Your MS in Clinical Research Management starts here

A Master of Science in Clinical Research Management prepares you to play a leadership role in the development of new drugs, devices and therapies. This specialized graduate degree program combines biomedical science, regulatory knowledge and practical skills in order to give you a strong foundation for a career in clinical research.

Through this program, you gain expertise in topics such as:

• Foundational knowledge and basics of biomedical sciences
• Federal regulations, including the Code of Federal Regulations and Good Clinical Practice standards
• Ethical issues in research, including patient protections and informed consent
• Administrative and medical writing skills required to manage clinical trials
• Hands-on experience through either an internship practicum or a capstone project

UNT Health designed the MS program in Clinical Research Management in order to be flexible, with both on-campus and online tracks. You can complete the degree in about 18 months of full-time enrollment, with two start times each year (e.g. summer and fall).

Ideal candidates for the MS in clinical research

This graduate degree is ideal if you:

• Already work in healthcare, pharmaceuticals or life sciences and want to advance into leadership roles
• Have a background in biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, nursing, pharmacy or another science-related field and want to move into clinical research
• Are seeking a career that blends science with clinical research, regulatory affairs and patient safety
• Value the opportunity to contribute to advancing medical discoveries that improve public health

UNT Health designed the program for professionals who want to make an impact in a rapidly growing field, whether they are entering clinical research for the first time or enhancing their existing career.

Apply today in order to take the first step toward becoming a leader in clinical research management.

An MS in clinical research equips you with the specialized skills needed in order to oversee and manage every stage of a clinical trial. The program blends biomedical science, regulation and leadership training so when you graduate you are ready to excel in a competitive industry.

Core technical skills

You gain advanced knowledge in the areas that drive modern clinical research such as:

• Biomedical science: Study foundational concepts across biomedical disciplines to build a strong understanding of the fundamentals of clinical research.
• Regulatory compliance: Master the Code of Federal Regulations and Good Clinical Practice standards.
• Ethical decision-making: Learn to navigate patient rights, informed consent and bioethics.
• Medical writing: Develop clear, accurate reports and documents that meet regulatory standards.
• Data management: Collect, organize and analyze data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Leadership and management skills

Beyond technical expertise, the program prepares you for supervisory and decision-making roles by building:

• Communication skills for working with researchers, physicians, regulatory agencies and patients
• Problem-solving abilities to address challenges in trial design, compliance and patient safety
• Team collaboration to succeed in clinical, academic and corporate environments

Hands-on experience

You also gain practical experience through either a six-to-12-month internship practicum in clinical research or an online capstone project designed to demonstrate mastery of program knowledge with hands-on training.

This combination of technical and leadership skills ensures you are prepared to manage clinical research studies that meet the highest standards of safety, ethics and efficiency.

Apply today in order to begin developing the skills that set you apart in clinical research management.

UNT Health designed the master’s program in clinical research management for motivated professionals who want to advance or pivot into a career that blends science, regulatory affairs and clinical data management. Individuals who are eager to play a role in bringing new medical treatments, devices and therapies to patients are well-suited for this degree.

Ideal candidates for the MS in clinical research program

You should consider pursuing an MS in clinical research management if you are:

• A recent graduate in a science-related field (e.g. biology, biomedical science, chemistry, nursing, pharmacy) who wants to enter the clinical research industry
• A healthcare professional with several years of experience who wants to move into clinical research management or regulatory roles
• Working in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or medical device industries and want to advance into supervisory positions
• Interested in contributing to the development of safer, more effective medical solutions through clinical trials

A clinical research management degree matters for career growth

This program is particularly valuable for those who:

• Want to strengthen their understanding of both scientific and administrative aspects of research
• Are seeking to improve their competitiveness for roles such as clinical research coordinator, clinical research associate or medical writer
• Value flexible learning options, with both on-campus and online tracks available
• Appreciate programs that provide hands-on experience through internships or capstone projects

By combining technical knowledge with leadership skills, the program prepares graduates for meaningful careers that influence public health and medical innovation.

Apply today in order to take the next step toward a rewarding career in clinical research.

The MS in CRM program offers a curriculum that balances biomedical science, clinical data management and clinical and research ethics. UNT Health designed the courses to give you a comprehensive understanding of clinical research while also preparing you with the practical skills to manage trials from start to finish.

