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  • Online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals

    MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals

    Drexel University’s nationally ranked College of Medicine offers an accredited online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program. A non-thesis, fully online graduate degree program, this clinical research MS program is uniquely designed for residents, fellows, clinicians, and other health professionals.

    Many of our online MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals students are physicians in a fellowship program and research nurses. Typically, they are seeking to finish their research and develop their clinical careers.

    Program at a Glance

    • Semester Credits: 36 credits
    • Average Completion Time: 2 to 3 years
      • You may take up to 7 years to complete the program
    • No thesis, on-campus, or residency requirement
    • No application fee
    • Courses are led by distinguished researchers, administrators, lawyers, and scientists with extensive experience in clinical research
    • Curriculum melds quantitative principles with an understanding of research processes and administration
    • Uses a simple, easy-to-use, interactive online format that caters to active and at-work clinical researchers

    What is a MS in Clinical Research for Physicians & Health Professionals?

    The online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals at Drexel is a 36-semester credit (12 course) program. It prepares health professionals, like you, with an extensive study and understanding of the scientific, ethical, and regulatory aspects of clinical research. Many students complete the requirements of the online clinical research master’s degree in just 2 to 3 years.

    What Will I Study?

    The clinical research for health professionals curriculum provides access to a wide range of courses, while giving you an opportunity to grow your confidence in scientific writing and research. This format can help you gain some vital hands-on experience as you apply knowledge to interpret and present the findings of clinical research.

    Apart from choosing a total of 5 courses, the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program requires you to conduct at least 9 hours of research per week (3 credits per semester). At the end of each semester, you’ll document your research and progress through a 7-10-page journal format paper.

    As an online clinical research graduate student, you will also earn additional real-world clinical experience through a comprehensive mentored research project. A key requirement of this mentored research is the support of a doctoral-level (MD/PhD) mentor/advisor located at the institution where your research will be conducted.

    This is not a sub-investigator or clinical research associate working for a principal investigator. Rather, under the guidance of your mentor, you’ll work to develop an original research proposal. Most of the fellows in the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program have their research published in medical journals.

    Learn with the Best – Student Testimonial

    Alumni like Anthony Weekes are spearheading change in the clinical research field every day.

    What is the difference between an MS in Clinical Research Management vs Clinical Research for Health Professionals?

    The MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals features required courses, writing, and independent research. It meets the needs of health professionals, fellows, and clinicians engaged in research or who want to add these skills to their clinical career.

    By comparison, depending on your plan of study, Drexel’s MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management may meet the needs of professionals and clinicians who want to develop clinical management and leadership skills. Since it does not have core requirements, you will work with an advisor to craft a personalized study plan. When chosen carefully, the courses in the clinical research organization and management program can also serve as preparation for several industry certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA).

    The chart below itemizes other similarities and differentiators between Drexel’s online MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management and the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals programs.

    MS – Clinical Research Organization and Management (CROM)

    MS – Clinical Research for Health Professionals (CRHP)

    12 courses, 36 credits

    12 courses, 36 credits

    No master’s thesis or residency

    No master’s thesis or residency

    No core curriculum – take courses within:

    • A preferred area of study
    • A cross-section of courses within other areas
    • Any clinical research (CR) courses offered

    Core requirements are flexible:

    • Courses relate to scientific, ethical, and regulatory aspects of clinical research
    • Opportunity for additional real-world clinical experience through a comprehensive mentored research project

    Program organized around 7 areas of study devoted to clinical research and related administrative and regulatory issues:

    • New Product Research and Development
    • Compliance and Safety Surveillance
    • Ethics and Law
    • Regulatory Affairs
    • Biostatistics and Data Management
    • Clinical Research Management
    • New Therapeutic Product Business and Strategic Planning

    Program organized around 7 areas of study from which you choose courses to fulfill requirements of each section (15 credits), plus:

    • Research/ Journal Paper (min 21 credits)
    • Conduct a minimum of 9 hours research/week for 3 credits per semester

    Tailored for experienced research professionals seeking credentials and clinical management skills

    Tailored for residents, fellows, clinicians, and research nurses seeking knowledge in the conduct of translational and pharmaceutical research

