Overview
The TRI offers a Master’s Program in Clinical and Translational Sciences (MS-CTS) to UAMS clinical faculty. The mission of the program is to train investigators of knowledge, skills, and competencies in clinical and translational research. The means to accomplish the mission are through didactic coursework, mentored research, and a capstone project using a NIH grant format or a thesis project. The program requires a total of 36 credit hours and can be completed in two academic years.
Curriculum
The program offers a robust curriculum features well blended didactic courses in areas of clinical and translational research, a faculty + peer mentored research experience throughout the entire program, and a ready-for-submission grant proposal as the final capstone project. In particular, students are required to complete a total of 24 credit hours in didactic courses, including 14 credit hours of core courses, 7-9 credit hours of required elective courses in three designated areas (or groups): (A) clinical study, practice, management and regulation, (B) study design and research methods, and (C) analysis and computation in biostatistics and bioinformatics. In each of the first semesters, students will use a total of 6 credit hours to conduct research and prepare for grant proposal with their faculty mentors as well as the peers. In the final semester, students will use the capstone (6 credit hours) to develop and complete a grant proposal (such as a K- award) with review and approval from the mentors. Details of curriculum and a sample course plan are found on the Graduate School Curriculum webpage.
Tuition, Fees and Scholarships
UAMS faculty will pay 10% of tuition for resident (for example, the resident tuition is $4,140 per semester in FY2022-2023, and student pays $414 per semester if he or she is a UAMS faculty). Students are required to pay all the fees associated to graduate studies. Details can be found on the Graduate School Tuition and Fees webpage.
Process: All applications should be submitted online using the Graduate School’s Application. UAMS full time faculty with a green card will use the same link in application.
Required Documents: Applicants will be required to complete the online application form, and submit a letter of support from the department chair, and unofficial transcripts from previous degree programs through the online application portal. Upon the time of admission, students are required to submit official transcripts following the instructions from the Graduate School.
Application timeline: The application is currently open for the fall semester, 2023. The application deadline is July 1, 2023. Details can be found on the Graduate School’s Application Deadline
Contact: For questions related to the Master’s Program contact Drs. Shelley Crary and Jun Ying by email.
MS-CTS Scholarship Program
MS-CTSA Scholarship Application
The Translational Research Institute (TRI), through its collaboration with the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, is offering several scholarships to students attending the Master’s Program in Clinical and Translational Sciences (MS-CTS). Each awardee will be supported to cover 30% FTE to allow the scholar time to dedicate to the program.
Qualified candidates are full time UAMS faculty as of August 1, 2023 who are interested in applying to the MS-CTS Program in the coming fall semester, 2023. The following documents are required in the application and need to be submitted online by 5:00 pm March 30, 2023:
- Career Development Statement/Personal Statement: Must show strong interest in clinical and/or translational research. Goals of the program and early career development must be clearly stated. While you may not have a specific research plan outlined, some idea of research interests and goals should be stated. Successful applicants will show a dedication to pursuing future funding (KL2, K23, R21, foundation grants, etc.) by the end of the master’s program. In addition, at least one research mentor needs to be identified and stated in the application. A letter of support from the mentor is not required but highly preferred.
- Letter of Support from Department Chair: This letter should have a clear statement of commitment for two years of 30% protected time for attending the program. Department chairs may nominate faculty for the program.
- Curriculum Vitae from the applicant.
Applicants are required to complete the online application and upload the required documents in the order list above.
For questions related to the Scholarship Program contact Drs. Shelley Crary and Jun Ying.