, your recent curriculum vitae, including previous research experience if any.
• Official transcripts for all higher education degrees (original language and English translational versions)
• ECFMG (if applicable)
• If you are an international student, you need to submit scores for one of the following:
  • TOEFL (90 on internet-based version, or 577 on paper version)
  • IELTS (7.0 or higher)
  • USMLE part 2
• Submit, as an attachment to your online application, your Personal Statement, which should be single spaced and 2-3 pages in length, and should include the following:
  • Your reason for seeking admission
  • Detailed description of your research interests - a dissertation topic must be included
  • Your relevant research experience, if any
  • Summary of how the program will enhance your ability to achieve your career goals and conduct independent clinical research in your area of interest

Once the application and all supporting documentation are received, the entire application packet will go to the PhD in Clinical Translational Science Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will review the application packet and will contact the applicant requesting an interview. After the interview, the Committee will make a decision as to whether admittance will be granted. An email will be issued to the scholar informing them of the Admissions Committee’s decision.

Scholars with Advance to Candidacy after completing all required PhD coursework and pass the Comprehensive Qualifying exam. Those advancing to candidacy status will be required to register for dissertation credit hours (CRSP 701) and are expected by the School of Graduate Studies to complete their dissertation and defense within 5 calendar years from the date of the first dissertation credit hour taken.