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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Master of Science in Health Services & Outcomes Research

Methodology Certificate

 The Methodology Certificate provides focused, flexible training for scientists and clinicians who want to strengthen their expertise in research design and methods. The program can be completed in one or two years, depending on your schedule. 

Courses are offered in a hybrid format, just like the master’s program — combining online learning with quarterly on-campus sessions in Chicago. This structure allows students across the country to participate remotely while still building connections during in-person residencies. 

Through the certificate, students gain a solid foundation in multidisciplinary health research methods and learn to apply these tools to design and conduct their own studies. Coursework includes hands-on training in Stata statistical software and opportunities to develop independent research papers and proposals. 

The program consists of 4.5 course units, listed below with their respective unit values. 

Suggested Course Plan

  • HRS 461: Topics in Health Services Research: Methods & Measurement (0.5) Salva Balbale, PhD
  • HSR 302: Introduction to Biostatistics (1.0) Geneva Wilson, PhD
  • HSR 425: Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Health Services & Outcomes Research (1.0) Manrui Zhang, PhD
  • HSR 421: Intermediate Biostatistics (1.0) Alexander Lundberg, PhD
  • HSR 465: Intermediate Quantitative Methods in Health Services & Outcomes Research (1.0) TBD

Alternative Courses Requiring Permission from Program Director