Hybrid Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research

The Hybrid Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research is comprised of four required courses totaling 14 credits of coursework. Clinical research is the fastest-growing discipline in the burgeoning medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Keeping pace with the ever-increasing body of knowledge and new regulatory procedures generated by advances in clinical research is critical to career success. The Boston University Hybrid Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research, designed and offered by the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, is an opportunity for clinical researchers, health professionals, and those interested in clinical research to gain a critical understanding of the scientific fundamentals of human research. Courses in the curriculum provide an in-depth look at a number of the key elements in clinical investigation, including: trial design and conduct, clinical research regulations, good clinical practices of research, and the critical evaluation of clinical research in the medical literature. Students in the Hybrid Graduate Certificate program will take courses on the Medical Campus with students who are in the master’s degree program in Clinical Research. The program can be completed in one year, across two semesters. We accept applications for both September and January start dates.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to design a clinical research protocol.
• Demonstrate the ability to read and critique the clinical research literature.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply the research regulations and practices that guide good clinical practice in clinical research.

Upon completion, students will have developed essential skills and understanding involving the elements and importance of good clinical research design, implementation, and practices. Clinical and health professionals of all varieties—including physicians; research nurses; study coordinators; managers in clinical research and site management; and professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries as well as CRO and SMO organizations—will benefit from this opportunity to:

• Earn a graduate certificate from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, a leading research institution
• Complete a valuable professional credential in just two to four semesters of study
• Apply a portion of the credits earned toward a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)
• Increase skills and knowledge in clinical research
• Qualify to sit for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Clinical
  Research Coordinator exam

Program Requirements

The Hybrid Certificate program in clinical research consists of four courses:

• GMS CI 640 OL Regulatory and Compliance Issues (spring, 4 cr)
• GMS CI 660 OL Good Clinical Practices in Clinical Research (fall, 4 cr)
• GMS CI 675 Designing Clinical Research Studies (fall, 4 cr)
  or
  SPH BS 722 Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials (fall and spring, 4 cr)
• GMS CI 790 Seminar in Clinical Investigation (spring, 2 cr)