Contents
Catalog Links
Share

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Clinical Investigations

Admissions

The application for the Graduate School is free. Application information can be found at stjude.org/graduate-school. Applicants must complete the entire application and attach the required supporting documents (listed below) to be considered. There is no minimum grade-point average (GPA) however, it is expected that the application materials demonstrate that the applicant has broad training and is equipped to succeed in graduate coursework and research.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Master of Science program in Clinical Investigations, applicants must be U.S.A. citizens, non-citizen nationals or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the U.S.A., or on a visa sponsored by another institution that allows for a full-time course of study in a degree-granting program. Applicants must also be residents of the state of Tennessee or Mississippi for the duration of the program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (i.e., BA, BS, or equivalent); an advanced clinical degree (i.e., MD, DDS, DMD, DO, DC, OD, or ND); a doctoral nursing degree; or a PhD with clinical responsibilities are preferred. Applicants must also agree to mentorship and oversight by an advisor in a clinical department.

Required Supporting Documents

  1. A curriculum vitae giving full details of the candidate’s personal history, education, honors, and previous experience.
  2. Unofficial transcripts of academic records (final, official transcripts are due upon matriculation). The unofficial transcripts should be submitted via the online application. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified word-by-word, English translation and uploaded online during the application process. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate School Registrar (via mail service: 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS1500, Memphis, TN 38105 or via transcript delivery service: registrar@stjude.org).
  3. Letters of reference from three mentors, professors, or program directors. The letters must be submitted directly via the website and should describe your academic successes, clinical background, potential for achievement at the graduate level, and capacity for creative, self-directed study.
    • If you are currently employed full-time at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or elsewhere, one of the letters should be from a current supervisor supporting your participation in the program and willingness to allow you to attend synchronous class sessions on Tuesday/Thursday afternoons during the fall and spring semesters.
    • If you are a clinical fellow or junior faculty member, one letter of support must come from your department chair or division chief. This can also serve as the above-referenced supervisor letter, if appropriate.
  4. A three-page personal statement (in English) that outlines:
  • your motivation for pursuing the MS in Clinical Investigations and how your past experiences and training have contributed to this interest;
  • what differentiates you as an applicant: your life experiences, why you are applying to this program, your research interests, your interest in contributing to new scientific knowledge, your commitment to fostering equity and innovation in healthcare and research, your experiences working/collaborating with others, and/or your leadership potential.
  • your professional goals upon completion of the program and how the MS in Clinical Investigations will contribute to attaining those goals.

Late Enrollment

Late enrollment is only available at the Dean’s sole discretion and under advisement of the program Associate Dean(s) and the Admissions Committee.

English Language Proficiency

All students must be proficient in English because all instruction and course materials will be provided in the English language.

Admissions Procedure

The application opens September 1 and required supporting documents will be accepted through January 15 for admission to the following academic year. The application and required supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm PST on January 15 for best consideration.  The Dean may waive this deadline only under exceptional circumstances and at their discretion. The Admissions Committee will review all applications. Accepted candidates will be notified by April 15.