Program Overview

Overview of the Online Master of Science in Clinical Research Management

The online Master of Science in Clinical Research Management degree offered by Arizona State University is designed to advance the careers of nursing and healthcare professionals. This program equips students with the skills necessary to supervise and analyze clinical trials and research.

Program Details

• Total classes: 11
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 33
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

Degree Questions Answered

The program is designed for individuals with experience in clinical trials or those involved in various aspects of clinical trials. It is essential to have six months of experience related to research trials. If this requirement is not met, students may complete ASU’s Foundations of Clinical Research Management courses with at least a “B” to meet the experience requirements.

Clinical Research Management Courses

The program includes six core courses and four approved electives, along with a clinical research management project. Core courses cover:

• Clinical Research Data Management and Technology Implementation
• Clinical Research Monitoring
• Clinical Research Operations
• Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs
• Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research
• Scientific and Research Review Boards Elective courses include:
  • Clinical Research Design and Methods
  • Drug Discovery, Development and Regulations

Careers in Clinical Research Management

This program prepares students for careers in governmental and regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, academic institutions, and national or international research organizations. Career examples include:

• Clinical data manager
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical research coordinator
• Clinical trial director
• Clinical trial program manager

Faculty and Accreditation

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is home to world-renowned and award-winning faculty members. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in the U.S. and internationally.

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Eligibility criteria include:

• A bachelor's or master's degree
• Previous coursework or knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology is highly recommended
• A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Application requirements:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume or curriculum vitae, demonstrating six months of full-time, related clinical research work or internship experience
  • Two online references
  • Personal statement
  • Writing prompt answering clinical trial research questions
  • Proof of English language proficiency

Additional Application Information

An interview may be required. The online references should be from professional colleagues, supervisors, professors, or other professional contacts and should attest to the applicant's academic and leadership experiences. The applicant's resume or curriculum vitae must show six months of full-time related clinical research work or internship experience.

Preparing Health Leaders of Tomorrow

ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a world-class education to students across various health disciplines. The college distinguishes itself by delivering excellent programs and challenging courses led by high-quality instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I become a clinical research manager? A clinical research manager is generally an individual who has experience in research and clinical trials as a study coordinator or monitor.
• Will the college help me find a job as a clinical research manager? ASU provides employment resources to graduating students, such as online career services and job postings on Handshake, ASU’s career and internship platform.
• Is the capstone project required and when does it need to be completed? The capstone course is required and must be completed at the end of the clinical research management program.
• Can the capstone project be published? The capstone project can be published. Several have been published in journals, presented in national organizational meetings, and accepted as scientific posters in national and international meetings.
• Is there a mentorship program available? The master’s program in clinical research provides a mentorship program for interested students.