Core biomedical and research courses

You will complete foundational courses that build your scientific knowledge and research skills such as:

• Biostatistics for Biomedical Sciences: frameworks for evaluating the biostatistical approaches appropriate for different research designs and assessing statistical results
• Principles of Biochemistry: an introduction to the fundamentals of biochemistry, especially those relating to thermodynamics, molecular pathways and regulation
• Molecular Cell Biology: the basics of cell and molecular biology, focusing on experiments and current knowledge
• Immunology and Microbiology: a general exploration of immunology and microbiology that covers both basic and clinical aspects of these areas
• Physiology: an emphasis on integrative physiology of human organ systems
• Pharmacology: an overview of the principles of pharmacology that includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, ligand-receptor interactions and their consequent biological effects

Regulatory and compliance training

Because compliance is at the heart of clinical research, the program emphasizes coursework in topics such as:

• Introduction to Regulatory Affairs: the process of developing and regulating new therapies, from early testing to monitoring after approval
• Clinical and Research Ethics: an introduction to a practical application of ethics

Professional and leadership development

You also gain skills for advancing into leadership roles through courses such as:

• Scientific Communications: writing scientific content in an effective manner for different audiences
• Introduction to Clinical Research and Studies: conducting clinical trials from initiation to implementation
• Principles of Clinical Data Management: ensuring that conclusions drawn from research are well supported by the data

Hands-on learning

Every student completes either a six-to-12-month internship practicum in clinical research or an online capstone project that applies program knowledge to real-world challenges.

In conclusion, this curriculum ensures you graduate with a balance of technical expertise, regulatory awareness and leadership skills that employers in clinical research demand.

Apply today in order to explore how these courses can prepare you for a career in clinical research management.

A hallmark of the MS in clinical research is the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Every student completes either a six-to-12-month internship practicum or a capstone project, depending on their track and career goals. Both options ensure you graduate with proven experience in clinical research management.

Internship practicum

UNT Health designed the internship practicum for students who want direct, hands-on experience. During this placement, there are opportunities such as:

• Working alongside professionals at research sites, hospitals or industry sponsors
• Gaining exposure to study start-up, patient recruitment, monitoring and reporting
• Building connections with clinical investigators, coordinators and regulatory staff
• Developing practical skills that prepare you for roles such as clinical research associate or clinical research coordinator

On-campus students typically complete internships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where opportunities are available across major research institutions and healthcare organizations.

Capstone project

The capstone project provides an alternative for students who require flexibility, such as those in the online track. In this option, you have opportunities such as:

• Completing a structured project that integrates program coursework into a real-world research problem
• Focusing on study design, regulatory strategy or trial management challenges
• Producing a final report that demonstrates mastery of both scientific and regulatory knowledge

This pathway is particularly useful for students who may not be able to relocate or travel for an internship.

Why real-world experience in clinical research matters

Whether you choose the internship or capstone, both experiences are designed in order to:

• Validate your ability to apply program knowledge
• Strengthen your resume with applied clinical research experience
• Prepare you for leadership roles in settings such as industry, academia or healthcare

Apply today in order to begin gaining the hands-on experience that sets you apart in clinical research management.

Earning an MS in clinical research opens the door to a wide variety of career paths in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and academia. Because you have training in science, regulation and management, you are prepared for roles that ensure clinical trials are designed, conducted and reported to the highest standards.

Common career paths with an MS in clinical research

• Graduates often pursue positions such as:
• Clinical research coordinator: oversee daily operations of clinical trials at research sites
• Clinical research associate: monitor studies for compliance, data integrity and patient safety
• Clinical research scientist: design, implement and analyze clinical research studies
• Medical writer: prepare study protocols, reports and regulatory documents
• Clinical trial auditor or monitor: ensure trials meet regulatory requirements and quality standards
• Product safety specialist: evaluate adverse events and ensure safety reporting compliance
• Clinical research trainer: educate staff and research teams on trial protocols and best practices

Growth and leadership opportunities for clinical research graduates

The field of clinical research management is expanding because of:

• Increased demand for new drugs, devices and biologics
• Regulatory requirements for rigorous testing before public release
• The global focus on faster, safer and more cost-effective clinical trials

As you gain experience, you can progress into senior or managerial roles, such as clinical operations manager, director of clinical research or regulatory affairs leader. Industry and contract research organizations offer both technical and leadership career tracks.

Industry flexibility in clinical research management

Career opportunities exist across multiple settings such as:

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Hospitals, clinics and academic medical centers
• Contract research organizations and site management organizations
• Government agencies and nonprofit health organizations

With the turnover in the industry and a growing variety of career options, graduates may find opportunities to advance quickly or transition into new specialties within clinical research.

