Clinical Research, MS
Phone: 216.368.5957
clinical-research@case.edu
Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Clinical Research
Program Overview
The Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) is designed for individuals committed to a career in clinical investigation (either as a lead researcher or a non-clinician research team member) in an academic or related field. CRSP offers a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree through two pathways—Thesis Pathway or Capstone Pathway.
Training in both clinical research and career development provides CRSP Scholars with an educational experience that prepares them to identify a research question and critically evaluate relevant literature; transform the question into a feasible and valid study design; develop and execute the study protocol; and analyze and effectively communicate the findings.
Faculty
The program resides in the School of Medicine's Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (PQHS). The academic units involved include the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Management, and Dental Medicine. The faculty is selected for their expertise and commitment to teaching and mentorship in clinical investigation. They are primarily drawn from the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and PQHS from the School of Medicine.
Important Note: The program information contained on this page is current as of July 1st, 2026. For the most current information, we advise you to review the MS in Clinical Research Scholars program handbook.
Graduate Policies
For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.
Program Requirements
The Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) is designed for individuals committed to a career in clinical investigation in an academic or related field.
CRSP offers a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree through two pathways:
Thesis Pathway
- Curriculum was developed for those with an existing degree in medicine, dentistry, nursing, or an allied science such as pharmacy or biomedical engineering.
- This pathway is to prepare a new generation of clinical investigators for leadership roles in academia, government, and industry.
Capstone Pathway
- Curriculum was created for individuals who may not become a lead clinical investigator, but who:
- desire strong preparation in clinical research methods and associated statistical approaches
- envision themselves playing a critical role on the clinical research team as a research assistant, study coordinator, or data manager
- See acquiring the clinical research skill set as a stepping stone for further graduate or professional education
- This pathway is to provide the student with fundamental knowledge and/or experience in important tasks related to the clinical research endeavor.
Training in both clinical research and career development provides CRSP Scholars with an educational experience that prepares them to identify a research question and critically evaluate relevant literature; transform the question into a feasible and valid study design; develop and execute the study protocol; and analyze and effectively communicate the findings.
The CRSP program consists of three parts:
- Formal didactic modular and semester-long coursework
- A seminar series that focuses on professional skills required for career development
- An intensive mentored experience centered on a specific clinical research problem (Thesis Pathway) or a Capstone project (Capstone Pathway)
It is expected that individuals so trained can master fully the challenges in clinical investigation of the next decade, particularly the new translational opportunities being developed. As such, they should be attractive candidates for positions in clinical science departments, research institutes, or industry.
Curriculum for the Thesis Pathway
30 credit hours are required (of which 15 credit hours are core coursework; 9 credit hours are thesis research; and 6 credit hours are elective coursework) for completion of this Master of Science in Clinical Research degree.
Core Courses and Thesis Requirement
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation a | 1 |
| CRSP 651 | Thesis M.S. | 9 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I b | 3 |
| CRSP 432 | Statistical Methods II c | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- a
1 credit hour is required; students may take the 2 credit hour option.
- b
Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 630).
- c
Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 631).
Curriculum for the Capstone Pathway
30 credit hours are required (of which 11 credit hours are core coursework; 3 credit hours of Capstone; and 16 credit hours are elective coursework) for completion of this Master of Science in Clinical Research degree.
Core Courses and Capstone
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | 1 |
| CRSP 650 | Capstone Experience | 3 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I a | 3 |
| Electives | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- a
Or equivalent (e.g. NURS 630).
Each scholar is encouraged to develop their own area of concentration based on personal interests and needs. Please consult with CRSP faculty and your Advisor on which electives will best suit your needs.
Important Note: The program information contained on this page is current as of July 1st, 2026. For the most current information, we advise you to review the MS in Clinical Research Scholars program handbook. You can find the most recent Program Handbook here.
Sample Plan of Study
Thesis Pathway
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Credit Hours | |
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Fall | ||
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | 1 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |
| Spring | ||
| CRSP 412 | Communication in Clinical Research - Grant Writing | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| CRSP 432 | Statistical Methods II | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 7 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| CRSP 651 | Thesis M.S. | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Fall | ||
| CRSP 651 | Thesis M.S. | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| CRSP 651 | Thesis M.S. | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Capstone Pathway
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Credit Hours | |
| CRSP 401 | Introduction to Clinical Research Summer Series | 3 |
| CRSP 406 | Introduction to R Programming | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Fall | ||
| PQHS 490 | Epidemiology: Introduction to Theory and Methods | 3 |
| CRSP 431 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| CRSP 413 | Communication in Clinical Research - Oral Presentation, Posters, and the Mass Media | 1 |
| CRSP 603 | Research Ethics and Regulation | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |
| Spring | ||
| Electives | 10 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| CRSP 650 | Capstone Experience | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |