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Top List of Universities Offering MS in Clinical Research
Take medical discoveries from the lab to the rest of the world with a master’s in clinical research.
If you love science and are looking for a dynamic, in-demand profession, then clinical research may be a good fit for you. There’s a huge demand for professionals with expertise in the process of developing, conducting, and monitoring clinical trials - the process that transforms scientific discoveries into usable treatments.
A master’s in clinical research will equip you with the skills to coordinate and monitor clinical studies - as well as manage data and work within the protocols of regulatory agencies.
Whether your interest is in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or biotechnology, you’ll find a program with your name on it.
What kind of clinical research degree should you get?
Most clinical research programs set students up to work in a broad range of environments - from industry to government agencies. But there are also programs that emphasize specific areas like the translational process, or even the business side of clinical research management.
And increasingly, leading-edge areas of study are not confined to traditional residential programs. If you find yourself in a situation where taking time off work to complete a degree is not feasible, consider your online options. There are plenty of accredited, highly-ranked universities that have developed outstanding online programs for working professionals.
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Check out our ranking of the Best Online Colleges for more information.
How much money do people make with a clinical research degree?
Clinical research is currently an area of tremendous growth - and well-trained clinical research professionals are in high demand. Medical technology and information have led to a boom in potential new drugs, devices, and biologics. But they won’t be able to reach the public without extensive testing - hence, the high demand for clinical researchers.
The US Bureau of Labor services cites the current job growth outlook at 13 percent - that’s much faster than average. And as a medical scientist, the BLS reports a median salary of $82,090. That number will vary depending on your geographical location and work experience, but you’ll be guaranteed a very respectable salary.
What can you do with a degree in clinical research?
Obtaining a master’s in clinical research will set you up for a wide range of financially rewarding career paths. Graduates go on to work at public and private medical device companies, contract research organizations, and hospital systems. Or you can choose to pursue a doctoral degree.
You’ll be faced with a variety of choices. And, with accrued work experience, you’ll be able to progress to supervisory, specialist, or management positions. You can also switch between industry and research sites, depending on the amount you want to travel and how much you enjoy interacting with patients.
Job titles you might qualify for include:
- Clinical research coordinator
- Medical writer
- Clinical trial auditor
- Product safety specialist
What are the requirements for a degree in clinical research?
If you’ve done any research already, you’ll have found that admission requirements vary widely from school to school - and even depending on the program emphasis. You will need, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution - preferably in a science.
Some highly competitive programs may also require advanced education in the health professions as well as significant work experience. And most programs require standardized test scores like the GRE.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of science in clinical research program at Boston University is one of the school's 170 master's degrees. Students can increase their earning potential and advance their careers with this degree. The program offers flexible enrollment options that appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with other responsibilities.
The master's curriculum builds comprehensive knowledge, highlighting theoretical and practical approaches to clinical research. Students strengthen their knowledge through internships and other hands-on learning opportunities, which also build valuable professional connections. Learners specialize their education by choosing electives and concentrations.
Boston University at a Glance:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 19%
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 55%
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking increased professional responsibilities can earn their master of science in clinical research at the University of Virginia-Main Campus. The public institution, located in Charlottesville, offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. Enrollees complete a challenging, graduate-level curriculum that builds an advanced understanding of clinical research.
Master's degree-seekers benefit from college resources and support services. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors recommend grants and scholarships to pay for a master's degree. Learners can also take advantage of tutoring centers, library services, and service learning opportunities.
University of Virginia-Main Campus at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 72
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Admission Rate: 24%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,578
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,770
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $56,800
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
University of California, San Diego
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
The master's in clinical research program at the University of California, San Diego offers an affordable, rigorous option for graduate learners. Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in the program. Graduate programs offer flexible enrollment options that make it easier for enrollees to fit classes into their schedule.
Learners strengthen their theoretical and practical understanding of clinical research through the program's challenging curriculum. Internships and hands-on learning opportunities strengthen classroom skills and help degree candidates expand their professional networks. Concentrations and electives let learners specialize their education around particular fields.
University of California, San Diego at a Glance:
Location: La Jolla, California
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 31%
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 63%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $17,498
Average Price After Aid: $14,864
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
Eastern Michigan University
- Ypsilanti, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn their master's in clinical research administration from Eastern Michigan University, which offers 123 master's programs. The program appeals to students seeking a graduate degree that will increase their career opportunities. At the school, programs offer flexible enrollment options that appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with other responsibilities.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of clinical research. Students gain real-world experience during internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Concentrations and electives let learners specialize their education around particular fields.
Eastern Michigan University at a Glance:
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,912
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $33,600
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $8,183
Average Price After Aid: $16,078
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
University of St. Thomas
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in clinical translation management at the University of St. Thomas, one of the school's 26 master's degrees, offers a rigorous education. The program encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. Flexible enrollment options, including online classes, help busy enrollees balance coursework with their other responsibilities.
The curriculum blends theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of clinical translation management. Students often complete internships and other experiential learning opportunities to build career-ready skills. Candidates may also be able to choose a concentration, building specialized skills in a specific area.
University of St. Thomas at a Glance:
Location: Houston, Texas
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 87%
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,934
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,934
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
- Madison, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking career advancement benefit from the master of health science program at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus. The private university offers programs on its Madison, New Jersey, campus and online. Master's degree-seekers complete a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes advanced clinical research knowledge and skills.
College resources and support services help master's candidates participate fully in campus life and meet graduation requirements. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Students can also participate in tutoring sessions, counseling programs, and networking events.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 33
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Admission Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $22,186
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,186
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,300
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in clinical research management program at the University of North Texas, one of the school's 85 master's degrees, offers a rigorous education. Students can advance their training and increase their career opportunities with this degree. Flexible enrollment options appeal to working professionals who need to schedule classes around other responsibilities.
The curriculum uses theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of clinical research management. Internships and hands-on learning opportunities encourage learners to gain varied experience while building professional connections. Degree-seekers can specialize their education by choosing electives and concentrations.
University of North Texas at a Glance:
Location: Denton, Texas
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,900
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,496
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 82%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $9,441
Average Price After Aid: $14,020
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
St. Cloud State University
- St. Cloud, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in advancing their career can earn their master's in applied clinical research at St. Cloud State University. The Minnesota public institution offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. The master's in applied clinical research program builds on undergraduate knowledge. Applicants without a clinical research background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
College resources and support services help master's candidates get the most out of graduate school. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors recommend grants and scholarships to pay for a master's degree. Learners can also attend networking events and make use of library services.
St. Cloud State University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 60
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,460
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,334
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,000
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Louisville offers a master's in clinical investigation sciences for students seeking career advancement. From its Louisville campus, the public university meets the needs of diverse degree-seekers by offering flexible enrollment options. Enrollees gain an advanced understanding of topics while strengthening their skills.
Whether they study online or on campus, master's candidates can access a generous selection of college resources and support services. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors recommend grants and scholarships to pay for a master's degree. Students can also take advantage of networking and training events hosted by the university.
University of Louisville at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 78
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,000
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,114
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,200
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Master’s In Clinical Research Degrees
Augusta University
- Augusta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Augusta University offers a master of clinical and translational science for students seeking career advancement. The Georgia public institution offers a variety of enrollment options for degree-seekers, including online programs. Master's candidates complete a challenging, graduate-level curriculum that builds an advanced understanding of clinical and translational science.
College resources and support services help enrollees get the most out of graduate school. For example, academic advisors recommend course selections and connect students with tutoring services. Master's degree-seekers can also attend networking events and access library services.
Augusta University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 28
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Admission Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,504
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,772
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,300
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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