Clinical and Translational Research and Innovation PhD

Major: Clinical and Translational Research and Innovation
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 90.0
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0102
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1042; 19-4021

About the Program

Overview

Drexel University’s Clinical and Translational Research and Innovation offers a non-traditional, distance learning program. The structure of this program allows faculty members to remain employed in their current university, take courses online, and perform all aspects of their research in their current location. This program is an excellent opportunity for mid-level faculty embedded in their communities to earn a PhD with minimal disruption in lifestyle.

Details

The PhD program consists of 90 total semester credit hours. Fifty-five credits represent the candidate’s actual research project. The online courses are designed to teach the student how to become an independent researcher. The program emphasis is on how one proceeds through the research process, e.g. how to formulate hypotheses, how to assess the level of evidence, how to write a critical literature review, the need for logical approaches and sound rationales in the development of experimental approaches, and statistical evaluation.

Admission Requirements

The intended program start date of the program is August, fall term of each year. Applications must be submitted on or before July 1 of the year of desired enrollment.

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
   
• Review and selection begins after applicants submit all the necessary documents via the GradCAS application service.
   
• To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and to complete the application requirements as soon as possible.

During the review process, the academic background of the applicant is assessed to determine academic eligibility and their entry point into the program. Each candidate is evaluated by the Admissions Committee and the evaluation includes a formal interview.

For questions regarding the application process, contact and admissions counselor at graduateadmissions@drexel.edu, or call 800.824.6262 (toll-free in North America), or 215.780.1301 prior to initiating the online GradCAS application.

Criteria and Prerequisites

All applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must hold an undergraduate (or equivalency) or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted to the program.

The program seeks individuals who have educational prerequisites, interest and motivation for undertaking advancing in biomedicine and research careers, consistent with the program's stated mission, goals and objectives.

The University accepts applications through the GradCAS centralization application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal.

Submit a completed application through GradCAS: If new to the GradCAS application portal, a new account will need to be created. Once the account has been created:

Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.

Use the search filters to locate the Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus Graduate Programs in Biomedicine program.

Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and program Materials.

Use the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resources.

A non-refundable fee of 4138 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCA application portal.

Submit official transcripts from all colleges (undergraduate, graduate, professional) attended. Partial transcripts should be submitted if courses are still in progress. Official transcripts must be issued directly to the GradCAS Transcript Processing Center from each institution, not to the student. A transcript marked "issued to student" is not acceptable, even when delivered in a sealed envelope.

Further instructions on submitting official transcripts.

International Students, please review below any additional requirements needed.

• Educational Resume/Curriculum Vitae- the document should list, in chronological order, an applicant's education and work experiences, publications, honors and achievements to date and can be submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
   
• Two Letters of Evaluation- to be submitted through the GradCAS application portal on applicant's behalf. When completing the online application, applicants must supply the name and email address of two people who are not related to the applicant and who will provide the University with a reference. References will be contacted by GradCAS and provided with instructions on how to submit an evaluation electronically. The references should be from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record, and/or personal characteristics.
   
• Experience Essay – describe those life experiences that have contributed to applicant's perspectives on biomedical issues, values and needs, both domestically and internationally, as appropriate. This essay is submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
   
• Statement of Interest (5-page single-space limit) – the application process serves as an entry point into the program. It is important that the applicant has previously thought through which of the general areas and disciplines they wish to embrace. From the point of registration forward, the student begins the process of becoming a scholar in their specific chosen area(s) and will thereby devote the greater time of their professional academic life to the pursuit of stewardship of this discipline(s). Please follow the guidelines below when crafting the statement, which is submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
   
• All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.

Statement of Interest Guidelines

The program teaches the student to investigate and apply facts and concepts in a unique manner that are taught within individual professional goals and areas of interest. In addition, it is equally important that the student utilize their training and experience to begin to establish a network of colleagues and facilities in their home country that embraces interests similar to their own. The goal of the educational experience is to facilitate continuing further research activities immediately upon graduation.

It is essential, therefore, in the selection of both students and their mentors, for each applicant to reflect upon and answer the following questions/statements:

What is your purpose of earning a PhD degree?

Please provide examples of the research questions you are interested in pursuing. Include sufficient background information to explain why you view such questions as important to pursue. Lastly, identify what society will gain in your pursuit of this type of research.

Which of the biomedical disciplines would you apply to the above question?

For example, clinical sciences, laboratory sciences, rehabilitation sciences, and population sciences

How would you classify your area of research interest?

You may indicate more than one choice. Please describe any sub-specialization within the areas below:

Clinical including clinical trials

Basic research

Military application

Industrial (pharmaceutical, development of devices or equipment or other)

Please provide a brief synopsis of your professional experience so far, including any research.

The University reserves the right to use software to detect plagiarism in the application essays. The applicant’s statement must be written in their own words.

International Applicants

International Transcripts

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:

A course-by-course review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult the agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. Recommended agences include:

World Education Services

The Evaluation Company

International Education Evaluation

An offician credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to: Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus, Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Degree Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Program Learning Outcomes