Information Sessions

If you are interested in learning more about the Master in Research Administration program we encourage you to attend one of our Information Sessions. Click here for more information.

Quick Reference

Starting semester: Fall Length of program: 4 or 6 semesters Full-time or Part-time options Plan of Study:  Full Time  Part Time Admissions deadlines: June 30, 2009 Degree awarded: Master in Research Administration (MRA) Program Director: James Zoller, Ph.D.

The Master in Research Administration (MRA) program is designed for professionals working in the research administration field who wish to advance their careers.  Using Internet-based instruction, the program enables students to complete the coursework in four or six semesters, while continuing to work and live in their home communities.  

The Profession
Research Administration as a profession has advanced substantially over the past few years as sponsored research has become more complicated.  The success of research endeavors depends on the scientific merit of the project as well as the effective administration of the project to insure efficient use of resources and compliance with the myriad of provisions set by the sponsoring agency.  Research administrators are instrumental in proposal preparation, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, contracting, procurement and staffing.  They also emphasize the importance of the primary compliance issues facing institutions today, including protection of human and animal research subjects, research misconduct, subrecipient monitoring, and effort reporting.  They serve as vital members of the research team, contributing substantially to the success of the individual researchers, the home institution and the sponsoring organization.  Research Administrators can be found in universities and other research organizations at various operational levels.

Curriculum
The Masters in Research Administration curriculum consists of 36 semester hours.  Students may select the full-time (four semester) option or the part-time (six semester) course of study.  Full-time students will take 9 credit hours per semester while part-time students will take 6 credit hours per semester. All entering students should have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

 Courses

• Health Care Delivery Systems
• Organization Theory and Behavior
• Health Policy
• Human Resources Management
• Ethical Leadership
• Fundamentals of Research Administration I
• Fundamentals of Research Administration II
• Fundamentals of Research Administration III
• Research Design
• Research Integrity
• The Clinical Research Industry
• Research Administration Practicum Prep
• Research Administration Practicum

 Courses and requirements may change as deemed necessary and appropriate.

Admission Requirements

• At least one year of work experience in research administration or sponsored programs administration.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary to be competitive.
• A competitive score on the GRE or GMAT. A GRE aggregate score of at least 1,000 or GMAT score of at least 500 suggests a student's ability to be successful in the program.  
• Completion of a MUSC electronic application.
• Three professional recommendations from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation.

For more information about the Profession or Curriculum:
James Zoller, PhD
Program Director
Phone: (843) 792-3849
E-mail: zollerjs@musc.edu

For information about Admissions:

Application deadlines
June 30, 2009--Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Interview dates
Interviews are not required

Acceptances offered
As received

Application checklist

1. Confirm prerequisites
2. Complete university application
3. Submit completed application and: 
   1. GRE or GMAT scores
   2. Supplemental materials (essay, resume and 3 reference forms)
   3. Application fee
   4. Official transcripts of all college work

NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.