CTS PhD Program

The PhD program is an in-person program designed for trainees pursuing significant research careers. Students complete doctoral coursework, select a concentration, and conduct mentored dissertation research culminating in an oral thesis defense.

Real-World Application

Engage in hands-on research that extends beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on solving urgent healthcare challenges. Students gain hands-on experience designing and conducting studies that inform policy, clinical practice, and public health. You’ll graduate ready to lead applied research projects that have immediate relevance and lasting impact.

Integration with Tufts CTSI and NIH-Funded Infrastructure

As a Tufts CTS PhD 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 PhD 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

Students may pursue one of three primary research concentrations:

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

In addition, students receive strong training in predictive modeling, epidemiology, biostatistics, decision analysis, and cost-effectiveness studies—allowing them to tailor research projects to their specific clinical and scientific interests.

All students take core courses in study design, biostatistics, epidemiology, scientific writing and ethics and responsible conduct of research. In addition, PhD 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

Every PhD student works under the guidance of a mentoring team and thesis committee, drawing from Tufts’ broad faculty expertise across medicine, public health, nutrition, psychiatry, pediatrics, occupational therapy, and beyond. Students complete a doctoral thesis, defended before their committee, program faculty, and an external examiner.

Financing Your CTS PhD

PhD 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 Degree

Admissions

The CTS PhD program has a three common entry points:

1. MS-to-PhD Transition: Students in the CTS MS program who have successfully completed course work, a qualifying exam and prepared an approved thesis proposal may be admitted into the PhD program—our most common pathway.
2. Direct Entry: Individuals with a professional doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, DDS) and an MS in Clinical Research or an equivalent degree may apply directly.
3. MD/PhD Students: Medical students in Tufts’ MD/PhD track may complete their doctoral research through the CTS PhD program.

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

Apply to the CTS PhD