Master of Clinical Research (MCR) program
Prepare to design, conduct and lead high-quality clinical studies. The MCR program at Ohio State provides you with the advanced research skills that drive evidence-based discoveries and improve patient care outcomes.
Build expertise in clinical research and medical product development
The Master of Clinical Research (MCR) program is an interdisciplinary graduate degree that prepares students to support and lead clinical research studies, medical product development and regulatory processes.
This online MCR program combines coursework in research design, study management, ethics, data analysis, pharmacology and regulatory affairs. Students gain practical knowledge aligned with industry standards and workforce competencies.
This master's program is open to applicants with any undergraduate degree. Whether you are looking to enter the clinical research field or expand your professional expertise, the program provides preparation for careers in research coordination, clinical trial management, regulatory compliance and related areas.
Why choose Ohio State for your clinical research degree?
At Ohio State, you will learn from nationally recognized faculty and gain hands-on experience in one of the country's leading academic medical centers.
You will:
- Build expertise in clinical trial design, biostatistics and data analysis
- Navigate regulatory and ethical requirements in human subjects research
- Collaborate across disciplines to accelerate innovation
- Apply research findings to improve patient outcomes and population health
- Grant writing and research communication
Coursework aligns with Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency and Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research standards. The curriculum supports certification eligibility through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the Society of Clinical Research Associates with required post-graduation experience.
Customize your program experience by choosing one of the following specialties:
- Clinical Research Management
- Regulatory Affairs
Careers in clinical research
Clinical research plays a critical role in advancing treatments, therapies and health outcomes. Earning a graduate degree in this field positions you to:
- Contribute to cutting-edge discoveries
- Improve patient care through evidence-based practice
- Lead research initiatives in complex health systems
- Bridge the gap between science and clinical application
Graduate's of Ohio State's Master of Clinical Research program are prepared for roles across the growing clinical research and medical product development industries, including:
- Clinical research coordinator or manager
- Regulatory affairs specialist
- Clinical trial manager
- Research compliance specialist
- Institutional review board specialist
Clinical research professionals work in a variety of settings including healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology organizations, academic medical centers, government and regulatory agencies and more.
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Online
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30 credit hours
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1-2 years
Admission requirements for the MCR program
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program
- If you’re in the process of completing your bachelor’s degree, it must be conferred before beginning the master's program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the most recently completed degree relevant to the program
- Applicants with lower GPAs may still apply and be considered
Ohio State is authorized to offer MCR in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Ohio State Online offers state authorization information.
Two interdisciplinary specializations are offered:
Clinical Research Management
Learn to manage the operations, systems and processes that support clinical trials. This specialization prepares you to lead complex national and international research efforts and advance as a clinical research professional. Graduates are prepared for roles such as clinical research coordinators, clinical research associates and other leadership positions with study sponsors or research sites.
Regulatory Affairs
Study the regulatory processes that guide medical product development in the U.S. and globally. This specialization prepares you to work with regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and support areas including quality assurance, regulatory writing, clinical trial reporting, product development and promotional review.
Program length
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time, including summers
Credit hours
- 30
Delivery format
- Online and asynchronous (no mandatory "live" online lectures or discussions)
- Module lectures are recorded from our esteemed faculty or outside experts in the field and you participate at your convenience
- Offer occasional “live” presentations (notified in advance and can choose to watch live or view a recording later)
- Core and specialization courses
- Project Management for Healthcare and Clinical Research
- Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research
- Research Leadership, Administration and Finances
- Culminating Project in Clinical Research
Regulatory Affairs coursework covers strategy, oversight and reporting for safe, effective medical products. Graduates can work in government, industry, academic institutions, IRBs and clinical research organizations.
- Regulatory Strategy, Writing and Leadership
- Federal Regulations of Medical Products
- Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research
- Culminating Project in Clinical Research
Sample schedules
Year 1
Autumn
- Fundamentals of Medical Product Development and Regulation (3 credits)
- Clinical Research Design & Methods (3 credits)
- Responsible Conduct of Research (3 credits)
- Clinical Research Study Management & Monitoring (3 credits)
Spring
- Pharmacology for the Non-Clinician (3 credits)
- Principles of Quality Management for Medical Product Development (3 credits)
- Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research (3 credits)
- Specialty Coursework (3 credits)
Summer
- Specialty Coursework (3 credits)
- Culminating Project in Clinical Research
Year 1
Autumn
- Fundamentals of Medical Product Development and Regulation (3 credits)
- Responsible Conduct of Research (3 credits)
Spring
- Pharmacology for the Non-Clinician (3 credits)
- Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research (3 credits)
Summer
- Specialty Coursework (3 credits)
- Principles of Quality Management for Medical Product Development (3 credits)
Year 2
Autumn
- Clinical Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
- Clinical Research Study Management & Monitoring (3 credits)
Spring
- Specialty Coursework (3 credits)
- Culminating Project in Clinical Research (3 credits)
You can track your application status via the Applicant Center. Allow up to five business days for material statuses to update. Graduate transfer applicants should email OnlineEnrollment@osu.edu for application status.
- Deadline
- Submit all application materials by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline date.
- Decision
- Within three weeks of the deadline.
- Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis.
- Most applicants are notified by email and through their Applicant Center.
- Admitted students receive a virtual admissions packet with next steps.
- Accept offer
- Two weeks prior the admission term.
- If you do not accept admission by the deadline, your offer will be cancelled.
- If you are unable to begin your studies in the term to which you applied, you may defer admission up to one year.
How to apply to the MCR program
Apply online through Ohio State’s Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. A $60 fee is required at the time of submission.
Select one specialization while completing your application:
- Clinical Research Management
- Regulatory Affairs specialization
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have previously attended at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from The Ohio State University do not need to be submitted.
Transcripts should be submitted directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Request that your transcripts be sent early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to gpadocs@osu.edu or by mail to:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
Upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application or afterward on the admissions uploader. Documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial but will suffice for the purposes of your application. Web based documents, online grade reports and related materials are not acceptable. If you are admitted, you will be required to supply official transcripts sent directly from your previous institution(s).
For details regarding these methods of submitting transcripts, visit The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions and direct all transcript related questions to their office at 614-292-9444 or to gpadmissions@osu.edu.
Your resume or CV should be in a similar format as a job application. You should include your previous education, professional experiences, community service, volunteer activities, publications, research and leadership experiences. Submit at the time of application or afterward on the admissions uploader.
An opportunity to describe your purpose for undertaking study in the Master of Clinical Research program, including a narrative discussion of your professional experience and career trajectory. Consideration will be given to both the quality of your writing sample and the congruence between your stated goals and the master's degree program. Consider addressing the following questions or similar ideas in your statement:
- What specifically are your career goals?
- What are your motivations for seeking advanced education in your designated specialty area?
- How did you come to your decision to seek graduate education in this specialty area?
- What life experiences have drawn you to this program and how will those experiences help to support your success as a clinical/preclinical research professional?
Your statement should not exceed two pages and should use a standard format of single-spaced, 12-point font, with one-inch margins. Submit at the time of application or afterward on the admissions uploader.
During the application you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three recommenders. Once the application is submitted, an email will be automatically generated and sent to your recommenders with further instructions on how to submit their letters of recommendation. We encourage you to submit your application far in advance of the deadline so that your recommenders have ample time to upload their letters. Letters of recommendation should not be mailed, and you may not personally submit letters of recommendation.
It is suggested that you select recommenders who are familiar with your academic ability, work experience, contributions to clinical and preclinical research (if any), and potential to succeed in the program. Recommendations should be requested from professors who are able to comment on your qualifications for graduate study. Recommendations from non-academic professionals are acceptable if you have extensive work experience with that individual and/or you have been away from academic institutions for some time.
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree granting graduate program at The Ohio State University for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Choose the appropriate application for "current or former" Ohio State students after following the apply link.
In addition to the online application, you must complete a supplemental application. This separate application must be submitted to the College of Nursing directly at CON-gradrecords@osu.edu or can be uploaded to your application after submission on the admission uploader. Choose any of the following options to access this application:
- MS Word Document: Supplemental MCR application
- PDF: Supplemental MCR application
Applicants must submit all application materials by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline to be considered for admission.
Contact
FAQ
For more information on certification opportunities, visit:
- ACRP Certified Professional
- ACRP Certified Clinical Research Associate
- ACRP Clinical Research Coordinator Certification
- ACRP Certified Principal Investigator
- SOCRA Clinical Research Professionals Certification
- RAPS Regulatory Affairs Certification
Classes are available asynchronously, meaning there are no mandatory "live" online lectures or discussions. Module lectures are recorded or are lectures from experts in the field, and you can view and participate at your convenience. Some of our classes might offer occasional “live” presentations, but you will be notified in advance and can choose to watch live or view a recording later.
