Clinical Research (BS)

The School of Nursing offers a nationally ranked clinical research program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. This major offers students the opportunity to gain specialized education, training, and experience in the exciting field of clinical research. Clinical Research is the process by which new therapies (medications, biological agents, and devices) are tested in clinical studies prior to approval. Clinical Research also includes the study of products after approval once they are on the market, particularly for rare or unexpected adverse events. Students in the Clinical Research program gain a broad-based understanding of the science, regulatory, and business aspects of developing new therapies to treat illness and improve quality of life.

Our program is situated in a vibrant clinical research industry here in Wilmington, providing ample opportunities for students to gain hands on experience through internships. FuseCR (The Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development) was recently developed to fuse the ties between academia and industry, which benefits our students in their readiness for the workplace.

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to participate in the science and business of developing health care products, such as drugs, biologics, and biomedical devices with emphasis on pre-approval human clinical trials and post-marketing safety studies. Our alum are employed in a variety of settings such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and patient device companies; contract research organizations (CROs); clinical settings; and government agencies.

Do grads get jobs?

YES! About 93% within three months after graduating. Enrollment is competitive — 60 students accepted a year.

Where can I work?

In a variety of settings including pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies; contract research organizations (CROs); clinical settings; and government agencies. Alumni also progress to PA and medical school.

Explore salary information and job descriptions

***Important Admission Information
There are two different major declaration processes for Clinical Research, declaring Pre-Clinical Research and declaring Clinical Research.

Students can declare Pre-Clinical Research (XPCL) once they have met the 24 hour campus rule.
In order to declare Pre-Clinical Research they have to follow these steps:
1. Log into MySeaport
2. Click on the Academics tab
3. Click on Declare Major Administration
4. Enter log in details if prompted*
5. Delete current major listed
6. Add Pre-Clinical Research by selecting College of Health and Human Services – EXT for the college
7. Save changes
*If you have log in issues, please contact the Student Success Center at 910-962-3208 or by email at chhs@uncw.edu for assistance.

Once you are admitted to declared major of Clinical Research (XCLR), you will be added to the major through support of the Clinical Research Liaison in the Student Success Center.
If you have questions about the declared CLR major process, please contact the Student Success Center at 910-962-3208 or by email at chhs@uncw.edu.
Admissions
- Application for Fall 2020 opens on January 6, 2020. The priority deadline is March 1. The secondary deadline is March 30. If spots remain in the cohort, the application will reopen, but this is not a guarantee so, you are encouraged to apply early.
- Admissions Information
- Admissions Application
- Admissions Video Statement Instructions
- NC Community College Transfer Equivalents
- Tuition and Fees
- FAQs
Program Information
Internship Experience
- While enrolled in the program, students will gain practical experience their senior year through a two-part internship course. Students work with the CLR internship coordinator to locate an acceptable clinical research site based on interests and location to complete the internship. Students gain invaluable, hands on experience in the clinical research field preparing each student for the workforce. Upon graduation, many students secure full-time employment at their internship site.
Advising
- Schedule an Appointment (SSC)
Get Involved
- Student Association of Clinical Research
- The Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Clinical Research Competencies
- Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency
Career & Graduate School Information
- Getting Started in the Field
- Standardized Job Profiles
- Careers in Clinical Research
- ACRP Career Center
- NC Coast Clinical Research Initiative: Industry Information
- FuseCR (Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development)
Program Faculty
- Clinical Research Faculty Directory

Application Process

Application for Fall 2020 opens on January 6, 2020. The priority deadline is March 1. The secondary deadline is March 30. If spots remain in the cohort, the application will reopen, but this is not a guarantee so, you are encouraged to apply early.