10 Best Clinical Research Masters Online

Fun fact, The Ohio State University is the only school in the country with the word “the” as a formal part of its name. The school also has a wide array of academic offerings, including – you guessed it! – one of the top online clinical research programs. 

There are two different paths a Buckeye might take to complete this online program:

• Clinical Research Management track through the College of Nursing Regulatory
• AffairsClinical Research Management track through the College of Pharmacy

Both share certain core classes which are:

• Research conduct
• Fundamentals of development
• Data analysis 

The Clinical Research Management degree track prepares students to be leaders of large-scale clinical research operations. The courses in this track focus more on project management and risk management. 

The Regulatory Affairs track sets students up for careers in clinical research policy. It takes a look at what’s needed to make sure research trials run smoothly and ethically. It ensures patients can get the help they need. Both tracks require students to complete a culminating clinical research project. 

Admission to both programs will require an undergraduate degree in any field. Prospective students must send the following with their applications:

• Resume or CV
• Official transcripts
• $60 application fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• Written statement of purpose

Non-native English speakers must pass an English proficiency test as well. The degree contains 36 total credits, and the average net price of attendance is $18,694.

Would you like to get a Master’s in Clinical Research from home? Arizona State University allows you to reap all the benefits of ASU’s programs from anywhere. The school’s online Master’s in Clinical Research Management hosts renowned faculty. One of whom is a Fulbright Senior Scholar. 

ASU’s Edson College of Nursing offers this clinical research graduate degree. Students are expected to take 11 classes, each of which is worth three credits. The required classes include:

• Clinical Research
• Monitoring Regulatory Affairs
• Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research

This program is intended to help graduates take leadership roles in the field. 

Applicants must have the following:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Official transcripts
• Six months of relevant, full-time work experience from a job or internship in the clinical research field

The average net price for this degree is $13,731, making it one of the most affordable on our list.

George Washington University is located in Washington, D.C. It is about four blocks from the White House. GWU has an excellent Master’s in Clinical and Translational Research program. They also have an outstanding program for Clinical Research Administration. 

According to GWU, both of these programs have a real-world focus. It aims to help you learn as much as you need, to get a great job in your chosen field. The courses required for the Master of Science in Health Science in Clinical Research Administration include:

• Critical analysis in clinical research
• Medicine development
• Epidemiology for clinical and translational research

You will also take courses examining partnerships with human subjects. 

This program is intended for someone who is interested in working in the administrative and managerial sides of clinical research. Future careers include director of drug safety or on an institutional review board. 

The Master of Science in Health Science in Clinical and Translational Research has courses in:

• Biostatistics
• Bioinformatics
• Grantsmanship in translational research

This program is great for someone who wants to be a research specialist or coordinator. It is perfect for someone who wants to work hands-on with product development in a lab.

Both programs require a bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA for eligibility. Applicants will also need:

• Resume or CV
• Official transcripts
• $80 application fee
• Healthcare work experience
• Statement of purpose

They may also need to interview with a program director upon application completion. The average net price for this program is $39,600.

St. Cloud State University is located right on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, MN. It is known for its great hockey team. The school also has a notable online Master’s in Clinical Research. It is distinct from others in its focus on education and research on medical devices. 

Here is a sample of courses you will need to take in the clinical research curriculum at SCSU:

• Applied anatomy
• Physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Evidence-based medicine
• Communications

You will have two options when finishing your degree. The first is to complete the clinical research capstone culminating project. You can also choose an internship, depending on what your career goals are. 

To be a St. Cloud Husky getting a Master of Science in Clinical Research, you must have the following:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject like science, engineering, math, or nursing
• GPA of at least 2.75
• You will also need to submit your resume

Three years of work experience is recommended, though it is not always necessary for admission. This graduate program is among the most affordable on this list, clocking in at an average net price of $13,731.

Drexel University, home of the Dragon, has one of the coolest mascots around. The school is located in Philadelphia, PA. It has made a name for itself with its great degree programs. This includes its online Master’s in Clinical Research Management, Organization, and Administration. 