The classes use Carmen (Canvas), Ohio State’s learning management system. For each of the classes in which you enroll, the information will be posted in Carmen, including a syllabus and course calendar with due dates. Assignments are typically due by Sunday at midnight, and you are encouraged to use time management when taking multiple courses. We recommend you login daily to ensure you’re keeping up with classes.
Each syllabus will have contact information for the course instructor who will be responsive to your e-mail inquiries. Check your Ohio State email as it is the primary method that Ohio State and your instructors will use. Some students prefer to forward their Ohio State email to a personal email to ensure receipt of important communications. Instructors will issue announcements for course modules or to communicate with a class via Carmen which will cc your email. You should set your Carmen preferences to emails. To help build a course community, we encourage you to also include a headshot with your Carmen profile.
Yes, you may take classes as a Graduate Non-Degree student. This application process is separate from the MCR application. You may transfer up to 10 credits of coursework after you have applied, are accepted to and have enrolled in a graduate program. This equates to three classes, as MCR classes are typically three credit courses.
The MCR program does not require a formal thesis; however, you will complete a culminating project, including a written report and final project presentation. You are also required to complete an ePortfolio constituting the graduate program examination.
You are not required to be in Columbus for courses.
Most of our classes have a 1:30 student ratio. If a course is larger, two instructors teach the course, or it is split into two sections. Instructors are available to meet with students individually and are highly responsive and involved in the online courses.
Our programs require a culminating project in the last semester of your course of study. Nearly all of our students who are working full-time will perform a culminating project in conjunction with an interest area they have in clinical research, often for local quality improvement. An occasional student may find an opportunity to do observational experiences and use alternative work hours or vacation time to do so (for instance one day per week for several weeks). Whether you choose a culminating project or an observational field experience, or a combination, it is your responsibility to identify potential opportunities.
Most of our courses utilize online textbooks accessible through the Ohio State library for free and online readings. If a textbook is required, they can be purchased online.
Yes, you may switch specializations, preferably by the end of the first semester of the program. It is also possible to complete a dual specialization. You should work with your advisor before you decide to switch and/or if you have questions regarding the completion of a dual specialization. Many courses are only offered one time per year.
Many courses in the MCR program have collaborative projects, however, there is rarely more than one per course. The students communicate via email, phone, Zoom or Microsoft Teams -- they all seem to find a method that works well for them. Most courses also have discussion boards where students provide responses via either text or voice, but students post to those at their own convenience, and they are not required to "attend" at a specific time. As professionals, those working with collaborative projects or responsive discussion assignments should be good “citizens” of the course and follow required course calendar timelines.
The rule of thumb for coursework time commitment among all accredited universities is, for each credit earned, the student will put in 2.5 hours of work per week over 15 weeks. Our courses are three credits which translates to 7.5 hours per week of work (viewing lectures, reading, posting to discussion boards, doing assignments, taking quizzes, etc.). As a part-time graduate student taking two classes per semester, that translates to 15 hours per week. Some students are more efficient and can do the work in less time, while other students will require the full 15 hours to complete the coursework. Most of our working professionals say two classes per term is manageable and keeps them very busy. We discourage full-time coursework for those who are also working.
Students who enroll in two graduate degree-granting programs concurrently are called dual degree students. Review Graduate School information on the dual degree designation to learn more about applying.
Dual Degree students must satisfy the credit hour requirements for each degree program. There may be little overlap between the two sets of coursework, which can result in students being required to fully complete the degree requirements for both programs in order to graduate. This can extend time to graduation. Due to the rigorous nature of some of our graduate clinical programs, prospective students interested in a Dual Degree option with the College of Nursing are advised to closely examine the curriculum requirements of our programs before applying.
After you have reviewed dual degree information, contact the director of the program in which you are interested for further discussion. This discussion should occur before you begin applying in order to gain a better understanding of program requirements. Applicants interested in applying to a College of Nursing graduate program as a dual degree student must follow the application process for the desired program and adhere to all deadlines. Email OnlineEnrollment@osu.edu if you have any questions about how to apply.
Students with international degrees are eligible to apply provided they meet all program admissions requirements. Additional requirements for international applicants:
- Review The Ohio State University’s English Proficiency Policy and other important information.
- For immigration documents and international student requirements, please contact Graduate and Professional Admissions Office at gpadmissions@osu.edu or 614-292-9444.
The MCR program admits students three times per year for each autumn, spring and summer semester for both full-time and part-time study.
- Autumn 2026: June 30, 2026
- Spring 2027: October 31, 2026
- Summer 2027: March 31, 2027