Program Overview

Online Master's in Clinical Research for Health Professionals

The Online Master's in Clinical Research for Health Professionals is a non-thesis, fully online graduate degree program offered by Drexel University's nationally ranked College of Medicine. This program is designed for residents, fellows, clinicians, and other health professionals seeking to develop their skills in clinical research.

Program Overview

• The program consists of 36 semester credits and can be completed in 2-4 years.
• It is a fully online program with no thesis, on-campus, or residency requirement.
• Courses are led by distinguished researchers, administrators, lawyers, and scientists with extensive experience in clinical research.
• The curriculum combines quantitative principles with an understanding of research processes and administration.

Program Details

• Semester Credits: 36 credits
• Average Completion Time: 2 to 3 years, with the option to take up to 7 years to complete the program.
• No thesis, on-campus, or residency requirement.
• Courses: Led by experienced professionals in clinical research.
• Curriculum: Melds quantitative principles with research processes and administration.
• Format: Uses a simple, easy-to-use, interactive online format catering to active and at-work clinical researchers.

What is a MS in Clinical Research for Physicians & Health Professionals?

The online Master's in Clinical Research for Health Professionals is a 36-semester credit program that prepares health professionals with an extensive study and understanding of the scientific, ethical, and regulatory aspects of clinical research. Many students complete the requirements in 2 to 3 years.

Curriculum

The clinical research for health professionals curriculum provides access to a wide range of courses, giving students the opportunity to grow their confidence in scientific writing and research. This format helps students gain vital hands-on experience as they apply knowledge to interpret and present the findings of clinical research.

• Course Selection: Students select courses from various areas, including:
  • Epidemiology
  • Intro to Clinical Trials
  • Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics
  • Scientific Writing and Medical Literature
  • Pharmaceutical Law
  • Fundamentals of Compliance
• Research/Journal Paper: Conduct a minimum of 9 hours of research per week for 3 credits per semester, culminating in a 7-10 page journal format paper at the end of each semester.
• Mentored Research Project: Earn additional real-world clinical experience through a comprehensive mentored research project under the guidance of a doctoral-level mentor/advisor.

Admissions Criteria

• Bachelor's Degree: From a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
• Cumulative GPA: 3.0 is preferred, but those with a lower GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing their academic performance in their essay and ensuring relevant professional experience is included on their resume.
• Professional Experience: At least two years of relevant professional experience.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Essay on past successes, goals, and objectives for seeking this degree
• Resume
• CRHP Research Request Form
• Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

• Tuition Rate: $1384 per credit for the academic year.
• Graduate Online Program Fee: $125 per year for students enrolled in an online graduate academic program.
• Special Tuition Rates: Available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

• Fall 2025: Classes begin August 18, 2025, and end December 12, 2025.
• Spring 2026: Classes begin January 5, 2026, and end May 1, 2026.
• Summer 2026: Classes begin May 11, 2026, and end August 7, 2026.

Career Opportunities

The online clinical research master's degree for health professionals often acts as an advanced preparation for independent investigators and other practicing researchers familiar with the industry. Many graduates pursue careers in the conduct of translational, pharmaceutical, and/or biotechnology research. Related job titles include Clinical Research Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Pharmacologist, and Senior Research Scientist.