Dartmouth College

What you'll study

This master’s programme combines core training in clinical research methods and health systems science with applied coursework in quality improvement, leadership and implementation. Typical modules include:

• Biostatistics and Research Design – study design, data management, regression methods and interpretation of clinical research.
• Epidemiology and Population Health – measures of disease frequency, causal inference and population-level approaches to health problems.
• Health Systems and Policy – organisation of healthcare delivery, financing, policy levers and comparative system analysis.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – methods for process improvement, systems thinking, safety culture and measurement of outcomes.
• Implementation Science – strategies to translate evidence into practice, evaluation frameworks and scaling interventions.
• Ethics, Regulation and Responsible Conduct of Research – consent, confidentiality, regulatory frameworks and ethical issues in clinical research.
• Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration – team-based care, communication, change management and leadership skills tailored to clinical settings.
• Capstone or Thesis Project – an applied project or dissertation that addresses a real-world clinical problem, often completed in partnership with a clinical site or research group.

The programme is typically delivered through a mix of seminars, small-group workshops, applied practica and mentored research. Students often have access to clinical learning opportunities through Dartmouth-affiliated hospitals and community health partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent; many candidates will be clinicians or allied health professionals with postgraduate experience. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Academic transcripts showing strong preparation in quantitative and science-based coursework; prior coursework in statistics or research methods is advantageous.
• A current CV outlining clinical, research or professional experience.
• Personal statement describing professional goals, reasons for pursuing the degree and proposed areas of interest for study or capstone work.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three), preferably including at least one academic and one professional reference.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (for example, approved language test scores or institutional waivers where applicable).

Some pathways accept applicants with a mix of academic and relevant professional experience even if they do not meet all traditional prerequisites; prospective students should consult the programme office about preparatory coursework or part-time pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of clinical, administrative and research roles within healthcare organisations, academic centres and the wider health sector. Common career destinations include:

• Clinical researcher or research coordinator working on clinical trials and translational studies.
• Quality improvement and patient safety specialist within hospitals or health systems.
• Clinical programme manager or director overseeing service development and implementation.
• Health services analyst or policy advisor in government, non-profit or consultancy settings.
• Clinical educator or faculty member involved in professional training and curriculum development.
• Implementation scientist focused on taking evidence-based interventions into routine practice.

The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and partnerships with clinical sites helps graduates demonstrate practical impact and build networks that support career progression in both clinical and academic environments.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Studying this programme at Dartmouth offers close mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration through connections with Dartmouth’s medical school and affiliated health system. Students benefit from a small cohort model that encourages personalised faculty support, access to active clinical settings for applied projects, and opportunities to work on problems in rural and community health—an area of particular institutional strength.

Dartmouth’s environment emphasises translational and team-based approaches, providing a productive setting for developing leadership skills and building research experience. The college’s research resources, clinical partnerships and focus on improving care delivery make it a strong choice for professionals aiming to lead change in clinical practice and health services.