Clinical Research

Clinical research may be defined as "the elucidation of human biology and disease, and its control." A three-part definition was adopted by the National Institutes of Health Director's Panel on Clinical Research (CRP) as follows:

• Patient-oriented research. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens, and cognitive phenomena) for which the investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. This area includes: mechanisms of human disease, therapeutics interventions, clinical trials, development of new techniques
• Epidemiologic and behavioral studies
• Outcomes research and health services research

Clinical research is fast becoming more complex, sophisticated and regulated. This has created a recognition and demand for formalized training for those who intend to apply their clinical skills to health research in human populations. This masters of science degree focuses primarily on patient-oriented research. Less attention will be given to outcomes or health services research, or classic epidemiologic and behavioral studies.

Applicants to this program must have an advanced health professional degree (M.D., D.D.S, D.V.M, etc.) or any other advanced doctoral degree in a clinical biomedical field. Applicants with advanced nursing degrees (M.S. or M.S.N.) will also be considered.

This 38-credit program includes 25 credits in required courses, 3 elective credits, and 10 thesis credits. The elective credits may be taken from any academic unit within the Academic Health Center or from other related fields by permission of the advisor. The thesis will involve an active role in an ongoing clinical research project and completes the experience.

Contact information for the Clinical Research Major

Major Coordinators:
Shelley Cooksey
Andrea Kish
Kathryn Schwartz
E-mail: epichstu@umn.edu
Phone: 612-626-8802
Fax: 612-624-0315