Master of Science (M.S) Clinical and Translational Science

For Additional Information:

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Jessica Kraschnewski, MBA
Recruitment & Marketing Specialist
Phone: 304-696-7279
Email: kraschnewsk1@marshall.edu

Clinical and Translational Science Overview 

Translational science is the application of the results from the basic research on cells and animals to the treatment of patients. With rapid developments in technology and genomics, this translational science is changing the advancement of medical care so that prevention and treatment of disease is specific to each individual patient. Much of this personalized medicine is dependent on clinical and translational sciences (CTS). 

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) equips CTS M.S. students with the information and training necessary to translate basic advances into improved patient care that will enhance the quality of life for patients in the Appalachian region, particularly southern West Virginia. Marshall’s CTS M.S. program has expanded to meet both the needs of our students and the demands of our economy. Graduates of Marshall’s CTS M.S. program will be able to lead all aspects of clinical trials of new drugs and procedures. This program provides an emphasis on conducting clinical trials and research specific to the rural regions of West Virginia.

Marshall is now providing three areas of emphasis within the program: Clinical Trials, Clinical Research (Health-Related Professional School Preparation), and Clinical Informatics.

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Application Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements 

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA overall with a 3.0 for combined science and math courses is recommended.
    • Under certain circumstances, the minimum GPA requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better.
  • No entrance exam required. 

Prerequisite Coursework 

  • Two semesters of general biology and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of general chemistry and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of physics and associated laboratories.
  • One semester of biochemistry or cell biology are highly recommended but not required. 
Application Process

Application Process 

  • Submit the Clinical and Translational Science M.S. application and supporting documents on BioMedCas Applicant Portal
    • When creating a BioMedCas account, select the 2023-2024 cycle.  
  • Supporting Documents required: 
    • Official Transcripts 
    • Written Statement 
      • Your statement should address your educational and career goals, and why you should be admitted to the Clinical and Translational Science M.S. program. 
    • Three Letters of Recommendation 
      • Letters of recommendation from STEM-related Professors are preferred.  
      • Recommendation requests can be found under "Supporting Information" of the BioMedCas application. 
    • Resume or CV
    • International Students will need to submit proof of English Proficiency. Visit https://www.marshall.edu/admissions/graduate-proof-of-english-proficiency/ to learn more.
  • Pay the $83 application fee on the BioMedCas Applicant Portal. 
  • The deadline to apply for International Students is March 15th. 

Apply NOW!

Funding and Financial Aid

Paid research positions may be available pending funding.

For information on cost of attendance visit, marshall.edu/tuition/. For additional financial aid information, visit Marshall University's Financial Aid website or contact the financial aid office to speak with a representative. 

Old Main, Room 116
304-696-3162
sfa@marshall.edu

Curriculum

All students are required to meet the general requirements of the Graduate College for receipt of a master's degree. In addition, all students must pass a written and/or oral comprehensive exam. All students will take the following courses within their area of emphasis. 

Clinical Trials Area of Emphasis Curriculum

Students will learn all aspects of administering a clinical trial including study design, research operations, regulatory requirements, recruiting techniques, rural health disparities and more.

CTS Core Courses  
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
CTS 600 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Used in Medical Research 3
CTS 610 Study Design and Applied Statistics 3
CTS 614 Online Survey Tools, Relational and Data Warehousing and Data Manipulation 3
CTS 620 Basic Clinical Research Operations 3
CTS 630 Fundamentals of Team Science 2
CTS 635 Writing and Peer Review of Scientific Publications 1
BMR 660 Communication Skills I 1
BMR 661 Communication Skills II 1
BMR 680* Seminar* (x2) 2
Journal Club* 2 Credit Hours of Any CTS or BMR Journal Club 2
Area of Emphasis in Clinical Trials Courses
CTS 625 Clinical Research Operations Lab 5
CTS 650 Rural Clinic Experience 5
CTS 660 Molecular Phenotype of Appalachian Disorders 3
Electives* Any CTS or BMR 9
Total Credit Hours 43
Taken More Than Once *

This program is a five-semester program. Coursework is required in the Summer Sessions between Year I and Year II. 

Clinical Research (Health Professional School Prep) Area of Emphasis Curriculum

While being trained in clinical trials, participants will develop a strengthened science foundation for application to health-related professional schools.

