Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the principles and practice of clinical research, emphasising rigorous study design, ethical conduct and data analysis. Core topics typically include research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical trial design, outcomes research, translational science, and research ethics and regulatory affairs. Students also learn practical skills in data management, grant writing, protocol development and use of clinical research informatics.

Instruction combines coursework with mentored, hands-on experience. Typical curriculum elements are:

• Research methods and study design – randomized trials, observational studies, cohort and case–control designs, bias and confounding.
• Biostatistics – applied statistical methods, regression, survival analysis, sample size and power calculations, and use of standard software.
• Clinical trials and regulatory affairs – phases of clinical trials, good clinical practice (GCP), institutional review board (IRB) processes and FDA/EMA regulatory considerations.
• Translational research and outcomes – biomarkers, implementation science and measurement of patient-reported outcomes.
• Data management and informatics – clinical databases, electronic health record data use, data security and reproducible research practices.
• Capstone / thesis or practicum – a mentored research project, practicum placement or systematic review that applies learned methods to a real clinical research question.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in a biological science, nursing, pharmacy, public health, psychology, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Academic preparation in statistics or quantitative methods and in basic biological or clinical science is advantageous. Typical application components include official transcripts, a CV or résumé, a personal statement describing research interests and career goals, and letters of recommendation.

Relevant professional or research experience strengthens an application, particularly experience in clinical settings, laboratory research or health data analysis. Some applicants without formal quantitative coursework may be admitted conditional on completing preparatory statistics modules. International applicants must satisfy the university’s English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the technical and practical skills sought by employers across academic medical centres, hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organisations (CROs) and public-health organisations. Common roles include:

• Clinical research coordinator or manager
• Clinical trials specialist or project manager
• Data manager or clinical data analyst
• Regulatory affairs associate
• Outcomes researcher or epidemiologist
• Research associate in translational or investigator-initiated studies

Many alumni use the MSc as a pathway to doctoral study (PhD or MD/PhD) or to leadership positions in research administration and trial operations. The programme’s emphasis on hands-on projects and collaborations with clinical investigators helps build a professional network within the Chicago medical research community.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers this programme within a research-active environment linked to university hospitals and clinical departments, enabling close collaboration between students and practising investigators. The university’s clinical research infrastructure, experienced faculty with active clinical programmes, and access to patient populations support practical, mentored research training.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching that integrates clinical medicine, public health and biostatistics, and from professional-development resources such as career services, grant-writing workshops and opportunities to present at institutional research symposia. Loyola’s location in the Chicago region provides access to a broad network of health-care organisations, research institutions and industry partners for placements and employment.