Principal Investigator (PI) Track

The Master of Science degree program in Clinical Research, Principal Investigator (PI) Track is designed to equip clinical professionals (physicians, nurses, and other terminal degree clinical professionals) with the skills needed to become independent investigators. Interested candidates should possess a terminal degree in the healthcare profession.

Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year and, upon acceptance, students can begin the program in any semester.

The deadlines are:

• Fall Semester: August 1
• Spring Semester: November 15
• Summer Semester: June 1

The following materials are required from all applicants:

1. Graduate College Application select the application that reads: Clinical and Translational Research, Master of Science (Do not select Clinical and Translational Research-Clinical Research Professional, Master of Science)
2. Three Professional References
   • You will be asked to enter information for each of your professional references as part of the Graduate School application (item 1). The references will then receive an email with their login information and a link where they can upload a letter of recommendation/respond to a series of questions about you. Your references should contact the Program Coordinator, Beth Virant at virantem@ucmail.uc.edu if they have questions.
   • One of the recommendations must be submitted by a research mentor from a local healthcare institution, stating that the applicant will have the protected time and support necessary to complete the courses and research thesis that are part of the MS program. Applicants must have a research mentor chosen before they will be considered for admission. Due to the volume of applications the program receives, we cannot match applicants with a mentor.
3. Current CV/Biosketch
4. 3-5 professional goals
5. Personal Summary: a one-page statement of how your current professional experience relates to the field of clinical research, and how being accepted into this program will enhance your career goals within this field.
6. English Proficiency Requirements 
7. Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities where you received a degree. These will be uploaded into the application system.
8. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities where you received a degree are required if you are offered admission to the university.  Please review the policy on Transcript Submission.  
9. Beginning in Fall 2024, all international applicants are required to submit a transcript evaluation from a NACES member organization with their application in order to be considered for admission.  Until then, transcript evaluations are STRONGLY recommended.