It is intended to provide trainees with essential skills in CTR, including hypothesis generation, research design, data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of results, critical appraisal of scientific literature, grant preparation, human research protection, and research ethics. Primary emphasis is placed on practical application of the scientific method, with less focus on theoretical issues.
Graduates completing either program should be able to perform each of the following tasks:
- Effectively utilize human subjects in clinical trials
- Carry out basic analyses of clinical research data
- Apply basic epidemiologic principles and tools in clinical research
- Consider relevant ethical and legal issues when designing and conducting clinical research
- Prepare research manuscripts for publication in research journals
- Prepare competitive grant proposals for extra-mural research funding.
The program curriculum includes didactic instruction in the core areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, and clinical research design; a mentored research project; and seminars on recent advances in clinical and translational science. The Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) consists of 20 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year. Trainees are required to complete a mentored research project that is expected to culminate in a manuscript suitable for submission to a scientific journal. An oral presentation of the mentored research project is required.
The program is intended primarily for MCG faculty members, but clinical fellows and senior residents are also encouraged to apply. Requirements for admission include:
- An earned doctoral degree from an accredited school in the health or clinical sciences (e.g., M.D., D.O., PharmD., D.D.S., Ph.D.);
OR
- A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the health or clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g., B.S.N., M.H.S.) and a professional designation (e.g., R.N., P.T., O.T.)
- An official transcript from each college and university attended mailed to MCG’s Office of Academic Admissions directly from the institution
- Three references/letters of recommendation submitted on the Medical College of Georgia’s Admissions Reference Form
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores sent directly to the Office of Academic Admissions by the Educational Testing Service. All scores must be less than five years old.
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if your first language is not English. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internetbased) is strongly recommended. TOEFL scores must be less than two years old.
- Verification of transcripts from foreign colleges and universities by an approved transcript evaluation service.
The completed Preliminary Application Form, along with a CV, is due in the Department of Biostatistics on December 1 prior to the summer semester in which the applicant intends to start the program.
All applicants must apply to either the CCTS or MCTS programs through the MCG online application for Graduate Programs at MCG.
On-line Application for Graduate Programs at MCG
A complete application includes the MCG Graduate Programs Online Application forms plus the following supplemental materials:
- Identification of a research mentor PRIOR to applying to the program. A letter of support from the research mentor must be included with the application.
- A letter from the applicant’s immediate supervisor (usually, their department chair or division director), stating that the applicant will have protected time to attend classes and seminars, must be included with the application.
- One additional letter of recommendation.
- A personal statement giving reasons for wanting to enroll in the CTS program and a description of future career objectives must be submitted as the first step in the application procedure.
- Official transcripts from ALL previous institutions attended. If any official transcript is from an institution outside of the US, a credential evaluation AND a course-by-course evaluation must be submitted with an official transcript. Please see the following link for more information on the credential evaluation service providers http://www.mcg.edu/Admissions/intstud.htm
- Standardized test scores, if applicable.
- TOEFL scores, if applicable.
All materials must be received in the OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ADMISSIONS no later than December 1 of the year prior to the year the applicant intends to start the program. Failure to submit all application materials will delay admission to the program.
For individuals who already have earned a doctoral-level degree (or equivalent), the SGS application requirements related to submission of standardized test scores may be waived. However, all applicants to the CCTS and MCTS programs must still follow the standard application procedures for the SGS and submit transcripts of all post-secondary work completed, as well as 3 letters of recommendation.
PLEASE NOTE: For an application to be complete, all materials must be received by December 1 of the year prior to the year in which the applicant intends to start the program.
PROGRAM CO-DIRECTORS
Jennifer L. Waller, PhD.
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs, Department of Biostatistics
Anthony L. Mulloy, Ph.D., D.O.
Associate Vice President for Clinical Research
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