Certificate in Clinical Research

The online, part-time Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research (CCR) is designed for healthcare professionals, specialists, residents, and fellows seeking to develop essential skills in clinical trial design, biostatistics, epidemiology, and research ethics—without committing to a complete master's degree. This flexible 19-credit-hour program provides a comprehensive foundation in human clinical research, equipping professionals with the core competencies needed to lead and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements. With courses offered in fall, spring, and summer, the program accommodates working professionals and can be completed independently.

Additionally, credits earned through the certificate may be applied toward the M.S. in Clinical Research, offering a seamless pathway for those interested in further specialization. Whether you are looking to enhance your research capabilities, expand career opportunities in clinical trials, or transition into the growing field of clinical research, this program provides the essential knowledge and industry-aligned training to help you succeed.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the program, students should be able to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature
2. Formulate a well-defined clinical or translational research question
3. Select an appropriate study design to address a clinical or translational research question
4. Compute, describe, and evaluate descriptive and inferential statistics appropriate to the chosen study design
5. Apply ethical codes and professional standards for the conduct of clinical and translational research

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

Year 1, Spring

Year 1, Summer

Career Outcomes

Earning a Certificate in Clinical Research creates exciting career opportunities in the rapidly expanding field of clinical research. Graduates gain the expertise to succeed in the following roles:

• Clinical Research Associate: Oversees clinical trial sites, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulatory standards. CRAs often work with pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or government agencies.
• Clinical Project Manager: Leads clinical research projects by coordinating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring milestones are met on time.
• Medical Science Liaison: Acts as a scientific expert, bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals while fostering relationships with key opinion leaders.

Graduates may find employment in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, contract research organizations, academic medical centers, and regulatory agencies such as the FDA and NIH. The specialized skills acquired through this program also provide a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications in clinical research.

Eligibility Criteria

Clinical and healthcare professionals must possess one of the following:

• A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the healthcare or clinical sciences (e.g. M.D., Pharm. D., O.D., D.M.D., Ph.D.)
• A graduate or bachelor's degree in healthcare or clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g. BSN, MHS)

Application Requirements

Complete the applications and submit admission materials online. If you are unable to apply online you must petition the College of Graduate Studies Office of the Dean for special accommodations with an explanation of why you are unable to apply online.

Application Materials

1. Academic transcripts from the institution of the highest degree, as well as any professional certifications that indicate the applicant has either:
   • A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in the healthcare or clinical sciences (e.g. M.D., Pharm. D., O.D., D.M.D., Ph.D.)
   • A graduate or bachelor's degree in healthcare or clinical sciences from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g. BSN, MHS)
2. A personal statement that includes: (1-2 pages)
   • Future professional goals
   • Your purpose for applying to the graduate program
   • Area of research interest and qualifications
   • Why you chose the institution's graduate certificate program
   • Name of your research mentor and institution (if identified)
3. Letter of guarantee that applicant has full support to pursue the certificate
   • For residents – from the Residency Director
   • For fellows- from the Fellowship Director
   • For faculty – from the Division or Department Chairperson

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. If you have questions about the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research or M.S. Clinical Research, please contact Maritza Dawkins-Holnes at dawkin@musc.edu.

Application Deadline

Scholarship Eligibility

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 those 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 Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina, even if purchased legally in another state. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.