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.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

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.