The program requires completing 14 CUs, usually taken over 7 semesters (2 CUs per semester), including summers.
Students start the program in July, and continue for just over 2 years, ending in August of their second year. (For example, a student who starts in July 2026 will finish in August 2028.)
Options for part-time are available.
Students who take longer than two years usually do so for either of two reasons:
Taking classes part-time, thereby stretching out the number of semesters needed to complete the coursework.
Needing some time after completing the coursework to finish the thesis.
There is no penalty for taking longer than 2 years, but it is required that you complete the program within 5 years (unless an extension is approved).
In the first year, students complete the core courses, usually at a pace of 2 CUs per semester. This includes going to class as well as meeting with your mentor(s) about important milestones in the program and planning out your project.
In the second year, students complete electives and focus more time on completing their thesis, also at a pace of 2 CUs per semester. Depending on how many electives vs. thesis credits are taken, more time during this second year is focused on your research project than coursework.
See our Program Overview page for a sample program outline.
For the 2026-27 academic year, one credit unit (CU) is $6,900. With the program consisting of 14 CUs, it will cost roughly $96,000. Tuition and fees may change each year, as set by the University. Click here to see a full list of tuition and fees (scroll down to “Clinical Epidemiology” to see our rates).
Students may apply to be funded on an NIH training grant (referred to as a T32 grant) which will provide funding for tuition and stipend. Students interested in this funding need to indicate this on their application in order to be considered.
Students may also be eligible for Faculty-Staff Benefits, which covers a portion of tuition, or may consider financial aid or loans.
See our Tuition and Funding page for more information.
Applicants must have an advanced degree in medicine, nursing, or another health-related field, from an accredited college or university, plus advanced clinical training in any specialty or subspecialty of medicine, or its equivalent in another health-related discipline. Commonly, we have many students who are completing a fellowship or residency.
Applicants should be committed to careers in medical and health services research and have outstanding academic records in order to be accepted into the program.
See our Admissions page for more information.
In order to complete the program, students need to:
Complete 14 CUs of coursework, including:
7.5 CUs of core courses
2-4 CUs of electives
2.5-4.5 CUs of thesis work
(If you take more electives, you take less thesis credits, and vice versa, such that the total is 14 CUs.)
Complete HIPAA training
Complete CITI training (Responsible Conduct of Research Training)
Complete an Individualized Development Plan (IDP)
Present your research at the MSCE Protocol Presentations
Pass the Comprehensive Exam
Attend 8 hours (over 2 years) of Ethics/Responsible Conduct of Research training
Attend 25 seminars (over 2 years)
Obtain IRB approval/exemption
Complete a Mini-Protocol
Complete a Full Protocol
Complete a Final Thesis
See our Program Overview page for more information.
A cornerstone of the MSCE program is our robust mentor support. Each student will be paired with a primary epidemiology mentor, who will guide you through all of the stages of the program, including completing your thesis.
Additionally, each student will identify and collaborate with a biostats mentor to assist with the data review.
Students can also add other mentors to their team, who can help with the project and advising.
