Graduate Program Chairperson

Mary E. Charlson, M.D., Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Cornell Medical College & Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 525 East 68 Street, Box 46 / F1421, New York, NY 10021, 212-746-1684. E-mail: mecharl@med.cornell.edu.

Graduate Program Director

Carol A. Mancuso, M.D., Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Cornell Medical College & Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 525 East 68 Street, Box 46 / F1421, New York, NY 10021, 212-746-1607. E-mail: camancus@med.cornell.edu.

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Overview

The program of study leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree in Clinical Epidemiology & Health Services Research is designed for those who wish to plan, implement and analyze quantitative and qualitative research studies, using appropriate research designs. The core of the curriculum includes research methodology, biostatistical techniques, data management, decision analysis, health economics and program evaluation. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue academic careers in a variety of settings where data is required to answer complex questions. The emphasis is on training clinician researchers to teach research methods, conduct methodologically rigorous and scientifically sound studies, evaluate programs and perform cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit studies in a variety of populations.

Admission

Admission to the program requires an MD degree, RN certificate, or a Graduate Degree in a clinical health related field, with three years of work experience and acceptance into the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. In most instances, physicians will have completed residency programs and nurses will have had several years of work experience prior to enrollment.

Application materials must be completed and returned to the Office of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences together with (1) official transcripts of records from all colleges and universities attended, (2) a statement of purpose of graduate study, and (3) two letters of recommendation from individuals in academic positions who know the applicant professionally. In addition, scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Medical Aptitude Test (GMAT) are beneficial but not required to aid in the evaluation of the applicant.

The completed application and all supporting documents will be initially screened by the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research program faculty. Personal interview meetings will be scheduled and held with each potential applicant. Applications for July admission and all credentials, including official transcripts of records from all colleges and universities attended, must be received by the deadline of May 1. A nonrefundable fee of $50 is charged for filing an application for admission.

Course of Study

Eligibility for the Master of Science degree in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research requires the satisfactory completion of no less than 35 credits of course work and the completion of an integrative project or a research thesis. After completion of the curriculum and culminating project, students will be required to defend their findings. The projects are at the core of the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research program. The most important foundation for preparing individuals for future careers is the utilization of new skills and knowledge to conceive, design and conduct research projects, with faculty guidance and support. For full-time students, the two-year program begins with an intensive summer session, with the remainder of the course work completed during the subsequent Fall and Spring semesters. The second year is devoted to the development, administration and analysis of the research or culminating project. The program can also be completed on a part-time basis - up to four years - to accommodate individuals with differing needs and limited time commitments. The format for each of the curriculum units is small-group seminars, with interactive lectures. Each of the sessions has required homework assignments; the candidate must successfully complete each assignment to pass the course.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the Masters Degree Program in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services is projected to be $21,000 per year for full-time students.

Refunds

Part of the tuition will be refunded if the student obtains official certification of leave of absence or withdrawal from the Graduate School of Medical Sciences during the semester. Students who terminate their registration during a regular term in this manner will be charged tuition from the registration day to the effective date of the certificate as follows: first week, 10 percent; second week, 20 percent; third week, 30 percent; fourth week, 40 percent; fifth week, 60 percent; sixth week 80 percent; seventh week, 100 percent. No charge will be made if the effective date of leave or withdrawal is within the first six days of the term.

Fellowship Training Opportunity

Health Services Research Training Fellowships are available for physicians who have completed an accredited residency training program in any clinical area. The program is open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. The program seeks physicians who are committed to the application of health services research and clinical epidemiology to the improvement of health care and who are committed to pursuing a research career. These fellowships are administered through the Division of General Internal Medicine, at Joan and Sanford I.Weill Cornell Medical College.

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