    Work with an advisor to customize your study plan

    Apply coursework principles to an individual research experience at your institution under the guidance of a local mentor

    Outcomes may include an advanced skill set to manage the conduct of clinical investigations, and familiarity with relevant business, legal, and ethical issues

    Most of the fellows in the MS CRHP program have their research published in medical journals

    MS CROM programs can help in your preparation for the ACRP or SOCRA certification

    The CRHP degree often acts as an advanced preparation for independent investigators and other practicing researchers familiar with the industry, and may develop your clinical career

    Completion time frame: 2-3 years

    Completion time frame: 2-3 years

    Program leaders are distinguished researchers, administrators, lawyers, and scientists with extensive experience in clinical research

    Program leaders are distinguished researchers, administrators, lawyers, and scientists with extensive experience in clinical research

    Interactive and engaging online coursework

    Interactive and engaging online coursework

    What Can I Do with a Master’s in Clinical Research as a Health Professional?

    The online clinical research master’s degree for health professionals often acts as an advanced preparation for independent investigators and other practicing researchers familiar with the industry. Many graduates are seeking to pursue careers in the conduct of translational, pharmaceutical, and/or biotechnology research.

    Clinical Research Scientists conduct research that deals with human or animal diseases, preventive methods, and treatments to improve human health. Many also write and publish articles in scientific journals. Some related job titles include Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Pharmacologist, and Senior Research Scientist.

    Recent studies indicate the demand for Clinical Research Scientists and Clinical Investigators will grow at a faster than average rate in the next few years. To get started in this broad field usually requires a master’s degree, though there can be distinct requirements for each role.

    The table below outlines other potential opportunities and workforce data:

    Career

    Job Growth Through 2026

    Projected Job Openings to 2026*

    Clinical Research Scientist

    10 –14 %

    12,100

    Clinical Research Investigator

    10 –14 %

    12,100

    Clinical Trial Manager

    10 –14 %

    5,200

    Clinical Research Administrator

    10 –14 %

    5,200

    Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator

    10 –14 %

    5,200

    Clinical Research Associate

    10 –14 %

    5,200

    *Source: O’Net

    Master’s in Clinical Research for Fellows & Health Professionals Salary Expectations

    Salaries for clinical research professionals vary due to influences such as location, position, education, and experience. Just to give you an idea, nationwide, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinators reported average annual salaries of $118,970 in 2017. In the state of Pennsylvania, for the same year and job title, the average salary was slightly higher at $120,040.

    The table below charts the average annual salary (2017) breakdown for some job titles graduates of the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program may strive toward:

    Job Title

    Average Annual Salary (2017)

    Similar Job Titles

    $118,970

    • Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
    • Clinical Trial Manager

    $82,090

    • Associate Director, Experimental Medicine
    • Clinical Pharmacologist
    • Investigator; Laboratory Director
    • Research Scientist

    $183,625

    • Clinical Research Physician

    Related Programs

    Drexel University offers several other online clinical research master’s and certificate programs designed to match your career goals:

    If you have questions, please contact:

    Patricia Cashin
    Academic Administrator
    215.762.4075
    pcc36@drexel.edu


    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    Learn more about how Drexel's courses align with the competency domains identified by the Joint Taskforce for Clinical Trial Competency.