This program is “tailored for experienced research professionals seeking credentials and clinical management skills.” It is thus aimed at the administrative side of clinical research. A student must complete 36 credits to graduate. The courses cover subjects like:

• New product research and development
• Ethics and law
• Regulatory affairs
• New therapeutic product business and strategic planning

To be eligible for this program, you should have:

• 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Two years of relevant professional experience
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Transcripts
• An essay of past successes and future objectives

This degree has a net average price of $36,727. 

Loyola University Chicago is a Jesuit university located in North Chicago. It is right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There is a big plus to this degree. You can complete Loyola’s MS in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology online.

This online master degree program has a unique feature to apply. You must work as a clinician or health care professional at Loyola University Chicago. If you don’t fit that category, then another program on this list will likely be better suited for you.

Loyola University Chicago’s Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology degree is also unique because of its focus on epidemiology. This isn’t always found in other programs. As a student here, you will be taking core classes in:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Research ethics
• Grant writing

There are elective options in courses like Epidemiology of Obesity and Environmental Health. You will also be a required research project before the conclusion of your studies. 

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is located in Boston. You will be a part of a student body focused on healthcare innovation. It is also the perfect place to get an advanced degree in clinical research. 

The Master’s of Science in Clinical Research program at MCPHS contains a variety of core classes, including:

• Pharmaceutical Research and Development
• FDA and Regulatory Affairs
• Health Epidemiology, and Research Methodology.

You will be able to choose from electives such as:

• Law and Health Policy of Drugs and Devices
• Global Pharmaceutical Policy
• Mass Communication and Health
• Genetics and Public Health

After graduation, you will have the opportunity to work on a broader industry level. You could also engage in work looking at individual patients and their needs. 

To be admitted to this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree. This should be in a related field. You should also have work experience in a relevant field. The average net price for this degree is $39,665.

Campbell University is a private Baptist university near Raleigh, NC. It is another school offering an online program for a Master’s in Clinical Research. This program prepares its graduates for careers in:

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Universities

The course offerings for Campbell’s Master of Science in Clinical Research include:

• Healthcare economics
• Project management
• Biopharmaceutics
• Bioterrorism

Students must also complete a four-part research project. This is accomplished over the course of four different classes. 

Campbell University houses a group called the Graduate Clinical Research Organization. It facilitates open communication between the MSCR students and university faculty. This is a unique opportunity for students to form relationships and mentorships with faculty. The goal is to help students in their future careers. 

Admission to Campbell University’s MSCR program requires a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA. You will also need science and statistics prerequisites. This is attained with a relevant undergraduate degree. The average net price of attendance is $23,222.

UNCW is represented by the Seahawks because it’s North Carolina’s coastal university. It offers a highly-ranked online clinical research program. This program would be good for someone seeking a degree that isn’t lab-based. UNCW prepares its students for mid- to upper-level roles in biopharmaceutics or similar fields. 

The courses required for a clinical research degree from UNCW include:

• Clinical Research Monitoring and Ethics
• Advanced Scientific Writing and Interpreting Medical Literature
• Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management
• Clinical Research Trial Design and Data Management

To fulfill the 36 required credit hours, though, you must pick from other courses, including:

• Pharmacotherapeutics for Clinical Research and Product Development
• Epidemiology and Safety
• Current Issues in Global Regulatory Development and Management
• Innovative Drug Product Development

To apply for a spot in UNCW’s program, you should have:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, like life sciences, healthcare, or math
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA Two years of related experience in biopharmaceuticals or a similar field
• Three letters of recommendation, one of which must come from a current or former employer in this field
• Transcripts
• Resume
• Brief essay outlining your career goals and interest in receiving this degree

Xavier University was founded in 1831 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is one of the oldest Catholic and Jesuit universities in the country. Xavier offers an online Master’s in Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes Research. You must complete 39 credits to receive your degree. 

These credits include core courses introducing students to the HECOD master’s degree. It includes introductions to epidemiologic concepts and applications and health ethics in informatics and research. To earn this degree at Xavier, you must also complete courses in:

• Economics and healthcare systems
• Economic evaluation and marketing
• Statistics and analytics
• Two capstone courses

Admission to Xavier requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Three years of work experience in a related field

The degree is designed for working professionals who have an interest in growing their knowledge and enhancing their career opportunities. Selected candidates will also need to conduct an interview with an admissions officer. The cost of tuition for this program is $26,520.