Online Masters Degree in Clinical Research: Program Info

Healthcare professionals seeking advanced research degrees can enroll in online clinical research administration or management master’s programs. These degrees are delivered in a hybrid format; online curriculum completion is followed by a field-based internship. Read on to learn more about the curriculum and career options for this program.

Essential Information

Due to the hands-on requirement in the program, students can find master’s degree programs in clinical research in hybrid formats. Entrance into this field requires a bachelor’s degree, and some programs require applicants to be licensed. These programs include online coursework in clinical research and ethics, as well as an internship in the field that must be completed in person.

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Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Program Overview

At the post-baccalaureate level, online clinical research degrees are commonly available in clinical research management or administration. These degree programs are designed for healthcare industry professionals interested in overseeing the complex processes of research trials. Students examine the scientific approach to developing medical products as well as the legal and ethical framework behind clinical trials.

Program enrollment is limited to students with bachelor’s degrees. Some programs may require students to be licensed clinical laboratory scientists. Related fields of study include biology and public health.

Program Information and Requirements

A typical clinical research program can be completed in two years. Coursework is delivered online through streaming audio and video applications, so a computer with access to the Internet is required. Though online programs are intended to be flexible, some may ask students to participate in scheduled forums or lectures. Many programs also require students to complete field-based internships under the guidance of a mentor.

List of Common Clinical Research Courses

There are no general education requirements for master’s degree students. All coursework deals specifically with issues related to clinical trial administration.

History of Clinical Research Course

Students explore the evolution of clinical research. Case studies are used to understand research goals, clinical processes and the various responsibilities of research team members.

Ethics and Legality in Research Course

Laws, ethical codes and government agencies regulate the clinical trial industry. Students examine the development of regulation in the field, with particular attention paid to rights of patients, conflicts of interest, scientific misconduct and independent review boards.

Research Data Analysis Course

Students learn how to interpret and organize different types of research data. Topics include qualitative analysis, trial proposals and written documentation.

Clinical Research in Practice Course

The process of researching and testing a pharmaceutical or medical product is discussed. Students explore how to create a project outline and conduct clinical tests.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates of a master’s-level program in clinical research management or administration can obtain positions as research associates, coordinators or university teachers. Associates earned between $41,000 and $67,000 in 2009, while research coordinators made between $36,000 and $52,000, as reported byPayScale.com. University teachers took in between $36,000 and $59,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that job growth was expected to increase by 14% for clinical lab workers and by 15% for postsecondary teachers between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov).