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.
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.
Students can declare Pre-Clinical Research after completion of 24 credit hours and a 2.0 or higher UNCW GPA.
Admission into the Clinical Research major requires a 2.0 UNCW GPA or higher, and a C or higher in the following pre-requisite courses:
PSY 105 General Psychology
BIO 201 General Biology
BIO/L 240 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
BIO/L 241 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
BIO 246 Microbiology
CHM/L 101 General Chemistry with lab
STT 210 or STT 215
MAT 101 or higher (excluding MAT 141 and MAT 142)
Students taking outstanding prerequisites over the summer prior to admission into the Clinical Research Program must provide copies of transcripts prior to the start of their courses in the Clinical Research Program.
The ONE outstanding prerequisite course must be completed by the end of the second semester of the program. Failure to complete all outstanding prerequisites by this deadline will prevent students from progressing in the program and most likely result in a one-year delay in graduation.
Prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years prior to application. Some exceptions may be granted based on educational or work history. The Clinical Research Program Coordinator will make the final decision regarding prerequisite courses that are over 10 years old. Please contact chhs@uncw.edu if you believe you qualify for an exception.
UNCW students taking courses elsewhere to meet prerequisite requirements are required to complete the UNCW Transient Study request pre-approval process to ensure that courses will transfer to UNCW appropriately.
Courses that are transferred but not accepted as prerequisites by UNCW may be evaluated by the CLR Admission Information Program Coordinator and potentially accepted as meeting the prerequisite requirement.
Once students have met these requirements, they can declare Clinical Research in My Seaport. An application is not required.
All students must complete all core and elective courses with a grade of C or above.
Non-Majors and Pre-CLR students: Able to take CLR 301 and 350 as they are open to all students. (Fall and Summer I)
Declaring Pre-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, students should follow the following steps:
1. Log into MySeaport 2. Click on the Academics tab 3. Click on Declare Major Administration 4. Enter login 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 login issues, please contact the Student Success Center at 910-962-3208 or by email at chhs@uncw.edu for assistance.
Declaring a Clinical Research (XCLR) Major:
Prior to spring 2023, students wanting to declare as a major were required to submit an application. As of spring 2023, the application process is no longer required. Students wishing to declare Clinical Research as a major, as of spring 2023, must ensure they meet the pre-requisite criteria outlined in the Undergraduate Catalogue.
Students who declare in spring/summer begin taking XCLR courses the following fall. Clinical Research core courses must be taken in sequence (please refer to the Program of Study for timelines). New majors begin CLR courses in the fall semester. For example, if a student declares a Clinical Research major in the spring, they will not be able to start major course work until the following fall. Students should work with their advisor to plan coursework, timelines and sequencing in order to meet the pre-requisite courses prior to declaring the major. Courses in the XCLR major are limited to declared majors only, with the exception of CLR 301 and 350.
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.
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.
