Program Statistics
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Life Sciences and Clinical Investigation Dual Degree
Degree Types: MS/PhD
The Driskill Graduate Program in the Life Sciences (DGP) and the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) is dual degree program leading to the PhD and MS degrees. The DGP/MSCI degree, leverages CTSA and NUCATS Institute resources to extend integrated clinical/translational research training to DGP PhD students. This dual degree is designed to connect PhD trainees in life sciences early in their research experience with clinician investigators who can help them see the value of understanding the clinical needs of patients. These DGP/MSCI trainees will have a more informed perspective on the intersection between translational and clinical research. They are positioned to become bi-directional collaborators and innovators in this critical space.
Graduates of this program will be uniquely positioned to work in multidisciplinary teams in academic, corporate or government positions to accelerate the translation of research discoveries that improve human health.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Pamela Carpentier
Assistant Director
312-503-1880
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
PhD/MS
Total Units Required for the combined PhD/MS Degree: 12
Courses Required by DGP for PhD Component
Total DGP courses: 6
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | |
| DGP 402-0 | Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences 1 |
| DGP 404-0 | Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences 2 |
| DGP 484-0 | Quantitative Biology: Statistics and Data Analysis for Life Scientists |
| DGP 496-3 | Introduction to Life Science Research |
| Elective Courses | |
| Three DGP electives of the student's choice in consultation with their adviser(s) | |
Courses Required by Clinical Investigation for the MS Component
Total MSCI courses: 6
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | |
MSCI 321-1 | Biostatistics for Clinical Investigators 1 |
MSCI 322-0 | Introduction to Epidemiology for Clinical Investigators |
MSCI 335-0 | Clinical Trials |
MSCI 421-0 | Biostatistics for Clinical Investigators 2 |
| Elective Courses | |
Three additional elective units 1 | |
- 1
One DGP elective course is accepted. The remaining two electives must be taken from the MSCI elective list.
Thesis and Research Requirements
DGP/MSCI students will be subject to all other DGP requirements. These include:
- Passing the qualifying exam and generating a suitable thesis.
- Dual degree candidates must meet with the MSCI co-director twice a year to update progress towards the MSCI degree requirements.
Simultaneous Award of PhD and MS
Students will not be granted the MS prior to completion of all PhD requirements. Graduation will be simultaneous for both degrees, even in cases where MS requirements are fulfilled in time for an earlier graduation date.