Masters
Part-Time Only
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus, Online
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.
- A flexible format
- Expert faculty and researchers
- Independent research
- A leader in health care education and research
- A comprehensive curriculum
Complete your master's in clinical research part time through both in-person and online courses. Loyola's MS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology is designed to accommodate the needs and schedules of busy clinicians.
Learn from mentors with extensive experience in clinical practice, epidemiology, health informatics, and public health. Loyola faculty are widely published and active researchers who will teach you effective research methods as well as mentor and guide you.
Create your own research proposal and project under the guidance of a research mentor. Build the skills to design and implement clinical studies and obtain independent funding through this hands-on approach.
Earn your master's degree from a respected institution. Loyola's Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health is known for being at the forefront of science and medicine and continuously evolving to meet student, patient, and community needs.
Build on core courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, grant writing, and research ethics with elective courses that help you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. You can choose from electives such as environmental health, clinical data science, security and privacy in health care, and translational bioinformatics.
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.
Department WebsiteParkinson News and StoriesMeet 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.
Faculty & StaffClinical Research and Epidemiology: Career Connections
A master's in epidemiology and clinical research degree at Loyola can prepare you for work in various health disciplines, including medicine, health informatics, and public health. Graduates of our epidemiology and clinical research master's degree work in a variety of settings, including universities, government, clinical and teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research facilities, and chronic disease departments.
Specific job options include:
- Clinical trial administrator
- Researcher
- Clinical research assistant
- Research specialist
- Clinical trial epidemiologist
- College instructor in epidemiology
- Public health specialist
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
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
Browse Academic CatalogMS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology Results and Skills
The master's in clinical research and epidemiology degree prepares you to become an effective, ethical researcher. It equips you with the skills you need to design and implement clinical studies and obtain your own funding. These skills include:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatics
- Grant and proposal writing
- Clinical research study design and implementation
- Scientific integrity
- Ethical research
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
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 $37200.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,240.00 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.
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.
Schedule an AppointmentThe 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.
View all EventsVisit 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
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.
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.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Clinical Research Methods MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY