Application for Admission
PhD in Clinical Research Program
The PhDCR program has the MSCR program curriculum as a prerequisite. Below are the application details for the MSCR program.
The PhDCR program runs on a two year cycle, although we are currently waiting for a large enough group of MSCR students to graduate and express intent to entroll in the PhDCR before beginning the next offering of the PhDCR curriculum. Please contact our program to be notified when a PhDCR cohort is beginning.
Click Here to jump to the Frequently Asked Questions section
Admission Requirements
- Admission to University of Hawaii Graduate Division is a mandatory prerequisite
- Click Here to download UH Graduate Division Admission Requirements as a pdf file
- Click Here to access UH Graduate Division Online Application
- Click Here to View UH Graduate Division Admission Process and Requirements
- Click Here to View UH Graduate Division Admission Requirements for International Students
- Possession of an MD, PhD, DDS, Pharm D or the appropriate doctoral degree (exceptions considered)
- Ability to devote at least 50% time to this program and to the conduct of one's own research study
- Established relationship with a research mentor (can be accomplished after acceptance to the program)
- MSCR students - a mentor must be identified during the course of program; however, the presence of a mentor when applying will have a significant and positive effect on application scoring.
- PhDCR students - a mentor is required prior to start of program
- TOEFL or IELTS English Language Score is required for most applicants who are non-native speakers of English:
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
- Paper-based Test Score of 600
- Internet-based Test Score of 100, with the following minimum section requirements:
- Reading: 19
- Speaking: 25
- Listening: 25
- Writing: 21
- Computer-based Test Score of 250
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- Score of 7.0 or above for the overall band test results.
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Program of Study
Approximately 36 Semester hours are required.
Students will take the majority of their course work in the first year allowing for focus on independent research during the second year.
Application Process
The required components for application to the MSCR program are in two
parts, 1) Application to the MSCR Program and 2) Application to Graduate Division.
This means that one set of documents is required for review by the MSCR admissions committee, and a different set of documents is required to apply to UH Graduate Division. Please insure that all of the appropriate documents are received by the application deadline and please allow for additional time for official transcripts being sent by your academic institutions.
1) Materials required by the MSCR program:
Please send these directly to our program at the Ilalo street address listed below, or via email to: 
a) MSCR/PhDCR Application Form (Click to download pdf)*
b) Curriculum Vitae -or- Biographical Sketch (Click to download blank pdf biosketch form if needed)*
(*Applicants should fill these forms out in Adobe Acrobat Reader, print, and submit to MSCR program when applying. If this will not open directly, right-click it and select "Save Link As...")
Please note: acceptance to graduate division does not equal admittance into the MSCR or PhDCR programs, as our space is limited. It is necessary to submit the above documents to our program for consideration by our admission committee.
The above documents should be mailed to:
John Perez
Masters in Clinical Research Program
Project Coordinator
651 Ilalo Street, MEB 224G
Honolulu, HI 96813-5534
2) Materials required by graduate division:
(Please send the documents required by graduate division directly to graduate division; sending them to our program could lead to application problems)
See instructions with graduate application on the Graduate division website
Here are some additional details regarding the application process:
- UH Graduate Division has Online and Paper Applications at this link
-
The Graduate division website has full instructions and downloadable
forms for the application process. - Official transcripts must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office
directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes
if submitted with the application. The Graduate Admissions Office also
accepts transcripts submitted through Interfolio. No transcripts should be
mailed or faxed to us at the MSCR Program.
Transcripts should be sent to the following address:Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way, Spalding Hall 354
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822 - Transcripts required will include every single transcript for all
undergraduate and graduate courses that you have taken. - Only the original filled out application forms with original
signatures will be accepted. These need to be sent directly to Graduate
Division. There is no need to mail or fax these documents to us. - In the form under item PROPOSED GRADUATE PROGRAM, enter:
Biomedical Science - Masters in Clinical Research
- Under DEGREE SOUGHT, enter:
PhD
**applicants will be interviewed by the selection committee or it's designate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does this program have any provision for internships in the industry
