Clinical Data Science MS Program
Curriculum and Schedule

A Structured Path From Coursework to Practice

The Clinical Data Science curriculum blends classroom learning with a practical, field-based experience. Full-time students can complete the degree in 12 months; part-time students in 24 months. Coursework is delivered through a mix of in-person and online formats and emphasizes scientific rigor, team collaboration, and real-world problem solving.

Practicum placements are highly sought after and students are placed in industry-leading organizations throughout the country. Students may choose a placement in one of a number of different settings, including academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotech, or other industry-based settings, depending upon the needs of the students and sponsoring organizations.

Courses and Training Components

A minimum of 33 credit hours is required to graduate.

Required Courses

Core Courses

CDS 6010 — Clinical Data Science I: Overview
CDS 6020 — Clinical Data Science II: Roles & Responsibilities
CDS 6030 — Clinical Data Science III: Design & Implementation
CDS 6050 — Practicum in Clinical Data Science

Research Foundations Courses

CDS 7000 — Biostatistics in Clinical Data Science
CS/BMIN 7053 — Introduction to Medical Informatics
CDS 7020 — Introduction to Biomedical Science
BE 7036 or PHDD 8010 — Clinical Research Regulatory Overview / Global Regulatory Drugs & Devices
PHIL 6050 — Clinical Research Ethics

Electives (Choose One)

Options include:

Applied AI and Machine Learning
Data Engineering
Project Management and Evaluation
Database Systems and Applications
Principles of Clinical Trials
Scientific Communication

Sample Program Sequences

Full-Time (12-Month)

Fall: 12 credit hours
Spring: 15 credit hours
Summer: 6 credit hour practicum

Part-Time (24-Month)

Fall Year 1: 6 credits
Spring Year 1: 6 credits
Summer Year 1: 6 credits
Fall Year 2: 3 credits
Spring Year 2: 6 credits
Summer Year 2: 6-credit practicum

A Day in the Life

Students engage with coursework through lectures, discussions, and hands-on computational exercises. Core courses introduce students to the essential components of data science in clinical settings. Research courses introduce them to the scientific, theoretical, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of clinical research studies. Students should expect to devote 10 to 12 hours per week for each 3-credit course taken, depending on one’s background and prior training.

The final semester includes a full-time, 8-week practicum with an academic, industry, government, or nonprofit research organization, allowing students to apply classroom learning directly to real-world challenges.

Program Leadership

Clinical Data Science MS ProgramCurriculum and Schedule