Clinical & Translational Science
Bridging Research & Practice
The CTS programs at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) prepare researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals to translate research discoveries into real-world impact.
With options at the PhD, MS, and Certificate levels—plus an online Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) Certificate—Tufts offers rigorous training for students at every stage of their careers.
Why Tufts CTS?
Tufts meets students where they are by offering multiple pathways into the field, with PhD, MS, and certificate programs tailored for clinicians, researchers, and professionals at every stage. The program combines real-world research with policy translation, and through the Tufts Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI), students gain access to NIH-funded resources, mentoring networks, and strong community partnerships. With dedicated faculty experts in medicine, public health, and translational research, students receive personalized mentorship and tailored guidance to support their career growth.
Learn more about our program offerings below.
PhD in Clinical & Translational Science
The PhD program offers rigorous methodological training, with concentrations in Clinical Discovery and Investigation, Clinical Effectiveness Research, or Practice to Policy Research. Designed for academic researchers, physician-scientists, and translational leaders, graduates are prepared to run independent, funded research programs and advance clinical and translational science.
MS in Clinical & Translational Science
The MS program provides advanced training in research design, biostatistics, and policy translation, with specializations in Clinical Discovery and Investigation, Clinical Effectiveness Research, or Practice-to-Policy Research. The program is designed both as an advanced credential for clinicians and biomedical scientists and as an entry pathway to the PhD program for those seeking further academic advancement.
CTS Certificate
The certificate delivers a focused introduction to translational research methods, study design, and data interpretation. Flexible and efficient, it is perfect for professionals and trainees building core research competencies without a two-year MS commitment.
Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR) Certificate
This fully online, part-time certificate is designed for professionals in pharma, biotech, consulting, and health policy. Taught by Tufts faculty and experts at the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health (CEVR), students gain practical skills in cost-effectiveness analysis, economic modeling, and outcomes research—preparing them for leadership in value-based healthcare.
Faculty & Research Environment
The CTS programs at Tufts University boast a diverse and multidisciplinary faculty and adjunct faculty drawn from departments such as Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Public Health, Occupational Therapy, and Nutrition. Many of these faculty members are active participants in the Tufts CTSI, offering students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, team-based research projects.
Career Advancement & Mentorship Opportunities
Students in the CTS programs benefit from structured, personalized mentoring from experienced faculty and research professionals. You will be matched with mentors who understand your goals and can help you achieve them—whether you're aiming for a research faculty position, NIH funding, or a leadership role in industry. In addition to high-touch mentorship, students have access to valuable career development resources, and regular support ensures you stay on track to take strategic steps toward your next opportunity.
How to Apply
All applicants to the CTS programs at Tufts GSBS apply through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences online application system.
When applying, students should select the program—PhD, MS, CTS Certificate, or the online HEOR Certificate—that best matches their background, career goals, and level of research experience.
Admissions requirements vary by program. Applicants are encouraged to review the details for each pathway to understand prerequisites, deadlines, and supporting materials.
CTS FAQs
Learn more about the CTS program by exploring our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Meet Our Students
Most of our students come to our programs after completing an advanced clinical degree.
Student Publications
Publishing research findings is an important part of our training.
Contact Information
Angie Rodday, PhD
Associate Program Director
Elizabeth Leary
Senior Program Manager