Graduate Education

Graduate Education

The UK College of Medicine Department of Behavioral Science offers integrated clinical and translational research training at three levels of education: the Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), Master of Science in Medical Sciences (CTS Pathway), and PhD in CTS. The interdisciplinary certificate, master's pathway, and PhD programs are designed to establish knowledge-based and skill-based competencies in communication, professionalism, critical thinking, and synthesis of knowledge, planning, management and assessment, and leadership in the following areas: 

• CTS methods and technologies
• Scientific knowledge
• Measurement and statistics
• Research integrity
• Collaboration and team building 

Certificate in CTS

The Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) is the entry point for scholars interested in CTS research, regardless of academic training or interest. The key elements of this certificate are a curriculum focused on core CTS research competencies, mentored research training, and scheduling flexibility. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Enrollment in a UK graduate program or terminal degree in a health profession (e.g. MD, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, DO, DNP, PA)
• Applicants must be formally admitted by the Admissions Committee of the Department of Behavioral Science
• Full-time UK employees may use the Employee Education Program to cover tuition costs

Program Components:

• 14 credit hours
• Research practicum

The CTS Certificate is integrated with the Master’s of Science in Medical Science (CTS Pathway) and PhD in CTS programs; completed CTS Certificate coursework can count toward those degrees. However, students must formally apply to the MSMS or PhD program via UK’s Graduate School if they wish to transfer programs.

Learn More about the CTS Certificate

• Program Guide
• Application Procedures
• Funding Opportunities
• Program Orientation

Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS CTS Pathway)

The Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences (CTS Pathway) offers opportunities for those with a rigorous medical sciences background or those seeking a combined degree. The program provides mentored research training with a flexible curriculum for professional scholars interested in designing, implementing, and publishing their own research studies or contributing to clinical and translational science teams.

Eligibility requirements:

• MS or PhD in basic medical sciences, MD, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, DO, DNP, PA, PT or seeking a combined degree
• Applicants must be formally admitted by the Admissions Committee of the Department of Behavioral Science
• Full-time UK employees may use the Employee Education Program to cover tuition costs

Program Components:

• 30 credit hours (i.e., 14 credit hours of core curriculum and 16 credit hours of tailored curriculum)
  • 50 percent of the coursework must be at the 600 level or above, and two-thirds of the coursework must be in formally organized courses (i.e., not independent study)
• Preparation of a written research paper with a Final Examination conducted by an advisory committee 

Learn More about the MSMS CTS Pathway

• Program Guide
• Application Procedures
• Funding Opportunities
• Program Orientation

PhD in CTS

The PhD in CTS is an interdisciplinary program designed for professional scholars committed to leading interdisciplinary CTS research teams and/or sustaining independent research programs that promote innovation and discovery. PhD candidates receive expanded training in grant writing, grant management, team leadership, and personnel and laboratory management. Like the MSMS (CTS Pathway) program, the PhD program in CTS emphasizes mentored research training with a primary mentor and a PhD advisory committee. The mentor and the advisory committee coordinate the scholar’s curriculum, research training, and career development.

Eligibility requirements:

• Limited to applicants with terminal professional degrees (i.e., MD, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, DO, DNP, DSc or PhD) who hold appropriate domestic licensure to practice professionally and to students in professional health colleges that have combined degree programs
• Applicants must be formally admitted by the Admissions Committee of the Department of Behavioral Science
• Full-time UK employees may use the Employee Education Program to cover tuition costs

Program Components:

• 13 credit hours of core curriculum to establish competencies in CTS
• 5 credits hours of tailored curriculum consisting of interdisciplinary courses designed to meet research interests and career trajectories
• Qualifying Examination, consisting of written and oral components
• Dissertation research, dissertation residency credit hours, and Final Examination (i.e., dissertation defense)

Learn More about the PhD in CTS 

• Program Guide 
• Application Procedures
• Funding Opportunities
• Program Orientation

Have Questions? Contact our  Director of Graduate Studies