Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science is designed for practicing clinicians with a terminal degree in a health professions field—such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, or public health—who seek advanced training in research methods and grant writing to support careers in clinical or translational research. It also serves doctoral-level (PhD) scientists in the basic sciences who aim to translate their research into clinical or population health applications. This flexible, interdisciplinary program equips scholars with the tools to bridge the gap between bench and bedside.
Program Overview
The Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine, in affiliation with the University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science, offers a Ph.D., M.S., and graduate certificate program in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS). The academic discipline focuses on acceleration of the translation of basic science advances to tangible improvements in public health.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
1. In lieu of a personal statement, preparation of original narrative responses to the following questions:
- Please compare and contrast Clinical and Translational Science with Basic Science.
- How do your research interests align with Clinical and Translational Science?
- Why are you pursuing graduate study in Clinical and Translational Science?
- What are your professional goals and how will education in Clinical and Translational Science help you to reach these goals?
- Please provide a semester-by-semester timeline for completing the requirements for the CTS program to which you are applying. See the program guide for requirements.
2. Current CV
3. Transcripts (undergraduate and current or most recent institution are required)
4. Receipt of two letters of recommendation on letterhead accompanied by a standardized rating form via the UK Graduate School application portal:
- If the applicant is in a residency or fellowship program, a letter from the residency/fellowship director is required
- If the applicant is a faculty member, a letter from the division or department chair is required
- Letters from supervisors (residency/fellowship director and/or department chair) should address the support and/or protected time that will be provided for support the applicant’s training
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Fall
- 05/01/2026
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Spring
- 10/01/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2026
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
"As a young physician scientist with interest in translational research, I wanted to better position myself to design and conduct successful clinical studies. Joining the Clinical and Translational Science Certificate program was vital towards achieving that aim.
I really enjoyed the format of the classes, which were organized in small groups that facilitate student participation and close interaction with the course instructors. The coursework was rigorous, and the pace of learning was tailored to my clinical workload without being overwhelming.
Through the completion of the CTS Certificate program, I greatly improved my grant writing skills and my critical thinking. I have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I gained through this program to my own clinical studies. The Certificate program is an invaluable resource to faculty at the University of Kentucky who are looking to expand their clinical research skills and invest in their career in research."
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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