The Master of Clinical Research is a 36-credit professional master’s degree program designed to be completed in one of the following time frames:
- As a two-year program of study completed in six semesters. Students completing the program in six semesters may begin the program in autumn semester, spring semester, or summer term.
- As a one-year program of study completed in three semesters. Students completing the program in three semesters must begin in autumn semester.
The MCR program is designed with a set of core courses covering the application of clinical research principles and a set of specialization courses providing in-depth learning. Students select a specialization upon entering the program but may petition to change their specialization after consulting with their advisor.
Core courses
All MCR students will complete the following core courses to build a solid foundation in the theory and conduct of clinical research.
- Nursing 7781 Responsible Conduct of Research
- MCR 7770 Fundamentals of Medical Product Development and Regulation
- MCR 7782 Clinical Research Design and Methods
- MCR 7405 Clinical Research Study and Site Management
- MCR 7482 Principles of Quality Management for Medical Product Development
- Pharmacy 7784 Data Analysis and Interpretation in Clinical and Preclinical Research
- Pharmacy 5010* Fundamentals of Pharmacology
*Pharmacology is required only for students without prior pharmacology coursework at the graduate or upper undergraduate level. If the course is waived, the student will take a course from the alternate specialization.
Clinical Research Management specialization courses
In addition to the core coursework, students in the Clinical Research Management Specialization will complete the following courses:
- MCR 7404 Project Management for Healthcare and Clinical Research
- MCR 7481 Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research
- MCR 7402 Economic Evaluation of Healthcare Interventions (cost-effectiveness studies)
- Pharmacy 7570 Pharmaceutical Safety & Risk Management
- MCR 7599 Culminating Project in Clinical Research
Regulatory Affairs specialization courses
In addition to the core coursework, students in the Regulatory Affairs Specialization will complete the following courses:
- Pharmacy 7460 Regulatory Strategy, Writing and Leadership
- Pharmacy 7570 Pharmaceutical Safety & Risk Management
- Pharmacy 7572 Global Regulations of Medical Products
- Pharmacy 7580 Principles of Safety Pharmacology
- MCR 7599 Culminating Project in Clinical Research
Dual Clinical Research Management & Regulatory Affairs specialization
The Master of Clinical Research Dual Specialty is a 42-45-credit professional master’s degree program designed to be completed in either 20, 32, or 36 months. See the sample curriculum for more information. Students who are clinicians, may be allowed to waive Introduction to Pharmacology, and not have to replace that course (42 total hours).
In addition to the core coursework, students in the dual specialization will complete the following courses:
- MCR 7402 Economic Evaluation of Healthcare Interventions
- MCR 7404 Project Management for Healthcare and Clinical Research
- Pharmacy 7460 Regulatory Strategy, Writing and Leadership
- MCR 7481 Data Management and Informatics in Clinical Research
- Pharmacy 7570 Pharmaceutical Safety & Risk Management
- Pharmacy 7572 Global Regulations of Medical Products
- Pharmacy 7580 Principles of Safety Pharmacology
- MCR 7599 Culminating Project in Clinical Research
- Pharmacy 7570 Pharmaceutical Safety & Risk Management
More information, including course descriptions can be found by searching the OSU course catalogue.