The global clinical trials market is projected to reach nearly $70 billion by 2027, according to a report published by Grand View Research. As the field grows, so does the need for a new generation of leaders who are committed to finding innovative ways to enhance patient care through optimized clinical research management.

When you earn your Clinical Research Management MS degree with us at Wake Forest, you won’t just be a part of a thriving industry; you’ll be better positioned to help shape its future.

Where can you work?

The skills you learn in our program can be applied across a variety of work environments, including pharmaceuticals/biotechnology, healthcare systems, government, other private industry, and academia. Owing to the comprehensive and macro level instruction in our program, you’ll have deep knowledge of all facets of the clinical trial process, giving you even greater flexibility in defining your own career path.

Some of the settings where you can apply your clinical research management skills include:

  • Medical science research organizations
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Clinical research organizations
  • Health care payers
  • Health care providers
  • Government regulatory agencies
  • Academic institutions, e.g., medical centers

A Rewarding Career is Within Your Reach

A Master of Science in Clinical Research Management from Wake Forest can help you qualify for a new role in a wide range of areas.

Here are just a few of the occupations you can pursue:

Clinical Research Director


Clinical research directors oversee the overall research strategy within their organization. Their responsibilities may include managing staff, developing safety and quality standards, and communicating with other members of the organization.
Job outlook:  Expected to increase 9.9% from 2018 to 2028
Average salary: $112,124*

Clinical Data Manager


Clinical data managers oversee data and information gathered for a clinical trial to study medical treatments or drugs. They also assist with developing tools used for data collection, manage all aspects of data collection and validation during a clinical trial, and oversee the closeout of a trial and transfer of data for statistical analysis.
Job outlook:  Expected to increase 33.9% from 2018 to 2028*
Average salary: $90,458**

Clinical Project Manager


Clinical project managers conduct and supervise all aspects of clinical trials. Responsibilities can include managing a group of clinical professionals during the trial phases, analyzing trial information, proposing creative solutions to trial issues and creating progress reports based on the team’s findings.
Job outlook:  Expected to increase 8.2% from 2018 to 2028*
Average salary: $90,479**

Regulatory Affairs Manager


Regulatory affairs specialists help ensure that organizations are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Specific responsibilities may include the development and implementation of compliance strategies, maintaining knowledge of current standards and best practices, and interacting with the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Job outlook: Expected to increase 8.2% from 2018 to 2028*
Average salary: $101,080**

Quality Assurance Manager


Quality assurance managers help to ensure that products or services meet established standards. Responsibilities can include implementing procedures to reduce waste and maximize efficiency, collecting and interpreting data, and developing and training staff.
Job outlook: Expected to increase 8.2% from 2018 to 2028*
Average salary: $79,399**

Clinical Research Nurse


Clinical research nurses help care for patients who are participating in clinical trials. Responsibilities include communicating with patients, collecting data, and having an in-depth knowledge of trial protocol. This role requires a greater understanding of the clinical trial process than a nurse would typically have.
Job outlook: Expected to increase 19% from 2018 to 2028*
Average salary: $71,507**

*Payscale
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics