Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research at City of Hope

Published Feb. 26, 2026

Prepare Your Career in Biomedical Research

Are you ready to take your research experience to the next level? The independent Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research at City of Hope offers an immersive, hands-on, lab-centered graduate experience designed to prepare the next generation of physician-scientists, clinical researchers, and biomedical professionals.

Established in 2018, our two-year program is built for students who want more than lectures — they want to be in the lab, in the clinic, and at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Why Choose This Program?

🔬 Hands-On Research and Technology Training
Spend significant time in the lab conducting meaningful research under the guidance of experienced faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs).

🧬 Focused Study in Disease Biology & Clinical Trials
Gain real-world insight into:

• Disease modeling
• Translational research
• Clinical trial design and implementation
• How to write and structure a clinical trial
• Data analysis and scientific presentation

📑 Thesis Required
All students complete an original research thesis and present their findings, building a competitive research portfolio.

🏥 Clinical Exposure
Opportunities to shadow in clinical settings and understand how research translates to patient care.

🎯 Explore Your Path
Ideal for:

• Pre-medical students
• Recent undergraduates with strong academic performance
• Students with prior research experience seeking to strengthen their CV
• Individuals exploring whether to pursue medicine, research, or both

Many of our students refine their career goals during the program — some transition toward advanced research careers after discovering a deeper passion for scientific investigation.

Program Highlights

• Duration: 2 years
• Start Date: August (rolling admissions; early application encouraged)
• Class Size: Intentionally small (10–15 students targeted; maximum capacity 20)
• Faculty to Student Ratio: Individualized mentorship ensures strong mentor-student alignment
• Independent Master’s Program within a world-renowned research environment
• A Dedicated Pathway to the PhD in Translational Medicine for outstanding MS graduates to continue doctoral training at City of Hope

Cost

• Tuition: $27,500 per year
• 50% Tuition Waiver Available
• Working toward Title IV eligibility (federal loan access)
• Potential scholarship opportunities through PI sponsorship (based on fit and availability)

Competitive applicants will have:

• Strong undergraduate academic performance
• Research experience (highly preferred)
• Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences, medicine, or clinical research
• Community engagement or service (e.g., healthcare volunteering, Red Cross, or similar experiences are valued)
• Curiosity, initiative, and readiness for rigorous hands-on training

We are particularly seeking local/domestic students who are eager to train in a collaborative, high-impact research environment.

Rolling Admissions – Apply Early

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may receive decisions quickly.

If you are ready to deepen your research experience, strengthen your medical or graduate school application, and train in a dynamic, translational research environment—

👉 Submit your application through the application link in this posting to be considered.

Take the next step in your research career at City of Hope.