Clinical Investigation

Course location/delivery

This 12-credit certificate is offered both online, or in traditional format at the Tampa campus.

Brief Description

This Distance Learning Graduate Certificate in Clinical Investigation offers students the opportunity to do graduate-level study that focuses on Clinical Investigation and advanced study in the field of clinical research. This coursework is designed to support the development and implementation of a clinical research education program for patient-oriented research. The curriculum will provide knowledge related to biostatistics, epidemiology, research methodology and bioethics. Students receive a graduate certificate upon completing the program. Courses offered in the graduate certificate at or above the 6000 level may be applied toward a Master's or Ph.D. program. The graduate certificate offers students flexibility in class scheduling and focused course work. Graduates will develop the specialized knowledge required in hospital, laboratory, industry, or university settings. It is anticipated that some students will apply for graduate Master/Ph.D.. degrees offered by USF Health at the University of South Florida. In addition to medical residents, the certificate is also intended for students who are not yet committed to pursuing a graduate degree.

Credit toward graduate degree

Up to nine (9) hours, or three (3) courses of graduate certificate course credits at or above the 6000 level may be applied to a graduate degree with departmental approval.

Standardized tests

International students must submit a TOEFL score when English is not the native language. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 79 on the web-based test is required.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have:

  1. A personal interview may be required
  2. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in science, or its equivalent.
  3. A minimum GPA of 3.0

Application process

Please visit http://www.gradcerts.usf.edu/admissions.asp to access the application. In addition, to the application forms please submit:

  1. Departmental Approval Form (Please print, sign, and submit this form with all other documents to our office).
  2. Official transcripts
  3. A resume
  4. A 250- word letter of interest stating your objectives for pursuing this course of study
  5. A two to three page essay. Contact department for additional information.

Registration process

First, consult with the certificate program advisor and obtain an electronic course permit if necessary. Then go to http://usfonline.admin.usf.edu/, the link to OASIS, USF's online registration system. Follow directions given online.

To access online course materials, students must have the USF NetID (e-mail account). Please visit: https://netid.usf.edu/una/# to obtain the NetID.

New students, including those studying online, may obtain the USFCard. Please visit: http://www.auxsvc.usf.edu/usfcard.html to obtain th

Tuition and fees

Tuition and Fees

Financial aid

Please use this link to search for available loans: http://www.simpletuition.com/student_loans_home

Time limit

Two years