Biomedical Graduate Programs

Clinical Research Management (MS and certificates – online)

Training the next generation of clinical research leaders—professionals shaping new frontiers for drug and device development to advance health.

Wake Forest’s online degree program in Clinical Research Management (MS and certificates) trains graduates to integrate clinical research with patient care and help bring innovative treatments to market efficiently and cost-effectively.

We take a holistic approach, analyzing the roles of all participants in clinical research and showing how increased collaboration improves trial outcomes for patients.

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Program Overview

Our online master’s and certificate programs stand out for their collaboration with industry professionals who contributed from inception to delivery, ensuring market relevance.

The program aims to mentor and prepare skilled clinical research leaders who advance health through research and development. Students benefit from an innovative, supportive, interdisciplinary online environment.

Graduates of the program are expected to:

Select and apply relevant scientific knowledge and language for conducting clinical research
Critically analyze clinical research designs
Participate in the process of directing or partaking in effective clinical trials
Apply relevant ethical, regulatory, health care industry and organizational considerations in the conduct of clinical trials.
Lead individuals and teams using relevant management and leadership skills and knowledge
Apply skills, innovation and professionalism to improve care, processes and access to research and health care for all

The skills and knowledge conferred through the program are applicable across diverse biomedical disciplines. Program graduates will be exceptionally prepared to pursue careers within the biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in private and governmental research laboratories, academic settings, health care institutions, and specialized clinical research organizations.

Learn about Wake Forest’s Clinical Research Management MS program from graduates and faculty as they explain what sets it apart and how it prepares students for success in the field.

Outcomes

Industry employers value this program's graduates for their skills. Our alumni report that the program helped them:

Gain a clearer understanding of how quality assurance, statistical analysis, data management and regulatory affairs teams can work collaboratively to achieve better trial outcomes
Assess the business, ethical and legal perspectives of the clinical research industry
Fully grasp the clinical trial process, including development, conduct and monitoring
Develop leadership and communication skills that are benefiting them beyond the program, allowing them to manage trials and drive process innovation in their organizations

Our graduates are well-prepared to launch or advance their careers across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, health care, government, private industry, and academia.

Professionals with expertise in clinical research management are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9.9% growth for clinical research managers between 2018 and 2028.

Admissions

This degree program expands participants’ knowledge of both the macro and micro aspects of the clinical research ecosystem and is focused on an overarching vision to shape and impact the future of health care.

We welcome applications from individuals committed to a career in clinical trial research, including those presently working in the industry who wish to progress professionally. Although managerial or supervisory experience is appreciated, it is not required for admission.

All programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing them to enroll while maintaining their employment. Enrolled MS students do need to commit to a minimum of 5 academic terms (20 months) in our online program. A decelerated plan of study may be an option; that plan allows students to move at a slower pace, with fewer courses per term.

Enrolled Graduate Certificate students should expect to commit to a minimum of 3 academic terms (12 months) to the online program.

We currently allow enrollment to begin in the summer and fall terms, allowing you a high degree of flexibility to schedule the degree pursuit around your personal circumstances.

MS and certificate students can start in either the summer or fall terms for more flexible degree planning.

Ready to apply? Come help us lead the way to better patient care!

Curriculum

The need to bring innovative and potentially life-saving treatments to market quickly and cost-effectively has never been greater. It’s a huge challenge, and in the world of clinical research, the difference between success and failure can often come down to the leadership displayed by those managing the trial.

It takes someone with imagination to visualize a better way of doing things, the expertise to turn their vision into reality and the managerial skills to motivate a diverse team to work cohesively toward achieving a common goal.

At Wake Forest, we’re here to help you become such a leader.

Our MS program focuses on the ‘macro’ of developing transformational leaders. As healthcare evolves with new technologies, regulatory complexities, and advancements in precision medicine, we anchor to concepts such as clinical research innovation, improved integration and access to research as a care option, along with a patient-focused, value-based approach to clinical research and health care.

Through our program, you’ll develop the specific skills needed across drug and medical device development, clinical trial conduct, monitoring, as well as covering the business, ethical and legal perspectives of the clinical research industry to achieve a key goal: finding solutions to the most pressing issues facing the industry.

Additionally, we offer two Graduate Certificates in Clinical Research Management: Project Management and Regulatory Affairs. These certificates are tailored for professionals seeking specialized, career-oriented education in these pivotal areas.

Learn More About The Program Curriculum

Leadership and Faculty

The program, led by Ralph D’Agostino, Jr., PhD, includes research, clinical, and teaching faculty from Wake Forest University and select external faculty. Additionally, experienced health care practitioners will contribute as lecturers, advisors, and industry experts.

Ralph B. D'Agostino Jr., FASA

Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)
Professor, Biostatistics and Data Science, Public Health Sciences (Winston-Salem)

Elizabeth T. Jensen, PhD

Professor, Epidemiology and Prevention, Public Health Sciences (Winston-Salem)

Carla Lema Tomé, MBA, PhD

Admission Chair, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Clinical Research Management

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These degree programs are administered by Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and located on the Bowman Gray Campus alongside Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

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Clinical Research Management (MS and certificates – online)

Program Overview

Outcomes

Admissions

Curriculum

Leadership and Faculty

Ralph B. D'Agostino Jr., FASA

Elizabeth T. Jensen, PhD

Carla Lema Tomé, MBA, PhD

More Resources