Clinical Research

Offered in a part-time format, the certificate provides a foundational training in clinical research methods without the need to pursue a full Master of Science program in clinical research. If you are a health-science student, basic-science researcher or other health science professional who would like to enhance your skills in patient-oriented research, this certificate is also a good fit.

Earning this certificate will grant you the necessary tools to become a more effective, efficient and ethical clinical investigator. With only 11 required credits, the program will take you around three to four semesters to complete, whether you pursue online or in-person options. Our curriculum includes courses such as Introduction to Clinical Research, Introduction to Epidemiology, Research Ethics and Regulation, Statistical Methods, and a CITI Basic course in Protection of Human Research Subjects.

After the completion of our program, you will achieve basic competency in the following areas: 

• Formulation of clinical research questions
• Literature critique
• Study design
• Analytic methods
• Research ethics

To apply for the certificate program, you’ll need to submit the following materials:

• A completed CWRU application;
• A non-refundable application fee of $50;
• A recent CV or resume; 
• Official transcripts (for the admissions committee's purposes, unofficial transcripts can be used to review your application; if you are accepted, the School of Graduate Studies will require official transcripts); and 
• A personal statement describing your reasons for seeking clinical research training.