EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Clinical Research Administration graduate program at Eastern Michigan University has been ranked number one in the nation by a prominent website — the Healthcare Management Degree Guide — that rates health care degrees from various disciplines. Eastern was listed at the top of 25 other American Universities, and was the only program ranked from the state of Michigan.

Professor Stephen Sonstein, program director of the Clinical Research Administration Program at Eastern, says there is an estimated shortage of 10,000 qualified clinical research professionals in the world.

“The EMU program in Clinical Research Administration was one of the first academic programs developed in this discipline and is well known and highly regarded globally,” Sonstein said. “Since 1996, our graduates have been employed both locally, throughout the U.S. and around the world.  We are very proud that EMU’s MS Program is ranked number one among the top 25 academic programs in Clinical Research."

Murali Nair, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said, “I would like to thank the Clinical Research Administration faculty for their unwavering commitment to the program's success."

The Healthcare Management Degree Guide said in its description that “Eastern Michigan University’s accredited MS in clinical research might be one of the best programs for working adults who already have an established career in a research facility.”

“EMU expects – and then builds on – a certain level of prior education and relevant work experience,” the guide noted. “By assuming this baseline of industry knowledge, EMU is able to offer an accelerated program; students can complete all required courses (including the capstone research thesis) in as little as 24 months with part-time enrollment.”

The ranking of the program, located in EMU’s College of Health and Human Services, was based on information gathered in part from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research.

“We then ranked the schools based on expertise and involvement in the field, career training and curricular relevance, accessibility to students, and application of knowledge,” said Amanda Ginder, head of online relations for the guide.

Ginder said that Healthcare Management Degree Programs knows that many private companies – as well as government agencies, like the FDA – need clinical researchers and managers to act as watchdogs for the new medicines, treatments, and diagnostic products that are hitting the market every day. 

“Graduating with a master’s degree in research and clinical research management can position you for any number of financially rewarding career paths, she said. “We strive to provide clear, credible guidance to help students find the best college for them.”

See the Healthcare Management Degree Guide website for a list of top programs, including Eastern’s No. 1 ranking.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University website.