Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research

Prepare Your Career in Biomedical Research

Are you ready to take your research experience to the next level? The independent Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research at City of Hope offers an immersive, hands-on, lab-centered graduate experience designed to prepare the next generation of physician-scientists, clinical researchers, and biomedical professionals.

Established in 2018, our two-year program is built for students who want more than lectures — they want to be in the lab, in the clinic, and at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Why Choose This Program?

Hands-On Research and Technology Training
Spend significant time in the lab conducting meaningful research under the guidance of experienced faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs).

Focused Study in Disease Biology & Clinical Trials
Gain real-world insight into:

• Disease modeling
• Translational research
• Clinical trial design and implementation
• How to write and structure a clinical trial
• Data analysis and scientific presentation

Thesis Required
All students complete an original research thesis and present their findings, building a competitive research portfolio.

Clinical Exposure
Opportunities to shadow in clinical settings and understand how research translates to patient care.

Explore Your Path
Ideal for:

• Pre-medical students
• Recent undergraduates with strong academic performance
• Students with prior research experience seeking to strengthen their CV
• Individuals exploring whether to pursue medicine, research, or both

Many of our students refine their career goals during the program — some transition toward advanced research careers after discovering a deeper passion for scientific investigation.

Program Highlights

• Duration: 2 years
• Start Date: August (rolling admissions; early application encouraged)
• Class Size: Intentionally small (10–15 students targeted; maximum capacity 20)
• Faculty to Student Ratio: Individualized mentorship ensures strong mentor-student alignment
• Independent Master’s Program within a world-renowned research environment
• A Dedicated Pathway to the PhD in Translational Medicine for outstanding MS graduates to continue doctoral training at City of Hope

Cost

• Tuition: $27,500 per year
• 50% Tuition Waiver Available
• Working toward Title IV eligibility (federal loan access)
• Potential scholarship opportunities through PI sponsorship (based on fit and availability)

Who Should Apply?

Competitive applicants will have:

• Strong undergraduate academic performance
• Research experience (highly preferred)
• Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences, medicine, or clinical research
• Community engagement or service (e.g., healthcare volunteering, Red Cross, or similar experiences are valued)
• Curiosity, initiative, and readiness for rigorous hands-on training

We are particularly seeking local/domestic students who are eager to train in a collaborative, high-impact research environment.

Rolling Admissions – Apply Early

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may receive decisions quickly.

If you are ready to deepen your research experience, strengthen your medical or graduate school application, and train in a dynamic, translational research environment—

Submit your application through the application link in this posting to be considered.

Take the next step in your research career at City of Hope.