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? Students are admitted twice a year to start in the fall and spring semesters.
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? A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a life science, health care discipline, or mathematics/statistics, from a regionally accredited college or university. 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.
