EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has been ranked among the best Clinical Research programs in the country.

The ranking, from College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources, put Eastern in fourth place nationally for best master’s in Clinical Research, the only Michigan university listed in the rankings. The full ranking is available here.

In its description of Eastern, College Choice noted that EMU “has pioneered the development of academic programs in Clinical Research.”

The Clinical Research Program is designed to prepare students to conduct clinical trials, including those needed to gain regulatory approval for new pharmaceuticals, devices and biotechnology products.

The program includes both didactic information and hands-on experience in order to train qualified new professionals. It also provides opportunities for working scientists already participating in the clinical research and drug/device development process to increase their knowledge base as well as their clinical research expertise.

The Clinical Research Administration program offers both a post-baccalaureate certificate in Good Clinical Practices as well as a master's program in Clinical Research Administration. All program specific classes are held on the main campus.

The College Choice ranking comes a year after the program was ranked number one in the nation by a prominent health care website — the Healthcare Management Degree Guide — that rates degrees from various disciplines. Eastern was listed at the top of 25 other American Universities, and was again the only program ranked from the state of Michigan.

Jean Rowan, program director of the Clinical Research Administration Program at Eastern, says that the EMU program in Clinical Research Administration was one of the first academic programs developed in this discipline and offers small class sizes with well-qualified, experienced faculty.

“We are pleased to be recognized for the second time in two years, by two different organizations, as one of the best places in America to obtain a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Administration,” Rowan said. “Being one of the first academic programs, this recent ranking speaks to our continued leadership and excellence in the field.  Our graduates now hold key roles at medical research centers, contract research organizations and pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the US and internationally. 

“Our location within the medical research hub of southeast Michigan provides our students with excellent preceptorship and job opportunities.  We appreciate College Choice’s recognition of our program.”

According to College Choice, the ranking is based on institutional reputation and quality (graduation rates, curriculum and faculty experience), affordability and value, and student satisfaction. The ranking data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics’ IPEDS database, U.S. News & World Report, Payscale, and individual college websites.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 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.