Master of Science in Clinical Research Management
For related degrees and certificates at University College, click:
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research Management
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Management
Certificate in Clinical Research Management
The Master of Science in Clinical Research Management is designed for experienced professionals working in academic research centers or private industry who seek greater depth and breadth of study in the science and business of clinical research.
This 30-unit program of study provides experience health science and related business professionals with updated skills, strategies, and resources for developing and managing products, treatment protocols, and other processes associated with clinical research and patient care. Candidates for the Master of Science in Clinical Research Management typically hold or aspire toward leadership positions in academic research centers or related private sector organizations, especially the pharmaceutical industry.
Likely candidates from academic research settings include clinical research investigators, coordinators, nurses, and sponsor representatives. Private sector candidates include pharmaceutical industry project managers, monitors, and regulatory affairs staff, as well as community physician offices and other independent research agencies.
The Master of Science in Clinical Research Management is awarded by University College, the evening and continuing education division of Arts & Sciences. The program is offered in collaboration with the Washington University School of Medicine, and more specifically, the Center for Applied Research Sciences and the Institute of Clinical & Translational Sciences. Specific course work and overall program objectives for all clinical research management programs of study offered through University College reinforce “good clinical practices” published by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Admission
The Master of Science in Clinical Research Management is open to qualified applicants with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0. Applicants must submit the following materials:
• a completed Application for Graduate Admission including the required essay describing the role of the program in the applicant's career.
• a $35 non-refundable application fee.
• official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work and degrees granted.
• three letters of reference. Prospective students are urged to discuss admission and tentative course schedules, including prerequisite courses, with the program coordinator.
Admission Time Line: University College and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences review completed applications and make admissions decisions on a rolling basis. The process typically takes four to six weeks, and so we urge applicants to submit their materials by the following schedule in order to ensure a timely decision: mid-November for spring; mid-April for summer; mid-July for fall. If you plan to apply for federal financial aid, please note that this process can take six to eight weeks. It is suggested that applicants begin by completing their FAFSA at the time of application. For additional information about Financial Aid and step-by-step Financial Aid application instructions, click here. Qualified students may take up to six units on a non-degree basis. To do so, fill out and submit this Graduate Unclassified Study Program Application form.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Clinical Research Management is a 30-unit program, including 24 units of required course work and 6 units of authorized electives. The curriculum encompasses in-depth coverage of essential skills and processes required for the management of studies that develop drugs, devices, and treatment protocols for patient care. Major topics include regulatory requirements, ethical issues, product development, business of clinical research, grant funding and manuscripts, epidemiologic principles and tools, research design and data analysis, all in the context of human subjects in clinical trials.
Required Courses—24 Units
- U80 500 Fundamentals of Clinical Research Management
- U80 515 Medical Writing for Clinical Research
- U80 518 Drug and Device Development
- U80 520 Trends in Health Care Policy
- U80 522 Compliance, Legal, and Regulatory Issues
- U80 513 Designing Outcomes of Clinical Research
- U80 588 Epidemiology
- U80 562 Leadership and Change in Health Care Services
Electives--6 Units
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 6 units of relevant, graduate-level course work may be transferred from another university or from a related graduate program at Washington University with the approval of the program coordinator. These must be graduate-level units not used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements. Transfer credit may be granted only for authorized courses for which the student received a grade of B or higher.
Contact Information
Sally Anderson, Program Coordinator and Advisor, and Director, Clinical Research Services, Center for Applied Research Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine
sallyanderson@wustl.edu
(314) 747-2293.
Elizabeth Fogt, Director of Advising and Student Services, University College
efogt@wustl.edu
(314) 935-6778.
Cassandra Schroeder, Administrative Assistant for Academic Programs, University College
cschroed@artsci.wustl.edu
(314) 935-6759.
