Please note there is no application fee for certificate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Why earn your Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Compliance and Research online at CUNY SPS?

Healthcare organizations and research institutions operate within an increasingly complex environment of laws, regulations, privacy requirements, ethical standards, and data-governance responsibilities. The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Compliance and Research at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides focused graduate-level preparation for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in these areas.

This 12-credit, fully online certificate brings together coursework from the CUNY SPS MS in Health Information Management and MS in Research Administration and Compliance programs. Through four graduate-level courses Students develop practical knowledge of healthcare and research regulations, information governance, privacy and security, clinical research compliance, risk mitigation, and ethical stewardship.

The certificate is designed for professionals who want to expand their compliance expertise, take on greater responsibilities in healthcare or research environments, or build graduate-level knowledge in an interdisciplinary area that connects healthcare information with research compliance.

About This Program

• Format: Fully online and asynchronous
• Credits: 12 graduate credits
• Courses: 4 courses
• Credential: Advanced Certificate
• Pathway: Credits apply toward the MS in Research Administration and Compliance
• Start Term: Fall or Spring
• Time to Completion: Two semesters based on the sample program schedule

Why This Program

• Study healthcare compliance and research compliance through an interdisciplinary curriculum
• Learn how healthcare information, privacy, security, data governance, and research regulations intersect
• Develop knowledge of clinical research administration and compliance requirements
• Strengthen your understanding of healthcare privacy, security, and legal requirements
• Explore information and data governance strategies for healthcare organizations
• Learn to identify compliance risks and support organizational accountability
• Apply ethical and regulatory principles across healthcare and research environments
• Fully online, asynchronous format offers flexibility to balance school, work, family, and other responsibilities

Who Is This Program For?

This program is designed for working professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of healthcare and research compliance. It may be particularly relevant for individuals working in or seeking greater responsibility within:

• Healthcare organizations and health systems 
• Research institutions and clinical research environments 
• Research administration and compliance 
• Privacy, security, and information governance 
• Regulatory compliance and risk management 
• Healthcare data management 

The program is especially well suited to professionals who work with healthcare information and want a stronger understanding of how legal, ethical, operational, and research requirements intersect.

Skills You’ll Gain

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to:

• Interpret and apply healthcare and research compliance regulations 
• Apply research integrity and compliance frameworks 
• Implement healthcare information governance and data-management strategies
• Support the privacy, security, and regulatory compliance of health information 
• Identify and mitigate compliance risk 
• Promote organizational accountability and ethical stewardship 
• Design and evaluate compliance programs 
• Apply compliance requirements within clinical research environments 

Career and Professional Applications 

The certificate prepares graduates to contribute to compliance oversight, risk mitigation, regulatory adherence, information and data governance, and clinical research compliance within healthcare systems, research institutions, and affiliated organizations.

It can also strengthen the expertise of professionals whose current responsibilities involve healthcare information, privacy and security, research administration, organizational compliance, or the responsible use of healthcare data.

Curriculum

The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Compliance and Research consists of four 3-credit graduate courses for a total of 12 credits.

Required Courses

• RAC 601: Introduction to Research Compliance, Ethics and Integrity
• RAC 602: Introduction to Clinical Research and Compliance
• HIM 610: Health IT Privacy, Security and Legal Issues 
• HIM 645: Information and Data Governance

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admissions requirements?

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher (applicants below 3.0 may be considered with additional evidence of readiness).
• A personal statement identifying your educational/professional goals and the purpose for applying to the Advance Certificate in Health Information Management
• Submit a current résumé

Applicants who earned their bachelor’s degree outside the United States must also meet applicable course-by-course transcript evaluation requirements and English proficiency.  

Is the program fully online?

Yes. The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Compliance and Research is offered fully online and asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework on a flexible schedule while meeting course deadlines and requirements. 

How many credits are required?

The program requires 12 graduate credits across four courses. 

How long does the program take to complete?

The sample program schedule is organized across two terms, with students completing two courses, or six credits, per term.

Can the certificate lead to a master’s degree?

Yes. The program is connected to the MS in Research Administration and Compliance, and the NYSED application identifies that degree as the related graduate program to which certificate credits apply. 

What student support services are available?

Students have access to CUNY SPS graduate advisement, technical support, online library resources, writing and quantitative tutoring, research assistance, and Career Services. The school also provides counseling, disability services, veteran services, and a range of student support services including an online orientation to help students become familiar with the online learning environment. 

General FAQ

 

Is this program fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online. 

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean? 

There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing. 

Is this program designed for working professionals? 

Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities. 

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions? 

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start? 

You can start during the Fall or Spring term. 

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The certificate may be completed in as little as 1 semester, depending on course load. 

Is financial aid available?

Students enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Management do not qualify for financial aid. However, students may wish to contact Financial Aid to discuss available payment plan options. 

Are there scholarships that I can apply for? 

Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here. 

What support services are available for students? 

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services. 

How do I learn more about student life? 

You can learn more about student life here, and view our list of student clubs and organizations here. 

Is CUNY SPS accredited? 

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.