Clinical and Translational Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Clinical and Translational Science is an advanced interdisciplinary field dedicated to accelerating the application of scientific discoveries into real-world medical treatments and improved patient outcomes. This program equips healthcare professionals with the expertise to lead complex research initiatives that span from laboratory findings to clinical implementation, fostering innovation in evidence-based medicine.
Key modules and areas of study include:
- Bioinformatics: The integration of biological data with computational tools to analyze complex genetic and molecular information, enabling deeper insights into disease mechanisms.
- Information Technology: The strategic use of digital systems and data infrastructure to support research workflows, data security, and seamless communication across multidisciplinary teams.
- Biostatistics: Advanced quantitative methods for designing studies, analyzing health data, and interpreting results with rigor and precision.
- Epidemiology: The scientific study of disease patterns, risk factors, and health outcomes within populations to inform prevention strategies and public health policy.
- Grant Writing: The development of compelling, well-structured proposals to secure funding for research projects, emphasizing clarity, feasibility, and impact.
- Management and Analysis of Clinical Data: Techniques for organizing, validating, and interpreting large-scale clinical datasets to support research integrity and discovery.
- Clinical and Translational Research Law and Policy: Understanding regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and legal standards governing human subjects research and data use.
- Responsible Conduct of Research: Principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all stages of research, including data handling, authorship, and conflict of interest management.
- Scientific Writing: The ability to communicate complex research findings clearly, accurately, and effectively for publication, presentation, and peer review.
Clinical and Translational Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Clinical and Translational Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Clinical and Translational Science degrees, including Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 156,300 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
Clinical and Translational Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,220 in Mississippi to $131,430 in California—a 167% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 156,300 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Clinical and Translational Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Clinical and Translational Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Clinical and Translational Science is found at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (16 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (14 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OUHSC), Health Sciences Center (9 graduates), University of Rochester (8 graduates), and Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 79 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Bronx, New York | Private | einsteinmed.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | uthscsa.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Master's
|
9 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Master's
|
6 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
|
5 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Galveston, Texas | Public | utmb.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Clinical and Translational Science programs
How much can I earn with a Clinical and Translational Science degree?
Salaries for Clinical and Translational Science graduates vary by role and location. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn a median of $100,590 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $131,430 compared to $49,220 in Mississippi. Approximately 156,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Clinical and Translational Science programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Clinical and Translational Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Albert Einstein College of Medicine (16 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (14 graduates), and University of Oklahoma (OUHSC), Health Sciences Center (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Clinical and Translational Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 156,300 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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