CTS Core Courses  
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
CTS 600 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Used in Medical Research 3
CTS 610 Study Design and Applied Statistics in Medical Research 3
CTS 614 Online Survey Tools, Relational and Data Warehousing and Data Manipulation 3
CTS 620 Basic Clinical Research Operations 3
CTS 630 Fundamentals of Team Science 2
CTS 635 Writing and Peer Review of Scientific Publications 1
BMR 660 Communication Skills I 1
BMR 661 Communication Skills II 1
BMR 680* Seminar* (x2) 2
Journal Club* 2 Credit Hours of Any CTS or BMR Journal Club 2
Area of Emphasis in Clinical Research (Health Profession) Courses
BMR 601 Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins 3
BMR 602 Introduction to Cell Structure and Metabolism 3
BMR 603 Regulation of Cell Function 2
BMR 604 Cellular Basis of Disease 1
BMR 785 Introduction to Research 1
PHS 629, PHS 666, or PHS 667 3-6
Electives* Any CTS or BMR 6-9
Total Credit Hours 45
Taken More Than Once *

This program is a five semester program. Coursework is required in the Summer Sessions between Year I and Year II. 

Clinical Informatics Area of Emphasis Curriculum

Applicants will study the elements of clinical trials while focusing on data manipulation, machine learning, and clinical programming.

CTS Core Courses  
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
CTS 600 Epidemiology and Biostatistics Used in Medical Research 3
CTS 610 Study Design and Applied Statistics in Medical Research 3
CTS 614 Online Survey Tools, Relational and Data Warehousing, and Data Manipulation 3
CTS 620 Basic Clinical Research Operations 3
CTS 630 Fundamentals of Team Science 2
CTS 635 Writing and Peer Review of Scientific Publications  1
BMR 660 Communication Skills I 1
BMR 661 Communication Skills II 1
BMR 680* Seminar* (x2) 2
Journal Club* 2 Credit Hours of Any CTS or BMR Journal Club 2
Area of Emphasis in Clinical Informatics Courses
CTS 612 Introduction to Clinical Machine Learning 3
CTS 615 Introduction to Clinical Database 3
CTS 645 Navigating Health IT 3
2 From CTS 616, CTS 628, or CTS 637 Introduction to Clinical Programming Using C#, Introduction to Java Clinical Programming, or Introduction to Tableau 6-7
Electives Any CTS or BMR  6-7
Total Credit Hours 45
Taken More Than Once *

This program is a five-semester program. Coursework is required in the Summer Sessions between Year I and Year II. 

Active Clinical Trials

For more information regarding Active Clinical Trials, contact our Medical Director of Clinical Trials - Usha Murughiyan (304) 691-1836.

Updated on April 14, 2023.

For more information on PI Initiated Clinical Trials, contact our Medical Director of Clinical Trials - Usha Murughiyan (304) 691-1836. 

PI Initiated Clinical Trials  
IRB Number  PI  Description 
GRANT  Sundaram, Uma  NIH COBRE
GRANT  Sundaram, Uma NIH Ro1
GRANT  Sundaram,  Uma  Ro1NET
499630 Koester, Alan AVANTA (SRTMMCP)
463451 Koester, Alan AVANTA (SRTMPIP)

Updated on February 22, 2022.  

Career Paths

Clinical Trials 

  • Clinical Trial Coordinator 
  • Clinical Project Manager 
  • Clinical Recruitment Coordinator 

Clinical Research - Health Professions 

  • Medical School 
  • Pharmacy School 
  • Physician Assistant (PA) School

Clinical Informatics 

  • Data Scientist 
  • Data Warehouse Research Analyst
  • Insurance Outcomes Predictor 

For best chance of admission, have application verified through BioMedCas by June 15.

Leadership 

Richard Egleton, PhD

Assistant Dean, Office of Research and Graduate Education
Phone: (304) 696-3523
egleton@marshall.edu

Usha Murughiyan, MD

Assistant Dean, Clinical Research, Medical Director Clinical Trials
Phone: (304) 691-6812
smurughiyan@marshall.edu

Umapathy Sundaram, MD

Vice Dean, Office of Research & Graduate Education 
Phone: (304) 691-1841
sundaramu@marshall.edu