3. What are the Tuition costs?
4. How many credits can I transfer, or how many will apply to your program?
5. Are you open to International Students joining the program?
6. What is the length of time required to complete the degree?
7. What are the Admission Requirements?
8. What are the requirements regarding mentorship?
9. Is this program offered online?
10. Am I appropriate for your program?
11. Do you have funding available to students?
12. Do you have funding available to International Students
13. What are some funding options for International Students?
14. I already have a Masters degree, do I qualify for the PhD in Clinical Research program?
15. Do I need to come to your campus in order to participate in these programs?
16. How much time should I expect to spend each day while enrolled in these programs?
17. What if I can't take all of the courses one semester, or need to take time off?
18. Are there language requirements for admission to these programs?
19. Where is the program located, and where do I park?
20. Do I have to take the GRE exam?
24. What if I do not wish to pursue an MS, but only a PhD in Clinical Research?
26. When is the PhD in Clinical Research Program offered and admitting new students?
27. When should I register to begin with next cohort of the PhD in Clinical Research Program?
Answers
1. Does this program have any provision for internships in the industry
We do not have specific provisions for internships in the industry at this time as a part of our academic program.
2. What are the possibilities of getting assistantship (Teaching/Research Assistantship) at your university ?
There are opportunities through the University.
Please see the Work at UH web site: http://workatuh.hawaii.edu/
Please also see UH Graduate Division: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/grad/graduate-assistants
3. What are the Tuition costs?
For that information, please refer to the UH Tuition Schedule . Our program falls under Post-Baccalaureate Students: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/records/tuition_fees/
4. How many credits can I transfer, or how many will apply to your program?
That would probably have to be determined by Graduate Division, as they would have to review your course syllabi and associated materials. As for courses that may meet the requirements of our MSCR curriculum, that would probably have to be determined by our Curriculum Committee, also after review of the courses that you have already taken. In general, it is safe to assume that it will be necessary to take all of the courses in our program, since there are few equivalent programs available at other universities.
5. Are you open to International Students joining the program?
Eligibility of applicants, including International applicants, is subject to the requirements and standards of Graduate Division . Please see their web site for more information:
http://www.hawaii.edu/graduatestudies/international/html/international.htm
6. What is the length of time required to complete the degree?
1 1/2 to 2 years is typical for coursework and thesis preparation for MS; approximately 3 years for PhD.
7. What are the Admission Requirements?
Requirements for our program admission are as follows:
- Acceptance to UH Graduate Division
- Possession of an MD, PhD, DDS, Pharm D or the appropriate doctoral degree (exceptions considered)
- Ability to devote at least 50% time to this program and to the conduct of one's own research study
- Established relationship with a research mentor (can be accomplished after acceptance to the program)
- TOEFL or IELTS English Language Score as follows (See question 18)
8. What are the requirements regarding mentorship?
- MSCR students - a mentor must be identified during the course of program; however, the presence of a mentor when applying will have a significant and positive effect on application scoring.
- PhDCR students - a mentor is required prior to start of program
9. Is this program offered online?
No, not at this time. Courses are attended in person at the UH Medical School Kaka'ako campus.
10. Am I appropriate for your program?
Some examples of appropriate students for the MSCR and PhDCR programs may include:
- Clinicians
- ECFMG Graduates
- Medical professionals and scientists with US Domestic or equivalent training
11. Do you have funding available to students?
Currently, our program has no funding available to subsidize students during their training in our programs.
Please see UH Graduate Division's links:
12. Do you have funding available to International Students
If funding does become available, it would not likely be available for international students as a condition of our federal funding sources.
13. What are some funding options for International Students?
Information related to funding for international students may be available here:
http://www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa/Forms/GeneralFinancialInfo.pdf
http://www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa/student_prospective.htm
http://www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa/student.htm
http://www.hawaii.edu/admissions/aid.html
14. I already have a Masters degree, do I qualify for the PhD in Clinical Research program?
In general, no, as the PhDCR has as a prerequisite, the curriculum offered by the MSCR program. The only accepted substitute for our MSCR curriculum is a degree from an accredited equivalent Masters in Clinical Research Program. A masters degree in another field of study would not provide the training needed to begin our PhDCR program.
15. Do I need to come to your campus in order to participate in these programs?
Yes, as distance education is not currently offered for our MSCR and PhDCR programs. The only course where occasional remote attendance is permitted via video or conference phone, is the Clinical Research Seminar. Students that would not be available to attend courses at our campus would not be eligible for acceptance to the programs.
