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 Degree awarded: Master in Research Administration (MRA) Admissions deadlines: Applications will be available for Fall 2009. Contact the program for more info.  Contact information (843) 792-2118 (843) 792-3327 - fax dhapinfo@musc.edu

The Master in Research Administration (MRA) program is designed for professionals working in the research administration field who wish to advance their careers.  Using a combination of on-campus and 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. 

As a part of an academic medical center and because of the many idiosyncrasies of healthcare research programs, the MRA curriculum will concentrate on the administration of healthcare related research. The Department of Health Administration and Policy at the Medical University of South Carolina has a long history of preparing highly qualified health care administrators, and many department faculty members have extensive experience as independent researchers and are qualified to teach in the MRA program.  Four of the Department’s five programs offer coursework in an executive format.   

Admissions Information

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, effort reporting, and export control.  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 three courses per semester while part-time students will take two courses per semester. All entering students should have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

 Courses

• Health Care Delivery Systems
• Health Behavior and Epidemiology
• Health Care Accounting
• Organization Theory and Behavior
• Human Resources Management
• Research Methods I
• Research Methods II
• Fundamentals of Research Administration
• Human Trials
• The Clinical Research Industry
• Fundamentals of Compliance
• Research Administration Practicum

All courses are 3 semester hours. Courses and requirements may change as deemed necessary and appropriate.

On Campus Sessions  

All students will attend one four-day on-campus session each semester.  The remainder of the semester is completed via internet-based instruction.  Face-to-face sessions will be held in August, January, and June of each academic year.  Each course meets four hours per day in either the morning or afternoon during the on-campus session for a total of 16 hours.  The on-campus sessions are currently scheduled for the following dates: 

• Fall 2009:  August 26-30 

Admission Requirements

• At least one year of work experience in research administration or sponsored programs administration in any research field.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the GRE exam with an aggregate score of at least 1,000 or GMAT exam with a score of at least 500.  
• Completion of a MUSC electronic application.
• Three recommendations from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation.

Admissions
Dept. of Health Administration & Policy
Phone: (843) 792-2118
Fax: (843) 792-3327
E-mail: dhapinfo@musc.edu

Admissions Coordinator
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-3313
Fax: (843) 792-6615
E-mail: mcgregom@musc.edu

Application deadlines
Applications will be available for Fall 09. Call for application deadline

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 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.