Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Drug Abuse (ITRE)

ITRE News

Unique Funded Research Training Opportunity Available

Apply by November 15, 2023 for the Spring 2024 Program.

ITRE Application

View Video to learn more.

The Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Substance Use at the University of South Florida invites graduate students and working professionals with a Master's degree (or in a doctoral degree program) to apply for a fully paid 15 credit Graduate Certificate Program in Translational Research in Adolescent Substance Use.

Participating scholars (students) are matched with a team of academic mentors, national experts, and community agencies to conduct service-learning projects.  This graduate certificate program curriculum prepares students to be successful working with community agencies as well as in health and behavioral health research organizations. Past scholars have described the program as giving them "real world experience" that has been "priceless" and "a turning point in my career."

Funding is available for graduate students each spring semester to complete the four consecutive semester graduate certificate program. This funding includes (in-state) tuition, fees, and textbooks for 15 credit hours of courses.

Application Requirements

If you are a current USF Student, follow this application process:

  •  Complete the Graduate Certificate Approval Form
    • Please download the PDF file before filling out the paperwork and do not attempt to fill out the form via your web browser otherwise you will be unable to properly use the form.
    • Sign upon completion; electronic signatures are acceptable
  • Collect the following documents:
    • Up-to-date resume or CV
    • Statement of Purpose (about 250 words)
    • Two letters of recommendation from someone of authority who can speak to your academic and/or professional abilities (at least one of them from a current or past Professor)
  • Email completed paperwork and supplemental materials to gradstudies@usf.edu
    • Note: Approval paperwork may not be directed to this email via DocuSign. Please email directly.


If you are NOT a current USF Student, follow this process for non-degree seeking applicants:

  • Complete the online application for admission
    • Please select "Graduate Certificate" as the Student Type
  • Pay the non-refundable $30 application fee
  • Upload the following required documents:
    • Unofficial transcripts from each college or university you attended, to include military credits and CLEP scores.
  • Upload the following documents:
    • Up-to-date resume or CV
    • Statement of Purpose (about 250 words)
    • Two letters of recommendation from someone of authority who can speak to your academic and/or professional abilities (at least one of them from a current or past Professor)

To learn more about the program contact Ercilia Calcano.

For information on the program admission and application requirements, visit the USF 2022-2023 Graduate Catalog.