The Master of Science curriculum emphasizes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical research methods, clinical trials, outcomes measurement, health care economics and policy, and ethics of clinical research. Additional courses are available in grant and manuscript writing, database management, translational research methods, and more specialized health services research methods. Courses are offered on weekday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., with some additional courses offered on Friday morning (details at Course Schedule). Certificate and master's candidates follow the same course schedule through the first three semesters. The courses are offered in a specific sequence and students must start prerequisite coursework in the Fall semester.
The second major component of the master's degree curriculum is a student-chosen, mentored research project that is designed, conducted, analyzed, and summarized during the two years. There are currently 90 established investigators who are available to participate as mentors and sponsors for these projects. Through choice of research topic, students can opt for a concentration in clinical research, clinical trials, or health services research, for example.
Students who enter as master's degree candidates may continue provided their first year performance is satisfactory. A total of 27 course credits and 3 research credits are required to fulfill the degree requirements.
For students who might be interested in coursework or degree work in Health Administration, go to http://php.scripts.psu.edu/dept/iit/hbg/Programs/Graduate/HealthAdmin.php for information about the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree, offered at Penn State's Capital College in Harrisburg.
Transfer Credits and Course Substitutions
Students may transfer up to 9 credits from an external institution, or up to 15 credits of non-degree work from Penn State, if the credits contribute to the required core and the electives. Transfer credits require approval by the Program Director.
Certificate in Clinical Research
The Certificate in Clinical Research curriculum of 15 credits includes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical trials, decision and cost-effectiveness analysis, outcomes measurement, quality management, health care economics and policy, scientific communication, and SAS statistical analysis computing. Courses are offered on weekday evenings, enabling the student to continue work activity and engage in clinical and health services research coursework. Certificate and master's candidates follow the same course schedule through the first three semesters. Up to 15 Penn State course credits acquired as a non-degree certificate candidate may be applied toward fulfillment of graduate degree requirements.
If you wish to take graduate-level courses for personal enrichment, professional development, permanent certification or later apply for degree status, you can seek admission as a non-degree student.
Applicants for non-degree admission must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution under residence and credit conditions substantially equivalent to those required by Penn State. Transcripts are not required.
Non-degree students enroll prior to the beginning of fall and spring semesters on a space-available basis after degree and provisional students. Non-degree students are not permitted to enroll for courses prior to two weeks before each academic semester.
Changing from graduate non-degree status to regular status requires a new admission application. If you choose to enter Penn State as a graduate non-degree student, you must realize that no more than 15 credits of course work accumulated in non-degree status can be applied toward a graduate degree. However, admission as a non-degree student neither guarantees nor implies subsequent admission to a degree program. You should also be aware that non-degree students are not eligible to receive fellowships or graduate assistantships and preference for courses is given to degree students. Programs control access to some courses.
