Research
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Certificate in Clinical Research
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Program Overview
The online, part-time Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research (CCR) is ideal for individuals with a science background, specialists, residents, fellows and other healthcare professionals seeking to develop essential skills in clinical trial design, research ethics, and more. The program provides a foundation in human clinical research, equipping professionals with the core competencies needed to lead and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements. With courses available year-round it suits working professionals and can be completed independently. Furthermore, credits earned from the certificate may be applied toward the Master of Science in Clinical Research program, providing a seamless pathway for future specialization.
Application Timeline
Spring: Oct 1 – Dec 1
Summer: Jan 1 – Apr 1
Fall: Oct 1 – Aug 1
Learning Experience
Engage in year-round online coursework taught by MUSC faculty, covering clinical biostatistics, epidemiology, trials, ethics, team science, grant writing, and regulatory issues.
Engage With Our Community
Connect to a vibrant online community of peers and mentors across MUSC’s College of Graduate Studies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical research.
Your Path to Admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must possess one of the following:
- A bachelor's or master's degree in health care or clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g., BSN, MHS)
- A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in health care or clinical sciences (e.g., M.D., Pharm.D., O.D., D.M.D., Ph.D.)
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page.
Application Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Complete the MUSC application.
- Once the application and all supplemental materials have been received, the application will be reviewed.
- Selected applicants may be contacted by the admissions committee.
Application Requirements
MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
Supplemental Materials: Applicants will need to submit the following supplemental materials:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Letters of guarantee: All applicants must provide a letter of guarantee indicating they have full support to pursue the certificate. For residents and fellows, this should be provided by their program director. For faculty, this should be provided by their division or department chair/director.
- Personal statement: All applicants must submit a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words, which identifies the applicant’s future professional goals, their purpose for applying and choosing the program, an area of research interest and qualifications, and the name of their research mentor and institution, if identified.
International Applicants
Due to the distance-education nature of this program, MUSC is unable to issue- I-20 forms to allow students to obtain F-1 student visas.
Funding Your Path Forward
Discover how the program supports students through transparent tuition information and opportunities for need-based scholarships and FAFSA-based financial aid.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $95 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per credit hour unless otherwise noted.
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $480 | $480 | $480 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $725 | $725 | $725 | - |
Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $11,040 / $16,675 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 |
| Fees | - |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $14,820 / $20,455 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Housing/Food | $27,144 |
| Personal | $2,880 |
| Transportation | $3,240 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $1,510 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $34,774 / $34,774 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $49,594 / $55,229 |
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.
Career Outlook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug 20, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm
Program Faculty
Andrea Boan, Ph.D., MSCR, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
Director of Assessment
boan@musc.edu
842-796-1064
Jihad Obeid, M.D.
Professor, College of Medicine – Public Health Sciences
Tammy Loucks, MPH., DrPH
Science Development Officer 843-792-0591 louckst@musc.edu
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by Purpose & Principles
Our curriculum reflects rigorous educational standards and ethical foundations, preparing professionals to conduct clinical research with integrity, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
Competencies
Upon completion of the CCR program, graduates will be able to:
- Conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature
- Formulate a well-defined or translational research question
- Select an appropriate study design to address a clinical or translational research question
- Compute, describe, and evaluate descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to the chosen study design
- Apply ethical codes and professional standards for the conduct of clinical and translational research
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories Worth Sharing
Stay updated on faculty and student achievements in clinical research through regular College of Graduate Studies news and spotlights, including groundbreaking discoveries and event highlights.
College of Graduate Studies + Science Research
Celebrating achievement: PREP Program's triumphant research Symposium
Alumni + College of Graduate Studies
Shaping the future of CGS students through career development programs
Alumni + College of Graduate Studies
MUSC’s competitor wins 3MT Regional competition