Core Curriculum

The purpose of the core curriculum is to provide trainees with the basic set of skills that are required by clinical investigators in all fields of interest. These skills include an understanding of research design, epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, study and survey design, and measurement of outcomes.

The four core courses that comprise the core curriculum are offered in July and August. To help cultivate a greater sense of community and enhance engagement among our students, please note that the summer core courses are held in-person. These courses are commonly taken together but can be distributed over two summer terms with the guidance of an academic advisor.

CLRES 2005 Computer Methods in Clinical Research
CLRES 2010 Clinical Research Methods
CLRES 2020 Biostatistics
CLRES 2040 Measurement in Clinical Research

Electives

Students collaborate with your academic advisor to enroll in ICRE courses that most benefit their research and future career goals. Certificate students take a minimum of 6 elective credits.

Clinical Research Certificate students are required to attend eight 1-hour CTSI Responsible Conduct in Research workshops or enroll in the ICRE course CLRES 2050: Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research. At the time of graduation, students must have at least 8 hours of RCR training through CTSI or have successfully completed CLRES 2050 in order to be eligible to graduate.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated cost of the two-year program for tuition and fees for a Pennsylvania resident is $20,435 and $31,850 for out-of-state residents. Please note that these estimates are based off the 2023-2024 School of Medicine tuition rates so they are subject to change. Information regarding tuition and mandatory University Fees is maintained by the University of Pittsburgh Office of Institutional Research.

Financial Aid

The Institute for Clinical Research Education does not provide financial aid. Unless students have other funding sources, they are responsible for covering the tuition costs, taxes, and fees associated with their course enrollment.

Many individuals accepted into the ICRE degree-granting programs have faculty-based or student-based affiliations with the University of Pittsburgh or University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Faculty, fellows, or medical residents at these institutions may be eligible for tuition benefits. For complete information, contact University of Pittsburgh Office of Human Resources or the UPMC Tuition Assistance Employee Service Center (1-800-994-2752; press option 3).

Clinical Research Degree Programs Handbook

A comprehensive record of information relevant to the Degree Programs in Clinical Research.