MSCR - Clinical Research (MS)

The graduating student will be able to:

• Compare and contrast fundamental clinical research concepts

• Prepare a clinical research study

• Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise clinical research literature

• Develop grant proposals

• Interpret appropriate data analysis plans for clinical research studies

• Prepare scientific presentations for clinical research studies

The MS in Clinical Research students must complete a total of 36 graduate semester credit hours of coursework. No elective courses are offered in this program. The MS in Clinical Research degree supports the development of clinical research.  Students are encouraged to identify areas of clinical research and to utilize supervised research opportunities within the curriculum to develop research projects. Students are required to complete the Practicum and Capstone project(s).

Independent Research

Completion of three credit hours in independent research is required for the degree. Independent research begins after the first semester and near completion of the core requirements. Students will enroll in one 1- credit hour course over three terms, in conjunction with completing the core requirements. The student will work with a research mentor and will be actively involved in the development, execution, and evaluation of a clinical research project(s). During the practicum, the student will be exposed to clinical research planning, protocol preparation, Institutional Review Boards application, regulatory requirements, selection of study participants, data monitoring, and analysis. The practicum may be completed with a research mentor at Parker University. The practicum may also be performed under the supervision of a clinical research professional within a drug, device, or biotechnology company, a clinical research organization, or site management organization actively involved in clinical trials. Practicum sites outside of Parker University must be approved by the Program Director and Dean of Health and Human Performance.

Capstone Project

The Capstone Project provides a culminating experience that applies the knowledge and analytical skills to engage in clinical research. The purpose of the Capstone Project is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the research experience beginning with the formulation of the research question, design and conduct of the research protocol, analysis, interpretation of the findings, and publication of the research results. Students will develop the Capstone Project while they are completing their coursework and independent studies under the supervision of their research mentor. The Capstone Project must involve the analysis and interpretation of data. Students are required to provide an oral presentation on their Capstone Project to their research mentor, peers, and faculty members, and any other interested parties. The purpose of the oral presentation is to demonstrate the student’s ability to demonstrate understanding of study design, clinical findings, and preparation of a manuscript for publication. Publication is encouraged, but not a requirement for graduation.

To be eligible for the MS in Clinical Research, students at Parker University must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete 36 credit hours of graduate study

• Complete the course of study required for the MS in Clinical Research with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4.0 scale

• Complete the degree requirements with no more than two courses with a grade of "C."

• Complete all the MS Clinical Research degree requirements within five years of beginning coursework; exceptions for extenuating circumstances reviewed by the Dean.