Clinical and epidemiological research is defined as any health-related research involving human beings. It aims to improve human health by identifying strategies to prevent disease and improve care for patients with diagnosed illnesses. Researchers focus on many different influences on health, including genetic and physiologic risk factors, individual-level behavior, social and environmental determinants, healthcare access and quality, and drugs, and devices.
Training Programs
The UCSF Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers four education and training programs in clinical and epidemiological research.
The Masters of Science (MS) in Clinical and Epidemiological Research is a two-year program for individuals who wish to master clinical research methods and pursue independent research careers.
Application deadline is March 30, 2026.
The Advanced Training in Clinical Research (ATCR) Certificate is a one-year program for individuals who desire rigorous training in the methods and conduct of clinical research.
Application deadline is March 30, 2026.
The One-Year Clinical Research Workshop is a one-year program with an online option for individuals who wish to learn the basic methods and conduct of clinical research and who may not have time to complete a formal degree-granting program or may not need a formal degree.
Summer Clinical Research Workshop
The Summer Clinical Research Workshop is a seven-week program introducing individuals to clinical research. The program includes courses that are the starting point for all clinical research training at UCSF.
Application will be available by May 1, 2026.
Learn More about Clinical & Epidemiological Research at UCSF
Which program is right for you? Check out this helpful overview of key program characteristics to help you choose your path.
| Master’s | Certificate | 1-Year Workshop | Summer Workshop | |
| Program length | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 7 weeks |
| Location | In-person at the Mission Bay campus | In-person at the Mission Bay campus | In-person at the Mission Bay campus, hybrid or fully remote | In-person at the Mission Bay campus, hybrid or fully remote |
| Degree granted | Master in Advanced Studies | Certificate | None | None |
| Application deadline | March 30, 2026 | March 30, 2026 | July 10, 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
| Learn more | Learn more | Learn more | Learn more |
Watch this information session with program directors, Elaine Ku and Alexis Beatty, to learn about training in clinical and epidemiological research and the four different programs we offer.
Contact Us
For admissions-related questions, please email [email protected]
For current students or general program-related questions, please email [email protected] and Clair Dunne, Program Coordinator.
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