MD/Master of Arts in Clinical Investigation (MACI)

Combining medical education with training and experience in clinical research prepares clinician-researchers to improve patient health as well as health care. The dual degree program is appealing to those students who are interested in pursuing careers in the areas of medicine and clinical research in either an academic environment or pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry setting.

The program is designed as a five-year, full-time experience, although accommodations can be made for students who need more time to complete the dual degree. Senior faculty with clinical and research expertise will both instruct and mentor students throughout the program. The required research thesis is designed to allow the student to demonstrate research skills. Students will also develop fine-tuned clinical research skills as they complete 240 hours of a clinical research practicum in either an academic institution or in industry.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Investigation (MACI) program exists within the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). As an entity of BUSM, students are provided with opportunities and are exposed to resources that are part of the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston Medical Center, two VA administrations, and BioSquare. All of this offers students endless opportunities for personal, academic, and professional development.

The MACI program teaches students the scientific fundamentals of human research. Courses in our curriculum provide an in-depth look at all of the key elements in clinical investigation, including: trial design, trial management, biostatistics, ethical issues, and clinical research regulations. Other courses cover how basic science discoveries translate into clinical investigation and new therapies.

The total course requirement is 32 credit hours: 18 hours are required curriculum; 14 hours are elective courses. Students will also complete a research “practicum”; a hands-on involvement in a clinical research project under a scientific mentor. The final requirement for the degree is to conduct clinical research, write, and present a research thesis.

The MACI program is designed for anyone interested in a career in clinical research. This includes those holding an MD or PhD interested in becoming independent principal investigators, as well as those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees who seek advancement in a research career in industry or academic settings. The program provides students with a rigorous academic experience, and hands-on exposure to and practical experience in clinical research. MACI graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as competently trained clinical research professionals.

Curriculum

Master of Arts in Clinical Investigation degree candidates are required to complete a minimum of eight semester courses equaling at least 32 credits at the graduate level, including all of the following:

Required Coursework (18 credits)

  • GMS CI 675 Designing Clinical Research Studies (4 cr)
  • GMS CI 631 Clinical Trials Conduct and Management (4 cr)
  • GMS CI 640 Regulatory and Compliance Issues (4 cr)
  • GMS CI 670 Biostatistics with Computer (4 cr)
  • GMS CI 790 Seminar in Clinical Investigation (2 cr)

Advanced Standing

Students who have completed one or more of the required courses before matriculation may acquire advanced standing for that requirement. Advanced standing means that the student may waive the requirement but would need to replace the course requirement by taking an elective course(s). The student would not need to retake the course requirement. To waive a course requirement, students must speak to their academic advisor and complete/submit a Petition for Approval of Advanced Standing. No transfer credits from other BU departments or institutions will be accepted.

Elective Coursework (14 credits)

A wide variety of courses offered in the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences will count toward elective credit. A minimum of 14 credits must be taken as electives, directed study, or practicum. Up to 4 credits may be taken as the practicum. Please ensure that your electives are approved by your academic advisor before registering for them.

Directed Studies in Clinical Investigation (GMS CI 691 or 692)

Directed study provides the opportunity for students to explore a special topic of interest under the direction of a MACI faculty member. Students may register for 2 credits of directed study by submitting a paper registration form, after the MACI faculty member has agreed to work with the student on a specific project. Directed studies with a non-MACI faculty member or adjunct member must first be approved by and assigned to the Director or Assistant Director of MACI as Faculty Sponsor. Fill out the Directed Study Form.

Practicum

Completion of a minimum of 240 hours of a practicum in clinical trials is required for the degree. The practicum usually begins near completion of formal coursework. The goal of the practicum direct experience component is to provide the student with hands-on exposure to clinical research. The student will work with a mentor and will be actively involved in the development, execution, and evaluation of a clinical research project. During the practicum, it is expected that the student will be exposed to clinical research planning, protocol preparation, interaction with Institutional Review Boards, regulatory requirements, selection of subjects/patients for the clinical trial, study monitoring, and data analysis.

Thesis

Students in the MACI program are required to complete a research thesis that provides a culminating experience and applies the principles and methods learned in the coursework to a real-life clinical study. The goal of the thesis component is to demonstrate the student’s understanding of the clinical research process from both a theoretical and a practical point of view. Students conduct their thesis research in wide variety of settings, including academic medical centers and local drug or device companies.