Clinical Research (BS)

The School of Nursing offers a nationally ranked clinical research program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students gain a broad-based understanding of the science, regulatory, and business aspects of developing new therapies to treat illness and improve quality of life. Courses are online, but applied learning is required through an in-person internship at a clinical research site. Enrollment is competitive — 60 students accepted a year. 

What is 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. 

Watch: Ready, Set, Clinical Research!

Do grads get jobs? 

YES! About 93% within three months after graduating.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. Alumni also progress to PA and medical school. 

Explore salary information and job descriptions

• Admissions
  • Admissions Information
  • Application Process
  • Online Application
  • NC Community College Transfer Equivalents
  • Tuition and Fees
• CLR: How to Declare a Pre-Major or Major

  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.

• Program Information
  • Student Handbook
    • 2022-2023 (PDF)
  • Program of Study/Course Sequence
  • General Studies Requirements
  • Student Learning Outcomes and Course Descriptions (Academic Catalogue)
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
  FAQs
• Internship Experience
  
  • The senior internship of the Clinical Research program involves two six-credit hour courses offered in the fall and spring of the student’s senior year.
  • Students are required to spend approximately 14 hours per week (September – April) on-site in a clinical research setting such as a Contract Research Organization (CRO) or Clinical Research Site.  Specific amount of time and days are determined by the research site and student.
  • Student interns have successfully completed all 300 (junior year) level courses and are in the process of completing the 400-level courses.
  • Students are expected to document their activities and accomplishments and keep a log of weekly activities as part of the online course.
• Advising
  • Schedule an Appointment (Student Success Center)
• Student Opportunities
  • FuseCR  (Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development)
    • Mentor CR: FuseCR
  • PreClinical Research Group
  • North Carolina Biotechnology Center
  • Student Association of Clinical Research
  • The Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• Career Information
  • Getting Started in the Field
  • FuseCR  (Center for Clinical Research Workforce Development)
    • Fast Track Programs
  • Standardized Job Profiles
  • NC Biotech Center’s CRO Conversations
  • Careers in Clinical Research
  • Clinical Research Career | WRAL TechWire
  • ACRP Career Center
  • Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency 
• Program Faculty
  • Clinical Research Faculty Directory

View an Info Session »

Quick Links 

• Undergraduate Catalogue
• University Studies
• Transfer Course Equivalents
• Transient Study Process
• Degree Audit Instructions
• Scholarships 
• How to Register for Courses
• Academic Support Services
• Technology Support Services
• Office of e-Learning
• FuseCR

Contact Us

For questions about the BS in Clinical Research Program, including admissions, advising, transfers, program of study, please connect with the CHHS Student Success Center at 910.962.3208 or chhs@uncw.edu.

Contact the Student Success Center »

Annemarie Petroff, MS
Undergraduate Clinical Research Program Coordinator

School of Nursing
UNC Wilmington
McNeill Hall 3080
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5979
910.962.3200