EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Clinical Research Administration graduate program at Eastern Michigan University has been again ranked among the nation’s best by a prominent website that rates online graduate programs throughout the country. Eastern’s program was among the top 11 programs in the nation, and was the only program ranked from the state of Michigan.

OnlineMasters.com ranked Eastern seventh in its listings for the country’s “Best Master's in Clinical Research Programs for 2019.”  The program recognition can be found in the 2019 rankings.

In addition to being one of only 11 top-ranked programs in the United States, Eastern was given the added distinction of “Most Accelerated Program,” meaning the University excels at facilitating the work of students who seek to expedite their degree. Students who choose the accelerated option can complete the online coursework and the capstone research thesis in just 24 months

“This speaks to the amazing work that your program is doing and demonstrates … that your program provides quality education that can help students with their career aspirations,” said Barbara Montgomery, program recognition manager for the website.

The ratings factored in such elements as graduation rates, the number of graduates and program costs, Montgomery said. Graduates were asked a variety of questions in a survey that touched on topics such as ratings of professors and the online experience, academic advising and professional preparation, she said.

The program has consistently been listed among the country’s best by a variety of organizations. For example, The Healthcare Management Degree Guide — which rates health care degrees from various disciplines, listed Eastern was listed at the top of 25 other American Universities in its 2017 rankings, with Eastern again the only program ranked from the state of Michigan.  In 2018, College Choice put EMU in fourth place nationally for its masters in clinical research.

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

“We are pleased to be recognized by various sources as one of the best places in America to obtain a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research Administration,” Rowan said. “Such honors speak 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. 

“In addition, our location within the medical research hub of southeast Michigan provides our students with excellent preceptorship and job opportunities.  We appreciate such recognitions of our program.”

Irwin Martin, Professor of Health Sciences and another member of the Clinical Research Administration faculty, stated, “Between Dr. Rowan and myself, we are able to share over 50 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with our students.  We have seen that this real world experience has been invaluable in our teaching and in producing graduates with keen insight to the world of the clinical research.”

The Clinical Research Program is designed to prepare students to administrate the conduct of 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.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 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's website.