    Select three of the following: 9.0
    CR 500S
    Epidemiology  
    CR 515S
    Intro to Clinical Trials  
    CR 520S
    Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics  
    CR 525S
    Scientific Writing and Medical Literature  
    CR 545S
    Pharmaceutical Law  
    CR 612S
    Fundamentals of Compliance  
    Select two of the following: 6.0
    New Product Research and Development  
    CR 515S
    Intro to Clinical Trials  
    CR 525S
    Scientific Writing and Medical Literature  
    CR 600S
    Designing the Clinical Trial  
    CR 609S
    Innovative Product Development  
    CR 614S
    Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology  
    CR 620S
    Regulatory, Scientific, and Social Issues Affecting Biotech Research  
    Compliance and Safety Surveillance  
    CR 555S
    Compliance & Monitoring Issues  
    CR 570S
    Principles and Practice of Pharmacovigilance  
    CR 612S
    Fundamentals of Compliance  
    CR 633S
    Quaility Assurance Audits  
    Ethics and Law  
    CR 505S
    Ethical Issues in Research  
    CR 511S
    The History of Misconduct in Biomedical Research  
    CR 545S
    Pharmaceutical Law  
    CR 565S
    Contemporary Issues in Human Research Protection  
    CR 639S
    Healthcare Inequities in Biomedical Research  
    Regulatory  
    CR 501S
    Emerging Trends in Medical Device Regulations  
    CR 508S
    Medical Devices and Combination Products  
    CR 514S
    World Wide Regulatory Submissions  
    CR 523S
    Current Issues in Review Boards  
    CR 535S
    Current Federal Regulatory Issues in Biomedical Research  
    CR 551S
    International Regulatory Affairs  
    CR 573S
    Patient Generated Data in Clinical Research  
    Biostatistics and Data Management  
    CR 500S
    Epidemiology  
    CR 520S
    Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics  
    CR 527S
    Clinical Data Management  
    CR 571S
    Health Information Technology in Biomedical R&D  
    CR 631S
    Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics II  
    Clinical Research Management  
    CR 510S
    Sponsored Projects Finance  
    CR 512S
    Fundamentals of Academic Research Administration  
    CR 536S
    Clinical Project Management  
    CR 541S
    Patient Recruitment & Informed Consent  
    CR 550S
    Leadership Skills  
    CR 637S
    Risk Management in Clinical Research  
    New Therapeutic Product Business and Strategic Planning  
    CR 513S
    Business Processes and Contemporary Concerns in Pharmaceutical R & D  
    CR 518S
    Clinical Trial Budgeting  
    CR 546S
    Clinical Outsourcing  
    CR 617S
    Informatics in Pharm Res & Development  
    CR 625S
    Health Policy and Economics  
    CR 635S
    Strategic Planning  
    Research/Journal Paper (min 21.0 credits)  
    Conduct a minimum of 9 hours research/week for 3 credits per semester* 21.0
    CRHP 501S Research Health Professions I
    CRHP 502S Research Health Professions II
    CRHP 503S Research Health Professions III
    CRHP 504S Research Health Professions IV
    CRHP 505S Research Health Professions V
    CRHP 506S Research Health Professions VI
    CRHP 507S Research Health Professions VII
    Total Credits 36.0

    *Research may include a broad spectrum of clinical studies such as: retrospective studies; bench-top studies in conjunction or not with pharmaceutical companies; development of new clinical methodologies/ techniques; or, development/evaluation of new clinical devices.

    Research mentors must be established researchers with a doctoral degree. A curriculum vitae of the proposed research mentor must be submitted with your application. The appropriateness of the mentor will be evaluated by an Ad Hoc committee whose members come from both the Office of Professional Studies and the Drexel University College of Medicine faculty.

    You must submit a 7-10 page journal-format paper at the end of each semester documenting your research and demonstrating that each successive semester’s work builds upon your prior work. Your research advisor must review and approve the report prior to submission. Contact the program director for additional requirements.

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
      • Those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, but should address their academic performance in their essay and ensure that relevant professional experience is included on their resume for evaluation
    • At least two years of relevant professional experience

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
    • Two professional letters of recommendation
      • One from your immediate supervisor and one from another qualified individual (not a peer) who can comment on your ability to succeed in the program
    • Essay on past successes, goals and objectives for seeking this degree
    • Resume
    • CRHP Research Request Form [PDF]
      • In addition to this form, you must supply a description of the research project you are proposing, the objectives of the project, your hypothesis, an outline of your planned activities, your research mentor's curriculum vitae and one letter of evaluation from your research mentor. Research mentors must be established researchers with a doctoral degree. The research project itself needs to be a single study of sufficient magnitude to support earning 21 semester credits over the course of the project.
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    A telephone interview may be required.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1305 per credit.

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    (15 core and elective credits at $1,305, plus 21 research credits at $100/credit for the academic year 2023-24)

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Fall 2023

    August 21, 2023

    December 15, 2023

    Spring 2024

    January 8, 2024

    May 3, 2024

    Summer 2024

    May 13, 2024

    August 2, 2024

     

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