Master of Science in Clinical, Biomedical and Translational Investigations
Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical, Biomedical, and Translational Investigations (CBTI) is a joint effort to train medical students, fellows or other health professionals, including faculty and other scientists conducting clinical related research, in clinical research methods to translate clinical, biomedical and technological discoveries into advances in population-based, clinical or basic science research.
Application Deadlines
Fall
May 1st
Spring
November 1st
Summer
March 1st
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Curriculum
Program at a glance
Graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 29 units, of which a minimum of 15 units are didactic course credits taken in the first year (including summer sessions).
The remaining units are directed to:
- PM 590 Directed Research (1–12 units )
- PM 594a Master’s Thesis, PM 594b Master’s Thesis (4 units) taken in the second year.
The equivalent of one year of full-time effort must be devoted to research leading to a master’s thesis. The thesis provides a structure for the development of a plan to address a research problem and a suitable approach to the analysis and presentation of the results.
Because the background and interests of applicants varies widely, one of the co-directors will consult with each student prior to the first year in order to design an individualized schedule of recommended courses, or this may be negotiated with a student’s faculty sponsor. At the end of the first year, the trainee must submit a final program plan to the co-directors. This will summarize the courses taken, the proposed thesis title, and the names and credentials of the MS thesis committee. One of the members of the MS thesis committee will be the trainee’s research adviser and will serve as the chair of the committee. At least one member of the thesis committee must be from outside the student’s department. For faculty, at least two members of the thesis committee must be from outside the student’s department.
Students are expected to attend the three-day workshop on NIH proposal development if offered by Thomas Ogden, MD, PhD, and a workshop on the principles of scientific manuscript preparation.

Certificate program
For those trainees or SC CTSI’s CETCD K and T awardees who do not wish to pursue an MS degree, the school offers a certificate in clinical, biomedical, and translational investigations (CBTI). The certificate program requires completion of 12 credits, and a minimum of six months of practical research experience working on a research project (PM 590) approved by either an Oversight Committee or the CETCD’s K and T Award Committee Review Process.

Cecilia Patino Sutton, PhD, MD, MeD
Director of the Master of Science in Clinical, Biomedical and Translational Investigations
Program Director