Most Affordable Online Master's In Clinical Research

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in clinical research degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Interested in health and science? Looking to help folks live longer? Here are the most affordable online master's in clinical research degrees.

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With the rise of technology and increased access to information, it’s now easier than ever before to research and create new products to help people live longer, healthier lives. If you’re interested in researching pharmaceuticals, biologics, and devices, a degree in clinical research may be perfect for you.

Attention-to-detail is a must and a passion to help others is crucial as well. There’s so much that goes into products before they make it to market, and now you can be a part of the exciting process!

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What kind of clinical research degree should you get?

Now that you’ve decided to pursue a clinical research degree, you’ll have to figure out exactly what kind of degree to get. Should you attend online? Or on-campus? Are you just starting out or looking to earn an advanced degree? It can be difficult to decide. Luckily, we’re here to help!

Ready to serve as a watchdog for new medicines, treatments, and diagnostic products on the market? College Choice is here to help you find the best program to do just that! If you’re thinking about a different degree, check out College Choice’s ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master’s Degree. If you know you’d like to earn a Clinical Research Master’s, keep reading to learn more about our favorite programs.

How much money do people make with a master’s in clinical research?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians can make upwards of $51,000 per year. Of course, the more advanced degree and experience you have, the higher your earning potential will be. The city or town in which you work will also affect how much you make.

Plus, the career you decide to pursue with your degree can make a great impact as well. Not all those with a Master’s in clinical research go on to do the same thing.

What can you do with a master’s in clinical research?

Clinical researchers can go on to work in a range of places, across all industries! You may go on to work as a clinical research associate, clinical research coordinator, or clinical research manager. Research hospitals and medical laboratories are just a few of the many places that hire clinical researchers.

No matter what route you’d like to pursue, you’ll have to develop skills in research, data collection, and even psychology. It’s important to understand people in order to properly conduct clinical trials. Excited to dive in? Check out the best online master’s programs below!

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. Arizona State University
    Location

    Phoenix, AZ

    Tuition

    $13007

    OverviewThis public research university has five locations throughout Phoenix and four other learning centers in Arizona. Home to mascot Sparky the Sun Devil as well as over 70,000 students, ASU is a hub of innovators and go-getters. Now, interested students can pursue an online Master of Science in Clinical Research Management. The program is offered through ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Program DetailsEach of the 11 classes in this program lasts 7.5 weeks. Students must complete a total of at least 33 credit-hours to graduate. Required courses may include:

    • Clinical Research Operations
    • Clinical Research Monitoring
    • Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs
    • Scientific and Research Review Boards
    • Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research
    This program is unique in that it integrates principles of innovation and entrepreneurship for adoption into clinical research. Part-time study is available and a six semester-hour capstone clinical research project is required of all students.NotablesArizona State University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation. Known for its affordable and flexible degree programs, U.S. News and World Report ranked ASU among the nation’s Top Public Schools. It was also ranked the number one Most Innovative School in the United States.

  2. Saint Cloud State University
    Location

    Saint Cloud, MN

    Tuition

    $13582

    OverviewLocated in St. Cloud, MN, this public university was founded in 1869 and is now home to over 15,000 students. With more than 60 degree programs offered through its School of Graduate Studies, Saint Cloud State University is abuzz with students striving to impact the world. Now, interested students can pursue an online Master of Science degree program in Applied Clinical Research.Program DetailsThis online program offers classes through a synchronous Adobe Connect Internet connection. Required courses may include:

    • Evidence Based Medicine
    • Clinical Research Leadership
    • Lifecycle of the Clinical Product
    • Clinical Risk Management and Safety
    • Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
    This program is unique in that it’s the country’s only clinical research program focused on medical devices. Graduates will learn how medical device products affect the human body, how new products are developed and brought to market, and how to design and conduct ethical and scientific medical research. NotablesStudents come to Saint Cloud State University from 18 countries, 50 states, and all Canadian provinces. The university has been ranked among the Top Public Schools and Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. With more than 200 graduate assistantships awarded per year, it’s no surprise so many choose Saint Cloud.

  3. University of North Carolina Wilmington
    Location

    Wilmington, NC

    Tuition

    $16218

    OverviewThis public university located in Wilmington, NC, was founded in September of 1947 and has since grown into a campus of nearly 16,000 students. The university offers a variety of excellent programs for students to pursue. One of which is their Master of Science degree in Clinical Research and Product Development. The program is offered through the university’s College of Health and Human Services.Program DetailsThis non-laboratory based degree requires students to complete 36 credit hours. Required courses may include:

    • Epidemiology and Safety
    • Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
    • Regulatory Affairs and Project Management
    • Clinical Research Trial Design and Data Management
    • Biopharmaceutical Technology Transfer and IP Management
    You will learn the importance of laws, regulations, guidance, and Good Clinical Practice in this unique Clinical Research curriculum. All graduate students will also be required to complete a capstone project. NotablesUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington has been ranked fourteenth among Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. The university has also been ranked within the Top 10 for Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Public Schools. UNC Wilmington is also considered a Best Value School. With rankings like that, it’s no wonder so many choose this university to pursue their passions.

  4. Ohio State University
    Location

    Columbus, OH

    Tuition

    $17971

    OverviewLocated in Columbus, OH, OSU is a public university that’s home to mascot Brutus Buckeye and over 66,000 students! If you’re looking to study clinical research in a flexible and affordable fashion, look no further than Ohio State University. In fact, students can now pursue an online Master of Applied Clinical and Preclinical Research program. The degree is offered by The OSU Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine.Program DetailsThis program requires 36 credit-hours that may be completed either a full- or part-time. Students typically complete this program in just one or two years. Required courses may include:

    • Responsible Conduct of Research
    • Management of Clinical and Preclinical Studies
    • Fundamentals of Medical Product Development and Regulation
    • Research Design and Methods for Clinical and Preclinical Research
    • Data Analysis and Interpretation in Clinical and Preclinical Research
    This program also concludes with a 3 credit-hour capstone project or practicum. OSU also offers an MS in Pharmacology with concentrations in Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Research Design, Toxicology, and Safety Pharmacology.NotablesThe above MACPR program offers in-state tuition to all students regardless of state or country of residence. OSU is the highest-ranked public university in Ohio and offers over 95 Master’s programs, and countless opportunities for interdisciplinary work.

  5. Campbell University
    Location

    Buies Creek, NC

    Tuition

    $25483

    OverviewLocated in Buies Creek, NC, this private Christian university is home to the Fighting Camels, along with over 6,000 students. With over 150 academic programs and ten academic divisions, Campbell is home to leaders and passionate students. Check out Campbell’s online Master of Science in Clinical Research. This program is offered through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.Program DetailsStudents applying to this program must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. Required courses for this MS degree may include:

    • Biostatistical Inference
    • Scientific Communication
    • Advanced Data Management
    • Managing and Monitoring Clinical Trials
    • Physical and Clinical Assessment with Lab
    All graduates must also complete a comprehensive research project. Students can enroll full-time to complete the program in two years or choose a part-time option.NotablesSince its founding in 1887, Campbell has become a leading university across a range of academics. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Campbell among the nation’s Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans. The university also ranked among the Top 30 Best Regional Universities in the South.

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