Graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 29 units, of which a minimum of 15 units are didactic course credits taken in the first year (including summer sessions), with the remaining units being directed to mentor-supervised research and thesis taken in the second year. The equivalent of one year of full-time effort must be devoted to research leading to a master thesis. The thesis provides a structure for the development of a plan to address a research problem and a suitable approach to the analysis and presentation of the results. Because the background and interests of applicants varies widely, one to two members of the Program Oversight Committee will consult with each student prior to the first year in order to design an individualized schedule of recommended courses. At the end of the first year, the trainee must submit a final program plan to the Program Oversight Committee. This will summarize the courses taken, the proposed thesis title, and the names and credentials of the MS Thesis Committee. One of the members of the MS Thesis Committee will be the trainee's research advisor and will serve as the chair of the committee. At least one member of the Thesis Committee must be from outside the student's department.

For those trainees who do not wish to pursue an MS degree, we offer a Certificate in Biomedical Research. The certificate program requires completion of 12 credits and a minimum of 6 months of practical research experience working on a research project approved by the Program Oversight Committee.