16. How much time should I expect to spend each day while enrolled in these programs?
Courses are generally offered one day a week, for up to 8 hours. Students should also be prepared to commit the equivalent of 20 hours per week for research and study.
17. What if I can't take all of the courses one semester, or need to take time off?
Due to the way that courses are offered for these programs, as a two year cohort, it is necessary to register for all courses offered each semester. Inability to take courses as they are offered would result in the need to wait until the courses were offered again during the next cohort, up to two years later. It is necessary to maintain enrollment in the program(s) during every semester prior to graduation unless a leave properly is properly approved. It is important to be gain approval for any necessary leave promptly, in order to avoid being dismissed from Graduate Division, which would require re-application and associated fees in order to continue at a later date.
18. Are there language requirements for admission to these programs?
The MSCR and PhDCR programs require a minimum TOEFL or IELTS English Language Score as follows
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
- Paper-based Test Score of 600
- Internet-based Test Score of 100, with the following minimum section requirements:
- Reading: 19
- Speaking: 25
- Listening: 25
- Writing: 21
- Computer-based Test Score of 250
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- Score of 7.0 or above for the overall band test results.
or
or
19. Where is the program located, and where do I park?
The address is:
- 651 Ilalo St., Medical Education Building (MEB), Honolulu, HI 96825
We are located at the:
Parking for those without faculty or staff permits is at parking Lot C for $4 per day (subject to increase).
20. Do I have to take the GRE exam?
The GRE exam can be waived in the cases of those with advanced post graduate degrees such as MD.
The next cohort is scheduled to begin in Fall 2013, and we expect to review new applications in Spring 2013. Inquiries and MSCR/PhDCR application forms are welcome any time before then, although applications to UH Graduate Division should be filed with the intention of enrolling for Fall 2013. Application to a semester when one cannot enroll results in the need to re-apply including associated fees.
22. What if I already have a MS in some other field, and am interested in only a PhD in Clinical Research?
An MS degree in another field would not provide the foundation needed to proceed directly with the PhDCR curriculum, so it is still necessary to take the courses that comprise our MSCR curriculum.
23. What if I already have an MS in Clinical Research, and am interested in only a PhD in Clinical Research from UH?
An MS from an equivalent accredited MS in Clinical Research Program from another University is reviewed by our admission committee, and can meet our prerequisites for admission into the PhD in Clinical Research Program.
24. What if I do not wish to pursue an MS, but only a PhD in Clinical Research?
The PhD in Clinical Research Program is an extension of our MS curriculum, so the MS courses are still required unless you already have an equivalent MS in Clinical Research Degree. The students in our program that choose to pursue only a PhDCR first take the courses from the MS program during the first year (3 semesters), and then continue with the PhD curriculum.
25. What is the difference between pursuing both an MSCR and PhDCR vs. only a PhD in Clinical Research?
Most of our students obtain both an MS and PhD in Clinical Research, although for those that chose only the PhD, the only difference in their curriculum is that they do not develop a masters thesis and take fewer research credits overall. The time required to obtain a PhD is 3-4 years, which is the same amount of time that most students complete both MS and PhD programs.
26. When is the PhD in Clinical Research Program offered and admitting new students?
The PhDCR curriculum is staggered so the course begin one year after the beginning of the MSCR curriculum, so while the MSCR Program is beginning a class in Fall 2011, the PhDCR Program would begin courses in Fall 2012.
27. When should I register to begin with next cohort of the PhD in Clinical Research Program?
- Students that already have an MS in Clinical Research from an equivalent accredited MS in Clinical Research Program can apply for PhD admission with the intent to enroll in Fall 2012. It is recommended that those interested in doing so would contact us with information regarding the curriculum from your MS in Clinical Research program as soon as possible, so that it can be reviewed by our committee to insure that all course requirements will be met. The courses specific to the next offering of the PhDCR curriculum will begin in Fall 2012.
- Students that do not have an MS in Clinical Research from an equivalent accredited program should apply for admission to the PhDCR Program with the intent to enroll in Fall 2013. The foundational courses for the next cohort of the PhD program begin in Fall 2013, and PhDCR specific courses begin in Fall 2014.