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Clinical Research Management (Regulatory Science), MS

Clinical Research Management (Regulatory Science), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Clinical Research Management (Regulatory Science), MS

Medical Device Regulation, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Regulatory Science, Regulatory Writing

Are you ready to take your career in clinical research to the next level? This program is the perfect opportunity to advance your expertise. Open doors to exciting new possibilities in the dynamic field of clinical research management with a focus in regulatory science.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Clinical Research Management (Regulatory Science)

Regulatory affairs ensure that new products meet the requirements and standards set by regulatory authorities, and regulatory science addresses the safety, efficacy, quality and regulation of new medical products, diagnostics and treatments. This master's program aligns regulations and national competencies throughout the life cycle of medical products. With a master's degree in clinical research management and a focus on regulatory science, graduates can advance medical care and treatment while ensuring that new discoveries adhere to rules and regulations that keep patients safe.

The regulatory science concentration of this program provides students with a balance of skills in clinical research management and regulatory affairs and sciences. Coursework in this rigorous program includes regulatory writing techniques, quality assurance, medical devices and drugs, and pharmaceutical safety and risk management, ethical standards and regulation, in addition to clinical trial management.

This program meets the needs of professional adult learners and provides the flexibility of online courses, allowing for enrollment five times per year. Students can complete the program on a part-time basis, enabling them to continue to work while earning their degree. The program has the distinction of being the first clinical research graduate degree to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in the U.S. and internationally.

At a glance
Degree requirements

33 credit hours including the required capstone course (HCR 566)

Required Core (18 credit hours)
HCR 551 Clinical Research Monitoring (3)
HCR 561 Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research (3)
HCR 562 Clinical Research Data Management and Technology Implementation (3)
HCR 563 Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs (3)
HCR 565 Clinical Research Operations (3)
HCR 574 Scientific and Research Review Boards (3)

Concentration (12 credit hours)
HCR 553 Quality Assurance and Clinical Research (3)
HCR 555 Pharmaceutical Safety and Risk Management (3)
HCR 557 Clinical Research Design and Methods (3)
HCR 564 Global Regulatory Affairs Leadership (3)
HCR 567 Research Management and Contemporary Research Topics (3)
HCR 578 Legal Aspects of Clinical Research (3)
HCR 579 Translational Research in Drug Discovery and Development (3)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
HCR 566 Clinical Research Management Capstone (3)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. resume or curriculum vitae
  4. three online references
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The applicant must have six months of full-time, related clinical research work or internship experience as described in a resume or curriculum vitae. Applicants without six months of experience are required to complete the research foundation courses provided through the program prior to enrollment in any courses.

The online references should be from colleagues, supervisors or other professional contacts and should attest to the applicant's academic and leadership experiences.

Courses or a background in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology are recommended.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 07/19Final
Session BOnline 09/15Final
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 12/10Final
Session BOnline 02/15Final
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 04/15Final
Career opportunities

Graduates with an MS in clinical research management with a focus on regulatory science have a variety of career opportunities to explore. Career examples include:

  • clinical research associate
  • project manager
  • quality control specialist
  • regulatory affairs manager
  • regulatory affairs specialist
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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