Admissions | Clinical Research Graduate Group | UC Davis CTSC

• Completion of a professional doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., O.D., N.D., D.O., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.N.S., etc.) is required. Applications from students currently enrolled in Ph.D. or M.D. programs who demonstrate an interest in translational research (pre-clinical, clinical or community-based) will be considered individually. These students who pursue the one-year option will be required to take a temporary educational leave from their professional degree program to complete the M.A.S.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
• Candidates must demonstrate a high level of interest and potential to pursue innovative translational research (ranging from pre-clinical to clinical to community-based) and a long-term goal of pursuing a translational research career.
• Candidates must have identified mentors and have the ability to conduct research in a medical facility or lab. This program does not match students with mentors or labs, nor does the program provide job opportunities or access to research positions.

Applying to the Master of Advanced Studies in Clinical Research is done through the Graduate Studies Application Management System.  All required documents are uploaded into the application through this system.

• A completed application
• Transcripts from all universities or colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate education) (UC Davis transcript policy)
• Two to three professional letters of recommendation - One from your immediate supervisor/mentor and one from another qualified individual (second mentor; not a peer) who can comment on your ability to succeed in the program. You need an additional letter from your department chair if you are taking 70% release time to obtain the degree for the Mentored Clinical Research Training Program.
• Personal statement which includes past successes, career goals and objectives for seeking this degree (this is a section in the application)
• Resume/CV
• Writing Sample: Research Proposal Form - On this form, you must supply a 2-4 page description of the research project you are proposing:
  • Project Title
  • Significance/Statement of Problem
  • Aims
  • Research Question/Hypothesis
  • Methodology
  • Research Design
  • Project Timeline
  • Career Development Goals
  • Mentoring Plan - The mentoring plan must:
    • Make clear how the disciplinary expertise of each mentor will contribute to the candidate’s research and training plans
    • Describe how the mentors plan to work together and what each will contribute to the candidate’s research and training
    • Define specific goals for the frequency of contact between the mentors and the candidate
    • Identify expectations for candidate productivity (i.e., expectations regarding manuscripts, submission of applications for extramural funding, etc.)
    • Indicate a willingness to complete the required quarterly mentee progress reports and participate in seminars with the other scholars and their mentors
• Additional requirements for International Students. Please note this program does not qualify under the STEM Visa program.
• A telephone interview may be required.

Congratulations on taking the first step to furthering your education. We know the application process can be daunting, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to let you know what to expect during each part of the process. In addition, please review the application checklist (PDF).

Step 1: Submitting Your Application

• Submit your application online. The application fee is $135.
• Submit your application materials; please review the application deadlines.
• Please contact the School of Medicine Financial Aid Office as soon as possible if you need to apply for financial aid to ensure funds are available before the start of the term.

Step 2: Application Review

• Once we receive all required application materials, your file is reviewed by the Clinical Research Admissions Committee. Upon their approval, your application is forwarded to Graduate Studies for final review and approval.
• You’ll receive a notification email when your admission decision has been made.

Step 3: If You’re Accepted

• Confirm your acceptance by reviewing the notification letter and submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR); this is done electronically.
• Contact your program coordinator to learn about transfer credits, map out your degree plan, and register for classes.