Clinical Research Methods MS

About the Clinical Research and Epidemiology Master's Program at Loyola

Effective research is critical to improving our understanding of health issues and diseases, addressing public health issues, and alleviating health disparities. If you are a practicing clinician, Loyola University Chicago's MS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology will help you to become a skilled physician researcher who can make a positive impact in the future of health care and medicine.

Please note that only clinicians are eligible for this program. The minimum academic requirement is a MD.

Program Structure

The MS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology is a part-time program that can be completed in 2.5 years. Classes are held on Loyola's Health Sciences Campus, just west of downtown Chicago, and online.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Master of Clinical Research and Epidemiology Degree?

At Loyola, you will join a flexible yet rigorous program that helps you develop the knowledge, skills, and values to reach your full potential as a clinical researcher. One way you will prepare for your future is by creating your own research proposal and project.

Public Health Sciences Department

The Department of Public Health Sciences prepares public health professionals to ensure all communities achieve their full potential for healthy lives through collaborative community-engaged education, ethical practice, research, and service. Find more information on the department and stories showcasing current Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health students and graduates from the Clinical Research Methods MS program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Clinical Research Methods MS program.

Loyola Stories

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Clinical Research Methods MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Clinical Research Methods MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2024-2025 Catalog

• Clinical Research Methods MS

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Clinical Research Methods MS totals $38,850.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,295.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health Financial Aid & Scholarships

Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award

Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Parkinson Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that such health care is a basic human right. Bob and Betty Parkinson took to heart the Ignatian value of “being persons for others.” The Parkinson Scholars Award supports exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and will use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.

Awarded each semester to up to 10 Parkinson students, it includes an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. Scholars are selected to represent the broad range of the Parkinson School’s disciplines.

Graduate Student Opportunities

The Parkinson School is dedicated to making education both accessible and affordable. Along with potential scholarship opportunities, the school offers paid graduate student positions that provide hands-on experience in research, community engagement, and scholarship. The available positions for incoming Parkinson graduate students are paid roles, with compensation provided bi-weekly, and do not include a benefits package. These positions offer invaluable experience while supporting your academic journey.

Learn More
More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

The Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Clinical Research Methods MS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline.

Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.

Spring: November 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the spring.

Summer: March 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after March 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the summer.

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Clinical Research Methods MS include:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

• 3 Letters of Recommendation

• Statement of Purpose

Please note that only clinicians are eligible for this program. The minimum academic requirement is a MD.

Statement of Purpose Details

Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.

Official Documents

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.