FAQs: Master of Science & Certificate Programs

When is the application deadline? Find application requirements, deadlines, and decision dates on the Graduate School website.

Are students admitted more than once per year? Currently, we only admit students once per year for a fall semester start.

Is the GRE or MAT required? No. We have eliminated the need for these tests, which can be a hurdle for working adults looking for an advanced degree.

What type of undergraduate degrees are acceptable? An undergraduate degree in the life sciences is a good fit. Other undergraduate degrees will be considered in light of your experience and interests.

Is an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 required? Yes. Provisional admission is considered for otherwise strong candidates with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0. If admitted provisionally, you must earn a B or higher on the first nine credits you attempt in the program. Provisional admission converts automatically to full admission if the provisions are met.

Are there on-campus requirements? The Clinical Research Graduate Program is an asynchronous program (ie, not real-time) and campus visits are not required. If feasible, MS students may defend their capstone proposal and completed project in-person at UNCW in Wilmington, NC. Since in-person presentations may not be feasible for some students, videoconferencing is an option. Videoconference technology is also available to students who would like to attend live events remotely.

Is clinical research experienced required? For the MS program (36 credits), a minimum of two years’ experience working in the biopharmaceutical or related industry is preferred. You may apply without the experience, though the program is competitive. A good path for prospective students without experience is the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research Operations (18 hours).

Can I apply for admission to both the MS and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs? Yes. Some students apply to both, with the Certificate Program serving as a backup plan. Some application materials can be shared between the two applications. Email the Graduate School for help.

Can I transfer graduate credits from another university? Up to six credits of relevant course work may be transferred into the MS program. Transfer and substitution for required courses must be approved by the program coordinator. Transfer credits are not accepted for the Certificate program.

Who are typical students enrolled in the MS program? Our typical MS student is currently working full-time in the clinical research industry. Students often enroll to expand their knowledge and advance their career.

Who are typical students enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program? Our typical certificate student is either 1) interested in a career in clinical research but lacks experience to apply for the MS program or 2) working in clinical research and interested in furthering their education but not interested in committing to the MS program.

Can foreign students apply? Please consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars for details. These programs do not qualify for visa sponsorship.

What is the cost of attendance? For financial information, please review UNCW's Financial Aid information for graduate distance education (not OAP) and contact a financial aid counselor assigned to you.

Is financial aid available for graduate students? Students in the MS degree program may qualify for federal and non-federal financial aid. Information is available from the UNCW Financial Aid office for graduate students.

Students in the Certificate program are unlikely to qualify for federal financial aid. Courses can be viewed as pre-requisites for the MS degree program, but are NOT required for admission to the MS degree program. Therefore, most students should not complete a Graduate Certificate form, but talk to their assigned financial aid counselor.

Are scholarships available? Merit and need-based scholarships are available at UNCW. Explore more via the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. The Graduate School also offers a variety of scholarships and fellowship opportunities.

How long does it take to complete the MS degree programs? The MS program is usually completed in two to three years. Graduate degrees must be completed within five years, regardless of full- or part-time status.

Are classes taught in the summer? Classes are often taught in the summer. The course offerings may vary from year to year.

Is the program lab-based? No, there are no laboratory requirements.

Is a thesis required? The MS program requires a capstone project, a three-credit course taken over semesters. The three-credit capstone project is relevant to Clinical Research and can be started after all core courses have been completed.

Part one (two credits) involves developing a research proposal. Part two (one credit) involves execution of the project. Oral presentations of the proposal and final project are required. Students are encouraged to attend the final presentations of their peers to better prepare them for their capstone project. The Certificate program does not require a thesis or capstone.

Can credits from the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program be transferred to the MS program? Yes, all 18 credits from the Certificate program can be transferred into the MS program for students who later apply and are accepted into the MS program. However, the two introductory courses (CLR 505 & 596; six credits) are specific for the Certificate program and transferable as general electives. The remaining 12 credits are courses in the MS curriculum.

Do MS and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students take the same courses? Yes, with one exception: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students take two introductory courses (CLR 505 and 596). The two introductory courses are considered general elective courses in the MS degree program.