Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate for each program?
The acceptance rate for each program is 95% or greater.
What is the graduation rate for the research program?
The graduation rate for the MS programs and completion rate for the certificate programs is greater than 90%.
What career opportunities are there post-graduation?
Our graduate programs are not entry-level programs and 90% or more of our students are already working in clinical research. One of the admission requirements is at least two years of relevant professional experience. This experience should be in clinical research or scientific research.
Career opportunities are described on the Drexel University Online website: https://www.online.drexel.edu/online-degrees/biomedical-degrees/ms-crom/index.aspx.
What is your preferred method of contact (email or phone)?
During the current pandemic, the preferable method of contact is by email. When the University reopens, contact by telephone is also welcomed.
For students who have a GPA below the requirement what recommendations/additional materials would help with their acceptance?
If an applicant’s cumulative GPA is below 3.0 they should address the circumstances that kept them from achieving higher grades and why they believe they will perform better in a graduate program. When we review an applicant’s academic record, we assess the academic rigor of their major, what grades did they achieve in science courses, do their term GPAs demonstrate improvement over their academic career.
Students sometimes are concerned they won’t receive the same hands-on experience they would with in-person classes. What key components of active learning are available during their coursework such as volunteering, internship, group work, etc.?
The graduate clinical research programs are designed for working professionals. Our courses are taught by adjunct faculty who are also professionals working in a field related to clinical research. There are currently no internships or coop opportunities associated with the program. All students have access to the same Drexel University student services that are available to on-campus students. Interaction among students in our online classes occurs via participation in online discussion boards. Academic counseling is provided by the program director and the student's academic advisor.
What additional program-specific information should prospective students know?
Many applicants working in clinical research or a related field consider themselves “healthcare professionals” and mistakenly apply to the MS in Clinical Research for Healthcare Professionals program. The typical student in this program is a physician conducting research as part of their fellowship training or a research nurse.
The MS CRHP program is a research-intensive program in which students are the principal investigator of their research project. This research is conducted independent of Drexel University, so students must have those research resources available at their place of employment and they must be supported by a doctoral-level advisor co-located with the student to monitor their progress.
What is the difference between ACRP and SOCRA regarding obtaining certification for clinical research professionals?
Both SOCRA and ACRP are professional societies for clinical research professionals. SOCRA developed the Certified Clinical Research Professional Certification and ACRP offers certifications for Clinical Research Associates, Clinical Research Coordinators, Principal Investigator, ACRP Certified Professional, and sub-specialty certification for Medical Device Professional and Project Manager. Requirements for these certifications are provided at the organizations’ respective websites. The ACRP also supports innovation in clinical research workforce development by setting standards for professional competence and building and validating competence in the workforce.
The CQPR certificate can be completed in the fall semester when all three required courses are taught but it is not advisable. We counsel students to plan for at least 10 hours of course work for each course they take so students would need to devote 30-plus hours to their education beyond their work schedule and time for personal activities.
How can potential students decide which program best suits them?
At least 80% - 90% of applicants are most suited for either the Certificate of Study in Clinical Research (CCR) or Master of Science in Clinical Research Organization and Management (MS CROM) program. Applicants with 2+ years of professional experience and a cGPA > 3 should consider the MS CROM program. Applicants with < 2 years or no professional experience and/or a cGPA significantly lower than 3 (<2.5, e.g.) should consider the CCR program as a start.
Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research (QPCR) and Master of Science in Clinical Research for Health Professionals (CRHP) applicants are discussed in other sections.
What type of individual would be interested in the Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research Certificate over the Certificate of Study in Clinical Research program?
The Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research certificate program is appropriate for residents, fellows, healthcare professionals, and other clinicians seeking graduate-level training in the basic principles of clinical research and an advanced set of data analytics skills. These newly acquired clinical research skills can help them assimilate and communicate evidence-based results from scientific studies related to patient care.
The online Certificate of Study in Clinical Research program covers both business principles and clinical research industry best practices. The three core courses help students keep pace with the changes in the clinical research, financial, legal, and regulatory environments. Students are also able to tailor their plan of study to career goals through two elective courses. As a result, they can build skills that are relevant to themselves and can help navigate the evolving clinical research landscapes successfully.
What kind of clinical research experience should an applicant have?
At least two years of professional experience in a field related to clinical research will provide most applicants with a working understanding of clinical research and enable them to succeed in a graduate-level program. Students without this experience should consider starting in the clinical research certificate program and then advancing into the MS program.
Would you be able to detail the requirements for the MS Clinical Research for Health Professionals program? Particularly, the research, and research mentor components?
The MS CRHP program is for physicians, research nurses, and other medical professionals who will be conducting original research. The requirements are detailed in the Research Request Form available on the DUO website.
The key elements for applicants are:
- Completing an original research proposal where they will be the principal investigator conducting the research,
- Obtaining the written commitment of a doctoral-level advisor who can advise and monitor the research,
- Work in an environment that provides all the support required for conducting the research, and
- Have at least nine hours per week each semester dedicated to the research to earn three credits towards the MS CRHP degree.
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