Biomedical Graduate Programs

Clinical Research Management (MS – 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) focuses on the integration of clinical research and patient care, with the end goal of preparing graduates to play a key role in helping to bring innovative treatments to market in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Our approach is holistic, examining the roles of the numerous players involved in the clinical research process and demonstrating how greater collaboration can lead to more successful outcomes for trials and the patients they serve.

Program Overview

This online program is unique in its partnership with experienced industry professionals, who were involved in its development from concept through delivery, ensuring market relevancy and readiness to shape the industry of today and tomorrow.

The primary objective of the program is to train and mentor well-qualified clinical research professionals and leaders that move the research and development process forward to advance health. Students will learn in an innovative, engaging, supportive and 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 can be applied to a variety of biomedical fields. Graduates from the program will be well-positioned to work in the biotechnology, device and pharmaceutical industries, private and government research labs, academia, health care institutions and dedicated clinical research organizations.

Want to listen to our program director talk about some key features of the program? Consider watching a recorded 30-minute information session as our program director discusses his perspective on the curriculum, what it’s like to be an online learner in this program, the ideal applicants for the program and the best practices for personal statements.

Outcomes

What, exactly, can you do with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Management from Wake Forest?

Graduates of this program are sought after by industry employers owing to the skills that they develop during their enrollment. Our graduates note that this 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 benefitting them beyond the program, allowing them to manage trials and drive process innovation in their organizations

Our graduates are able to position themselves to secure a new career or advance their current career in a variety of industry sectors, including pharmaceutical, health care, government, private industry and academia.

Regardless of where you choose to work, professionals with expertise in clinical research management are in high demand. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 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.

Our program invites applications from those desiring a career dedicated to advancing clinical trial research, including those who are currently employed in, but wish to advance themselves within, the industry. Those with managerial or supervisory experience are welcome, however, this experience is not necessary to be a successful applicant.

The program is designed to allow those that are currently working professionals to enroll while working. Enrolled 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.

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

Learn More about the Mary Hofmann Murphy Scholarship to support diversity in clinical research.

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 program focuses on the ‘macro’ of developing transformational leaders. In the midst of a shifting health care landscape with evolving technologies, regulatory complexity and precision medicine advancements, 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.

Learn More About The Program Curriculum

Leadership and Faculty

Led by Ralph D’Agostino, Jr., PhD, the program faculty are research, clinical and teaching faculty from Wake Forest University, as well as select faculty from outside the institution. In addition, highly accomplished practitioners from the health care industry will serve as lecturers, advisors and as industry experts.

Ralph B. D'Agostino JR., PhD, FASA

Director for Biostatistics Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center
Professor, Biostatistics and Data Science

Elizabeth T. Jensen, PhD

Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Prevention

Carla Lena Tomé, MBA, PhD

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

More Resources

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

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Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

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Clinical Research Management (MS – online)

Program Overview

Outcomes

Admissions

Curriculum

Leadership and Faculty

Ralph B. D'Agostino JR., PhD, FASA

Elizabeth T. Jensen, PhD

Carla Lena Tomé, MBA, PhD

More Resources