Frequently Asked Questions

Translational medicine is the process by which discoveries are developed into marketable products (drugs, devices, other technologies) that serve a public health need. Translational medicine is a multi-faceted process involving expertise in life science, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, and business. Recent studies (Forbes, Tufts University) suggest the development of a single, new drug can take more than 10 years and cost between $2.5- 5 billion dollars. There is a growing need for professionals that are knowledgeable about the myriad facets of translational medicine to create ways to give scientists, engineers, and physicians the flexibility to develop drugs and devices in an economically sustainable and viable manner.

The City College of New York’s (CCNY) Master’s in Translational Medicine (MTM) mission is to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with unparalleled training in the process of developing medical technology and bringing it to market.  To support this mission, the program provides these learning objectives and outcomes:

Program Objective: To provide graduates with the tools and skills needed to bring solutions to interdisciplinary biomedical problems to market.

Associated Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and address unmet needs in the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of diverse diseases and disabilities.
• Evaluate the commercial potential of a proposed solution to an unmet medical need using required core competencies in the technical and business fundamentals.
• Design and pilot a study for experimental, observational, interventional, or clinical trial purposes.
• Outline and justify the pathway to regulatory approval of a new medical technology.
• Identify and evaluate the ethical, societal, and economic considerations associated with the development of a new medical technology.

Program Objective: To provide graduates with experiential learning opportunities needed to work in inter-disciplinary teams.

Associated Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate starting competency in managing an interdisciplinary team that is developing a new medical technology.
• Communicate effectively with all members of an interdisciplinary team.
• Work with an inter-disciplinary team to create a functional prototype of a new medical technology.

MTM prepares students for careers in multiple industries related to the commercialization of medical technology.  Specifically, MTM alumni to date have gone on to work in the following settings:

• World-renowned medical technology and biotechnology companies
• Entrepreneurial endeavors at the founder level
• Clinical research
• Government research and administration
• Further education (medical school and STEM-focused doctoral training)

In addition to classroom- and project-based education, MTM also allows students to conduct a for-credit “independent project” that provides in-depth, applied training in a core MTM area of the student’s choosing.

The cost of the entire MTM program is approximately $20,000 for New York state residents and approximately $33,000 for out of state residents.

We pride ourselves on being a very multidisciplinary program and as such welcome any applicant who has a STEM background. One of the core components of the program is that our students work with individuals from other disciplines on a team-based project so that they can all learn from each other. Additionally, we have created our curriculum from the ground up to integrate engineering, science and business concepts. We have had many individuals with a variety of STEM backgrounds come into the program and do exceptionally well.

To apply to the program, click HERE.

Typically classes range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the course credit and during both the day and night. However  we do try to keep class scheduling to 2-3 days a week.

Our program runs on a Fall, Spring and Summer semester track. As such we only welcome new students in the Fall of each year and the next cycle for admission would then be for Fall 2023.

Given the rigorous coursework and the substantial amount of time needed outside of the classroom to develop their prototype during the Spring semester, we do not encourage students who have full time work responsibilities apply to the program. However, some students have made arrangements with their place of employment to reduce the number of hours required of them or have had part-time jobs while in the program

Given the team-based structure and hands on aspect of the Biodesign projects, students must be enrolled full time in order to earn a MTM degree.

The program does accept non-degree students wishing to take certain classes  which are marked by an asterik here. To learn more about each individual course please click here.  Students wishing to go this route must apply as non-matriculated students and have a background in a STEM discipline.

If you are interested in taking a class, please contact us to confirm you have the appropriate prerequisites.

For the upcoming 2023 – 2024 academic year, we are offering a limited number of partial scholarships. Should you choose to apply, nothing further would be required of you in order for you to be considered for a scholarship – your application to the MTM program will be evaluated to consider you for this opportunity.  These merit-based scholarships will be awarded based on multiple factors, including cumulative GPA, statement of purpose, and admissions interview.

Additionally many of the most common sources of funding for US citizens and qualified non-citizens can be found here.

Please direct all further questions to MTM Assistant Director Mr. Muaad Alody: malody@ccny.cuny.edu.

Our dedicated faculty, comprised in the Grove School of Engineering and Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education work to provide cutting edge, relevant content. A list of our faculty can be found HERE. 

In order to officially submit an application, you will need to pay a fee of $75 by check, credit card or money order. Please make checks payable to The City College of New York and sent to the address below:

The City College of New York Admissions Office

Wille Administration Building
Room A-101
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031

Should you have questions or concerns regarding this, please contact mtm@ccny.cuny.edu.