Application process

The Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program can be completed in two years if you have 75% to 100% protected research time. The program has four application cycles each year.

Application deadline	Begin coursework
Note: Scholars admitted to the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program are given priority registration in clinical and translational science (CTSC) classes.
Jan. 1	Spring quarter
April 1	Summer quarter
July 1	Fall quarter
Oct. 1	Winter quarter

Application instructions

1. Identify a mentor

   Choosing a mentor is one of the most important steps in applying to the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program. The most critical role of the mentor is to guide a scholar in the research-experience portion of the program.

   Mentors must be chosen from within Mayo Clinic and must have extensive clinical or translational research experience. They also must meet or have met the criteria for master- or full-level faculty privileges and must have successful experience mentoring scholars.

   Resources to identify and directly contact potential mentors include the following:

   • Mayo Clinic's research faculty directory.
   • Research departments and centers.

2. Complete and submit application materials

   All application materials for the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program are accepted, reviewed and processed by CCaTS Education Resources. Formal admission to the program is granted by Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

   All application materials must be received by the Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 or Oct. 1 application deadline. Note: Late or incomplete applications are not considered. In addition to the application form, all supplemental items are due by these deadlines. Start the process early to ensure that you have enough time to gather the required information and to give your recommendation letter writers adequate time to submit their letters prior to the deadlines.

   1. Log in or create an account to begin the online Application for Admission.
      • School of Study: Select "Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences."
      • Area of Interest: Select "Clinical & Translational Science, Postdoctoral Basic Science Master's."
   2. Select "Create a New Application."
      • Select "Start a Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Application."
   3. Complete each section of the application.
      • Program Type: Select "Postdoctoral Basic Science Master's."
   4. Submit the application. View the required Supplemental Items and Documents.
      • Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section.
      • Complete the Recommendation Request section.

   Additional required items

   • CV or resume.
   • Research mentor recommendation: Your selected research mentor will automatically be sent instructions to provide this when you submit your application.
   • Initial Mentoring Agreement — Expectations for the Mentoring Relationship (PDF).
   • Unofficial Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences transcript, if applicable.
   • Program Fee Agreement Form (PDF).
   • Recommendation letter: Should be from someone other than your research mentor who is familiar with your personal, academic or professional qualifications.

3. Application review

   Applications are reviewed by the CCaTS Master's and Certificate Programs Executive Committee, and applicants are notified via email within six weeks regarding application status.

Program fee

Upon your admission to the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program, the nonrefundable program fee will be charged to the cost center number provided on the Program Fee Agreement Form (PDF). The current program fee is $20,000.

Contact

The CCaTS Education contacts page contains a listing of team members who can assist you with questions.