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Master of Science in Clinical Research
book_2 Learning Mode: ResidentialProgram Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program at MUSC provides rigorous, interdisciplinary training to prepare health professionals and scientists for careers in clinical and translational research. Designed for individuals with a background in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, or related fields, this program builds core competencies in clinical trial design, biostatistics, regulatory science, and evidence-based medicine. Whether your goal is to become a principal investigator, clinical scientist, or research coordinator, our program provides the academic foundation and practical experience to lead in today's research-intensive environments.
Application Timeline
Priority
Sep 1 – Jun 19
Regular
Jun 20 – Aug 1
Learning Experience
Students engage in structured didactic classes along with hands-on research to develop expertise in study design, data analysis, ethics, regulatory standards, and translational methods.
The full-time program is designed for students who are currently pursuing doctoral degrees in one of the six colleges (Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy) as well as international applicants. Students complete the program in one year on a full-time basis.
Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25 - 12/19/25)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR700 | Clinical Biostatistics | 3 |
| MCR731 | Critical Review | 2 |
| MCR736 | Clinical Epidemiology | 3 |
| MCR750 | Ethical Issues in Clinical Research | 1 |
| MCR770 | Contemporary Topic Seminar | 1 |
| MCR775 | Clinical Research Training | 1 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 2 |
| Semester Total | 13 | |
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26 - 5/1/26)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR724 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 3 |
| MCR732 | Comparative Effectiveness Research | 3 |
| MCR746 | Informatics & Data Management | 2 |
| MCR752 | Team Science in Clinical Research | 1 |
| MCR771 | Regression Analysis | 2 |
| MCR777 | Introduction to Grant Writing | 1 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26 - 8/14/26)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR772 | Community Engagement Research | 1 |
| MCR773 | Industry/Regulatory | 2 |
| MCR774 | Leadership | 2 |
|
MCR789, or MCR970 |
Special Topics, or Mentored Research |
1 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 4 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
| Curriculum Total | 38 |
Part-time
Students can complete the part-time program in two years on a part-time basis, beginning each fall. Individuals admitted to this program complete a 38-academic credit hour master's program composed of classroom lectures and seminars.
Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR700 | Clinical Biostatistics | 3 |
| MCR736 | Clinical Epidemiology | 3 |
| MCR750 | Ethical Issues in Clinical Research | 1 |
| MCR770 | Contemporary Topic Seminar | 1 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR724 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 3 |
| MCR746 | Informatics & Data Management | 2 |
| MCR752 | Team Science in Clinical Research | 1 |
| MCR771 | Regression Analysis | 2 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26–8/14/26)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR731 | Critical Review | 2 |
| MCR772 | Community Engaged Research | 1 |
| MCR773 | Industry/Regulatory | 2 |
| MCR774 | Leadership | 2 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 1 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 2, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR725 | Grant Development | 2 |
| MCR732 | Comparative Effectiveness Research | 3 |
|
MCR789, or MCR970 |
Special Topics, or Mentored Research |
1 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 2 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCR776 | Innovation in Clinical Research | 1 |
| MCR970 | Mentored Research | 5 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Curriculum Total | 38 |
Engage with our community
MUSC offers a dynamic academic environment, featuring seminars, research days, and networking events throughout the College of Graduate Studies, to foster collaboration and professional growth.
Your path to admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in clinical or health sciences from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution (e.g., BSN, MHS)
Additionally, part-time students must possess a doctoral degree in clinical or health sciences from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. (e.g., D.M.D., M.D., O.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.)
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page.
Application Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit the MUSC Application.
Application Requirements
-
MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
International Applicants
Foreign nationals are urged to submit complete information as early as possible. MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.
Funding your path forward
The program clarifies financial resources tailored for graduate students, including tuition support, scholarships, and graduate fellowships to help offset costs and facilitate degree completion.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $95 | |||
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $400 | |||
| Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted. | ||||
| Full-time | ||||
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-state Tuition | $6,438 | $6,438 | $6,438 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $9,790 | $9,790 | $9,790 | - |
| Part-time | ||||
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $579 | $579 | $579 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $872 | $872 | $872 | - |
Cost of Attendance
Full-time
| Item | Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $19,506 / $29,371 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 |
| Fees | - |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $23,286 / $33,151 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Housing/Food | $27,144 |
| Personal | $2,880 |
| Transportation | $3,240 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $4,360 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $37,624 / $37,624 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $60,910 / $70,775 |
Part-time
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $10,422 / $15,696 | $6,948 / $10,464 | $17,370 / $26,160 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $7,560 |
| Fees | $300 | - | $300 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $14,202 / $19,476 | $10,728 / $14,244 | $25,230 / $34,020 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Housing/Food | $27,144 | $18,096 / $27,144 | $45,240 / $54,288 |
| Personal | $2,880 | $1,920 / $2,880 | $4,800 / $5,760 |
| Transportation | $3,240 | $2,160 / $3,240 | $5,400 / $6,480 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $4,360 | $4,360 | $8,720 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $37,624 / $37,624 | $26,536 / $37,624 | $64,160 / $75,248 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $51,826 / $57,100 | $37,264 / $51,868 | $89,390 / $109,268 |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.
Career Outlook
Source: O*NET OnLine. (2025). Retrieved Aug 20, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org
Program Faculty
Daniel T. Lackland, DrPH
Professor
Elinor Cecile Gray Borgert, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Associate Professor
Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
Jenifer H. Voeks, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
Our Master of Science in Clinical Research program is designed to be completed in one-year, but also provides a part-time option.
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by Purpose and Principles
Grounded in rigorous research, ethical integrity, and a commitment to community health, the program instills the values necessary to conduct meaningful and responsible clinical investigations.
Objectives
The MSCR program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Integrate scientific knowledge and ethical and regulatory frameworks to conduct responsible and impactful research
- Design, execute, and analyze clinical and translational studies that address contemporary challenges in medicine and public health
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams to translate findings into improved health outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership and communication skills that promote collaboration and respect in research environments
- Contribute to the advancement of evidence-based medicine through inquiry and lifelong learning
Competencies
Upon completion of the MSCR program, graduates will be able to:
- Conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature
- Formulate a well-defined clinical or translational research question
- Select an appropriate study design to address a clinical or translational research question
- Compute, describe, and evaluate descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to the chosen study design
- Apply ethical codes and professional standards for the conduct of clinical and translational research
Vision
To advance human health through the preparation of innovative clinical researchers who translate discovery into improved patient outcomes and global well-being.
Mission
To cultivate compassionate and ethical research leaders through interdisciplinary education, mentored investigation, and collaborative inquiry that fosters innovation, integrity, and respect across the clinical sciences.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories worth sharing
The College’s news channels frequently highlight student and faculty achievements, including research breakthroughs, grant awards, and conference recognition.
College of Graduate Studies + Science Research
Celebrating achievement: PREP Program's triumphant research Symposium
Alumni + College of Graduate Studies
Shaping the future of CGS students through career development programs
Alumni + College of Graduate Studies
MUSC’s competitor wins 3MT Regional competition
Accreditation & Recognition
This accredited program provides high-quality, research-oriented education that meets industry standards and prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in clinical research.
The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Master of Science in Clinical Research. To learn more about MUSC’s accreditation and find contact details, please visit our Accreditation page.