Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Clinical and Translational Science MS Program

Grow Your Research Skills—and Your Future

Join a rigorous, two-year full-time program focused on real-world research training. It also serves as a pathway to the PhD, providing flexibility for students considering future doctoral study.

Apply Now

Grow Your Research Skills—and Your Future

Join a rigorous, two-year full-time program focused on real-world research training. It also serves as a pathway to the PhD, providing flexibility for students considering future doctoral study.

Apply Now
Program StartLengthTuition CostFormat

JULY

2 YEARS 

$26,664 

2025-2026

ON-CAMPUS*

*hybrid accommodations for students at remote Tufts CTSI partners

Why the Tufts MS in Clinical & Translational Science (CTS)?

Real-World Application

The MS program emphasizes applied research methods that go beyond the classroom. Students gain practical skills in study design, data analysis, and translational methods that directly inform clinical practice, public health, and policy.

Integration with Tufts CTSI and NIH-Funded Infrastructure

As a Tufts CTS MS student, you’ll have access to the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)—a nationally recognized NIH-funded research hub. Through Tufts CTSI, students benefit from T32 and K12 training opportunities, interdisciplinary mentorship, career development resources, and access to large-scale research networks.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Our curriculum integrates biomedical, clinical, behavioral, quantitative, and social sciences. You’ll learn how to lead and contribute to team-based research that reflects the multifaceted nature of healthcare today.

Flexible Career Pathways

Graduates of the MS in Clinical & Translational Science are well-prepared for a variety of career directions, including:

  • Academic physicians who integrate research with patient care
  • Researchers and postdoctoral fellows in academic settings
  • Industry roles in biotech, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical research organizations
  • Policy and government positions focused on translational science
  • Direct entry into the PhD Program in Clinical & Translational Science at Tufts

Areas of Concentration

Students in the MS program choose from three areas of concentration:

  • Clinical Discovery and Investigation
  • Clinical Effectiveness Research
  • Practice to Policy Research

Additional training areas include predictive modeling, epidemiology, biostatistics, decision analysis, and cost-effectiveness studies. The breadth of Tufts CTS faculty expertise allows students to customize their training to fit career goals.

Curriculum Highlights

All students take core courses in study design, biostatistics, epidemiology, scientific writing and ethics and responsible conduct of research. In addition, MS students take electives that may include:

  • Instruction in clinical trials
  • Advanced statistical methods
  • Predictive modeling
  • Decision analysis
  • Cost effectiveness analysis
  • Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
  • Health services research
View CTS Curriculum

Mentored Research & MS Thesis

Every student completes an MS thesis under the guidance of a mentoring group of Tufts faculty experts. This ensures personalized support while developing independent research skills.

Admissions & Financing

Financing Your CTS MS

MS students may be eligible for competitive NIH T32 fellowships, which provide a stipend and tuition support. Additional details on program costs and financial aid can be found through GSBS admissions.

Financing Your CTS MS degree

Admissions

The MS in Clinical & Translational Science attracts a diverse range of applicants, including:

  • Clinicians (MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, DDS) seeking formal training in translational research
  • Biomedical and public health scientists
  • Postdoctoral fellows or predoctoral students preparing for PhD-level study

The program accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants. Applications are submitted through the GSBS online application system.

Apply to the CTS MS

Multiple Entry Points to Tufts CTS

The CTS programs at Tufts are designed to meet students where they are in their research careers—whether they’re looking to build a strong foundation or pursue advanced, independent research. Here’s how the MS and PhD programs compare:

    • MS Program (2 years):
      • Provides foundational and applied training in translational research.
      • Designed for clinicians and scientists who want to enhance research skills, advance their careers, or prepare for doctoral-level study. Includes a mentored MS thesis project.
        • Tufts CTS MS students who complete coursework, a qualifying exam, and an approved thesis proposal may apply to transition into the CTS PhD program.
    • PhD Program (4.5 years on average):
      • Offers in-depth methodological training and independent research experience for students pursuing careers as academic researchers, physician-scientists, or leaders of funded research programs.
      • Includes advanced coursework, concentrations, and a full dissertation.