Application
Applying to MSCI
Candidates should submit an application that includes biographical information, references, career goals, and a specific proposal for a clinical and translational research project. The research proposal must identify the candidate’s mentor. Applications will be judged on the quality of the science proposed, on the mentor’s commitment to the candidate’s career development, and on the overall impact of the training program on the applicant’s career development.
Typically scholars enter the program at the start of the fall term. Under exceptional circumstances, students may enter the program in the spring or summer terms with the program director’s approval.
The priority application deadline is February 28. Applicants who apply for the MSCI program after the February 28 priority deadline will receive consideration for admission if space permits. A completed application and required supporting documents must be received at least 45 business days before the start date of the term in which the student matriculates into the program.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates for the MSCI Program include:
- Board-eligible physicians enrolled in a fellowship program at Vanderbilt or Meharry Medical College,
- Vanderbilt or Meharry residents with protected time for research,
- Vanderbilt medical students with protected time for research after the third year of medical education,
- Vanderbilt faculty members with the consent of their Department Chair,
- Post-Doctoral PhDs anticipating a career in clinical and translational research,
- PhD candidates in the School of Nursing anticipating a career in clinical and translational research, and
- Scholars external to Vanderbilt/Meharry will be considered based on the availability of a suitable mentor within Vanderbilt and the related professional background of the candidate.
Candidates must be in good standing with their home department at all stages during admission and remain in good standing with the home department and the MSCI program throughout matriculation.
Required Application Materials
Area of Study: Medicine-Non MD
Program: Clinical Investigation
Financial Awards: Financial awards include scholarships and tuition support from VU, VUMC, and other sources. Priority for financial awards is given to applications received by the February 28 deadline.
2. Letter from mentor documenting commitment to the candidate’s career development, and, if part-time applicant, mentor’s commitment to part-time attendance and completion of the degree. Please include a copy of the mentor’s curriculum vitae.
3. Three letters of recommendation (may include mentor).
4. Letter from the Division Director or Department Chair assuring 75% or more protected time for research.
5. Research Plan: The three to five-page proposal should describe Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Experimental Methods, Procedures, and Long-Term Objectives. Research plans exceeding the five-page limit will be returned; the page limit does not include references. Be sure to provide a title for your project.
6. Curriculum Vitae of the applicant.
7. Statement how this proposed research plan fits your career objectives.
You may upload your Research Plan, Curriculum Vitae, and Career Statement in the application section labeled Statement of Purpose.
8. Letter stating tuition payment confirmation throughout enrollment and, if applicable, support for part-time attendance from the responsible person or department on official letterhead.
9. Undergraduate and medical school transcripts. Official transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution, not the candidate.
Candidates submitting official transcripts from international institutions should refer to the University Registrar’s guidelines. International students with questions about the prior degree verification process may contact Aimee Leavitt, Assistant University Registrar, at prior-degree-review@vanderbilt.edu.
Please send official e-Scripts or official electronic transcripts to CDM@vanderbilt.edu.
Mail official transcripts to:
Office of the University Registrar
Vanderbilt University
PMB 407701
Nashville, TN 37240-7701
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Proposals must outline clinical and translational research that is hypothesis-driven and mechanistic.
- Performance of the project must be feasible within two years.
- Project mentors must have extramural research grant funding that is assured for the project duration.
- Sponsoring departments will be expected to guarantee that 75% or more of the candidate’s professional time will be devoted to the goals and objectives of the MSCI program.
Tuition
The MSCI Program is typically a full-time, two-year (5 academic terms) program. Tuition is usually funded through NIH training grant mechanisms, corporate/foundation grants, or institutional resources. In addition, partial scholarships are available for qualified applicants (pending funding availability). Tuition not covered by a sponsor, department, and/or grant is the financial responsibility of the enrolled student. Learn more about potential resources for funding MSCI.
Current students may access their e-bill through the Office of Student Accounts or YES (Your Enrollment Services).
Tuition and student fee amounts for the upcoming academic year are determined every April by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust.
Tuition, 2023-2024
Tuition and student fee amounts for the upcoming academic year are determined every April by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, and they are published by the Office of Student Accounts.
Year 1:
- Tuition, $43,668
- One-Time Transcript Fee: $100
Year 2:
- Tuition, $21,834
Special Student (non-degree):
- Tuition, $1,872 per credit hour
- One-Time Transcript Fee: $100
Student Health Insurance:
- Fall: Student Health Insurance, $1868
- Spring: Student Health Insurance, $1867
- Fall: International Student Health Insurance, $1988
- Spring: International Student Health Insurance, $1987