Apply today in order to explore how an MS in Clinical Research Management can prepare you for a career in this high-demand field.

Graduates of an MS in clinical research management program find opportunities across diverse industries and organizations that drive medical innovation. Because clinical research is essential for bringing new treatments to market, your skills are in demand worldwide.

Academic and healthcare institutions

Many graduates work in hospitals, academic medical centers or private clinics. In these settings, you may coordinate clinical trials, manage patient recruitment and ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Academic centers also offer opportunities to support faculty-led research studies and mentor new investigators.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Pharmaceutical and biotech firms rely on well-trained professionals to manage large-scale clinical trials. In these organizations, you may contribute to drug and device development, oversee multi-site studies and collaborate with global teams. These positions often offer technical and leadership career tracks, allowing you to advance into senior roles over time.

Contract research and site management organizations

Contract Research Organizations and Site Management Organizations employ many clinical research professionals. These organizations partner with sponsors in order to run clinical trials efficiently. Graduates working here often gain exposure to a variety of therapeutic areas and trial phases, making these roles valuable for career growth.

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations

Graduates may also pursue roles with federal or state agencies, such as departments of health or regulatory bodies, where they contribute to public health research, policy development and compliance oversight. Nonprofit organizations and international NGOs offer opportunities to support research aimed at addressing global health challenges and improving access.

Career versatility

Whether you prefer direct patient interaction, large-scale project oversight or policy and compliance work, you can tailor your career to your goals when you earn an MS in CRM. In fact, many professionals switch between industry, academia and service organizations as they advance.

Apply today in order to take the next step toward joining a field where your skills are valued across multiple industries.

 Admission to the MS in clinical research program is designed for motivated students with strong academic preparation and a commitment to advancing in the research field. The process ensures that students entering the program are prepared for the scientific, regulatory and professional rigor of graduate-level study.

Requirements for MS in clinical research applicants

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. While students from diverse backgrounds may apply, the program is best suited for those with degrees in science-related fields such as biology, biochemistry or chemistry. Generally, competitive applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Application requirements

• Completed application through GradCAS
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• Personal statement outlining career goals and interest in clinical research
• Resume or curriculum vitae highlighting academic and professional experiences
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references

GRE scores are not required but can be submitted using GradCAS code 3410.

Additional requirements for international applicants

• A course-by-course transcript evaluation using WES ICAP 
• Proof of English language proficiency such as an official report through TOEFL (use GradCAS code #B886). Find the full list of ways to meet language requirements on the application guide.

In conclusion, meeting these requirements ensures that you are ready to succeed in a program that combines scientific knowledge with real-world training in clinical research management.

Apply today in order to take the first step toward earning your MS in Clinical Research Management.

The MS in clinical research program offers multiple start dates each year, giving you the flexibility to begin your studies at a time that fits your schedule. Students can apply for entry in the summer or fall semester.

• Summer admission: Applications are accepted from Nov. 15 to April 1.
• Fall admission: Applications are accepted from April 1 to July 15.

Because the program has two entry points each year, missing one deadline does not mean waiting an entire year. You can apply for the next available term. This flexibility helps you align graduate study with your personal and professional timeline.

Apply today in order to meet the upcoming deadline and secure your spot in the MS in Clinical Research Management program.

UNT Health designed the MS in clinical research to give you flexibility while ensuring you gain the full depth of knowledge and experience needed for success. The program can typically be completed in five to six semesters, and the average time to completion is 18 months for full-time students.

Full-time enrollment

Students who enroll full-time can expect to finish in about a year and a half. This includes completing all coursework as well as either the required internship practicum or capstone project. Full-time study is an excellent option if you want to fast-track your career advancement.

Part-time enrollment

If you are balancing work or other commitments, then part-time enrollment is available. While the exact pace may vary, most part-time students complete the degree in two to three years. This flexible path allows you to progress steadily without putting your career or personal responsibilities on hold.

On-campus/hybrid and online tracks

• On-campus/hybrid students generally complete their coursework followed by a six-to-12-month internship in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
• Online students complete coursework remotely and fulfill the experiential requirement through a capstone project, which spans six to 12 months.

Both tracks are structured for timely completion, with two entry points per year (e.g. summer, fall), so you can begin when it works best for you.

Why timing matters

Finishing your degree in 18 months means you can quickly move into higher-level roles in clinical research. The program’s flexible design also ensures you don’t have to delay your education whether you choose full-time or part-time, on-campus or online.

Apply today in order to start your MS in Clinical Research Management and complete your degree on a timeline that fits your goals.