Program Information

The online part-time Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research is ideal for healthcare professionals, specialists, residents, fellows, who desire to accrue the core competencies to participate in clinical research without having to pursue a master's degree. Candidates are required to successfully complete 19 credit hours to obtain the certificate.

This is not an academic program eligible for federal financial aid.

Fall Semester

  Recommended courses:

• MCR 700-01 Clinical Biostatistics: 3 semester hours
• MCR 736-01 Clinical Epidemiology: 3 semester hours
• MCR 750-01 Ethical Issues in Clinical Research: 1 semester hour

Spring Semester

  Recommended courses:

• MCR 724-01 Introduction to Clinical Trials: 3 semester hours
• MCR 752-01 Team Science in Clinical Research: 1 semester hour
• MCR 777-01 Introduction to Grant Writing: 1 semester hour
• MCR 732-01 Comparative Effectiveness Research: 3 semester hours

Summer Semester

  Recommended courses:

• MCR 731-01 Critical Review: 2 semester hours
• MCR 773-01 Industry/Regulatory: 2 semester hours

Credits may be transferred to the M.S. Clinical Research

University Academic Calendar

Description

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research (CCR) provides training to clinical and healthcare professionals who desire skills and understanding of core competencies for participation in human clinical research without the time commitment of a graduate degree. 

The 19-credit hour graduate certificate is online, part-time and ideal for working individuals. It includes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical research industry, overview of grants and team sciences.  Courses completed in the graduate certificate may transfer to the M.S. Clinical Research degree.

The graduate certificate courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semester.

Requirements

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 Process

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)

a.    Future professional goals

b.    Your purpose for applying to the graduate program

c.    Area of research interest and qualifications

d.    Why you chose the institution's graduate certificate program

e. Name of your research mentor and institution (if identified)

3.      Letter of guarantee that applicant has full support to pursue the certificate

a.   For residents – from the Residency Director

b.   For fellows- from the Fellowship Director

c.  For faculty – from the Division or Department Chaiperson

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 mailto:dawkin@musc.edu.

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. 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.

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.

Application Deadlines