Wake Forest University Online Master's in Clinical Research Management (CRM)
The Wake Forest University (WFU) Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a fully online Master’s in Clinical Research Management (CRM) program for those already working in or interested in the clinical research field. There are two concentrations within the programs: strategic leadership/communications, and operations. Both are completed through a choice of electives. The Master’s in CRM degree is an accelerated, continuous 20-month program of part-time study. Students must be prepared to pass through with a cohort for the entire 20-month program.
The program culminates with a capstone experience, with students working on a critical health care challenge throughout their study at WFU. Students can choose an individual or group project and will collaborate with professionals, faculty, peers, advisors, and others to solve a problem identified upon application to the program.
The clinical research management program focuses on the development of medical equipment, devices, drugs, and interventions from concept through delivery. Wake Forest University trains students to become clinical research leaders and professionals, affecting the overall shape and impact of the research industry. Outcomes include critical analysis of research projects, application of scientific knowledge to clinical research, the ability to conduct and direct clinical trials, effective leadership of individuals and teams, and application of learned skills and a professional manner to improve health care outcomes, quality, and access.
The online environment is engaging and interdisciplinary, with a well-established support base through faculty, peers in each cohort, and access to affinity groups of healthcare experts. Interested applicants do not need specific work experience; but should currently be working in or seek to work in the health and human services field in a clinical research leadership capacity.
The degree knowledge can be applied to a variety of industries in the biomedical sciences including pharmaceuticals, private or government research, research at higher learning institutions, clinical research firms, and health care facilities. Graduates may go on to positions such as clinical trial manager, clinical project manager, clinical operations director, data management manager, drug safety, manager, or quality assurance manager.
Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
What to Expect from the Wake Forest University Online Master’s in CRM
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online Wake Forest Master’s in CRM must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No GMAT or GRE test scores are required. No specific type of work experience is required. Application materials include an application and fee, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, unofficial transcripts, an online learning attestation, and a resume or CV.
TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students whose first language is not English or who did not earn a degree within the U.S. or at an institution whose delivery language was English.
Study Plan: The online Wake Forest Master’s in Clinical Research Management consists of 13 courses, two of which are electives for one of the concentrations. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Students complete the program as a part-time cohort in a 20-month sequence, which lasts five semesters at seven hours per term. Master’s in CRM students can expect to spend 15-25 hours on each course per week.
Curriculum: The Wake Forest University Master’s in Clinical Research Management consists of 35 credits, including a capstone project. There are 11 core courses and two electives. Core courses include research design and methods in clinical research; leadership and professionalism I-II; data analysis and interpretation in clinical research; ethical and participant safety considerations; medicines development, regulation, and industry; clinical operations and project management; clinical studies development; quality systems and risk management; data management and informatics; and a capstone experience. Students must also choose two of the three courses listed below for their elective.
Strategic Leadership/Communications Concentration Electives: conflict resolution and negotiations; design thinking; business communication skills for healthcare professionals
Operations Concentration Electives: Project management; financial management for clinical research professionals; technical writing for the regulatory professional
Online Experience: Master’s in Clinical Research Management courses may include synchronous and asynchronous elements and are delivered through Canvas. Online components may include readings and assignments, recorded lectures, projects, and tests. Collaboration takes place through synchronous activities as well as email, chat, and discussion boards. Online student services may include admissions counseling, academic advising, faculty support, library and bookstore services, career counseling, mental health services, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: The WFU online clinical research management program is 100% online and does not require any campus visits. Students are welcome to visit the Winston-Salem, NC campus anytime and to participate in graduation on campus.
Paying for the Wake Forest University Online Master’s in Clinical Research Management
The clinical research management program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include fees. Interested parties should contact the Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for cost clarifications and updates.
Graduate students may be eligible for Wake Forest scholarships, as well as unsubsidized graduate loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other forms of funding may include tuition reimbursement programs through employers and outside scholarships and grants from various organizations. Students can find out more about financial aid from the Wake Forest University Admissions Office.
Wake Forest University MS in Clinical Research Management
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 35 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in 20 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | None |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 35 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,650.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $57,750.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
