MD/MS in Clinical and Translational Science

The UIC College of Medicine (COM) and the UIC School of Public Health offer a joint degree leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science (MS CTS) degrees.

The program of study leading to the MD/MS CTS joint degree is offered by the Health Policy and Administration division at the School of Public Health.  Full-time students may complete the degree in five years.

Admission Requirements:

  • Must apply and be accepted to both the UIC College of Medicine and UIC School of Public Health
  • Apply for joint degree program on admission application
  • Students will also be required to submit a joint degree application to the College of Medicine

Program Contacts Heading link

MS in Clinical and Translational Science Requirements Heading link

  • BSTT 400 – Biostatistics I (4 semester hours)
  • EPID 403 – Introduction to Epidemiology: Principles and Methods (3 semester hours)
  • IPHS 520 – Public Health Frameworks for Researchers (3 semester hours)
  • IPHS 598 – Research in the Public Health Sciences – MS (16 semester hours)
  • BHIS 509 – Informatics for the Clinical Investigator (3 semester hours)
  • BSTT 401 – Biostatistics II (4 semester hours)
  • HPA 522 – Public Health Research Design and Methods (3 semester hours)
  • HPA 526 – Leadership and Diversity in Clinical Research (2 semester hours)
  • HPA 591 – Grant Writing for New Investigators (3 semester hours)
  • GC 501 – Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research (1 semester hour)

All students must complete a minimum of 9 semester hours of electives selected from across disciplines at UIC. With input from their advisor and mentor, students will choose appropriate electives that are tailored to their unique backgrounds, skill levels, areas of interest, research focus, and future goals. At least 9 semester hours must be 500-level courses excluding thesis or independent study.

  • With proper advisement, MD/MS CTS students may apply a maximum of 8 semester hours of MS research hours (IPHS 598) during the M4 year toward MD M4 electives.
  • With proper planning and prior approval of the MS advisor, joint degree students may take a non-clinical medical elective during their M4 year and receive independent study credit toward the MS degree.
  • With proper planning and prior approval by the Dean of Educational Affairs within the COM, joint degree students may receive credit toward the M4 electives by taking an advanced-level public health course.
  • No more than 12 total hours will consist of shared coursework.

MS in Clinical and Translational Science