M.S. in Clinical Research Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the application procedure?

The Graduate School requires a completed application (online or paper), one (1) set of official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate study, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of academic goals and research interests. The Graduate School normally requires Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores for admission to graduate programs and uses GRE scores as part of the data on which it bases its admission decisions. The scores, however, are never the sole criteria for admission. If you are a health professional (e.g. clinical fellow) or health professional student (e.g. dental student), you may submit the scores (e.g. MCATs) you used to be admitted to your professional school. Contact the Program Director if you have questions about GRE scores.

What are requirements for admission to the program?

The minimum academic standard for full admission to the Graduate School is a B average or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a program resulting in the award of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree and standing from a comparable foreign institution.

Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Do you have rolling admissions?

There are Fall admissions only for the M.S. in Clinical Research. Complete application materials must be received by the July 1st deadline to be considered for Fall admission.

Are there special requirements for international applicants? International applicants must adhere to application deadline dates and submit all required documents as early as possible. The Graduate School or an individual graduate program may request that you have a credential evaluation done by an outside agency.

In addition to meeting the requirements for all applicants cited above, international applicants must: (1) hold a degree that is equivalent or comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree and have a cumulative grade point average equivalent to a B or 3.0 grade point average, or the first- or high-second division or comparable class ranking, and (2) provide proof of financial sponsorship for immigration and visa status purposes.

Does the M.S in Clinical Research program offer student financial support? No. Students should explore employer-based tuition remission benefits or other financial assistance for which they may be eligible.

What is the cost of tuition and fees for the M.S. in Clinical Research? Please see the financial services website for specific information on fees: https://www.umaryland.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/.

Is it possible to complete the program during fellowship training? Yes, provided that you have more than one research year.

Will previously completed courses count toward the degree requirement? In general, no. Specific questions should be directed to the Program Director

As a clinical fellow at UMMC, would the University waive any tuition fees? No, unless you are a state employee who receives the tuition remission benefit as part of your compensation package. Fellows are typically UMMC employees who are not eligible for tuition remission. Please discuss tuition options with your program/department. Note: Tuition rates are lower for in-state residents. University System of Maryland policy regarding student classification for admission and tuition purposes can be found here: http://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionVIII/VIII270.html.

I am eligible for tuition remission. What do I need to do?

Students who are eligible for tuition remission must: (1) determine the deadline for submitting the tuition remission paperwork; (2) complete a tuition remission request online; (3) print and sign the request; (4) obtain authorized signature for your department head or designee; and (5) submit the form to Human Resource Services. More information about the tuition remission process including links to the request form can be found here: https://www.umaryland.edu/hrs/benefits/tuition-remission/

Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit the tuition remission paperwork in a timely manner.

I am a graduate of a medical school outside the United States. Will you accept recommendations from foreign faculty? We will accept recommendations from foreign faculty but your application will be stronger if you include recommendations from individuals inside the United States. For internal applicants, at least one recommendation must be from a faculty member at the University of Maryland.