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

Why earn your Advanced Certificate in Research Administration online at CUNY SPS?

The Advanced Certificate in Research Administration at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers working research administration professionals a focused way to build graduate-level knowledge in the administration, management, and oversight of research projects. As universities, healthcare institutions, government agencies, industry organizations, and nonprofits expand research efforts and continue to conduct complex research, skilled RC professionals are essential to ensuring these projects operate ethically, effectively, and responsibly.

Through four fully online courses, students gain practical knowledge in financial research administration, clinical research administration and compliance, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and research administration practice. The certificate can be completed as a standalone graduate credential or serve as a pathway into the MS in Research Administration and Compliance at CUNY SPS.

About This Program

• Format: Online, Asynchronous
• Credits: 12 total
• Time to Completion: As little as 2 semesters, depending on course load
• Start Term: Fall, Spring
• Tuition: NYS residents: $470 per credit

Why This Program

• Build graduate-level knowledge through a focused 12-credit certificate program
• Learn core concepts in research administration, clinical research compliance, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and research practice
• Prepare for research administration roles in academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, and private-sector research settings
• Develop practical skills in pre-award and post-award administration, proposal development, fiscal stewardship, accountability, risk management, and award oversight
• Explore legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to clinical research
• Learn how institutions protect intellectual property and support technology transfer and commercialization
• Complete a practicum experience designed to support professional preparation in research administration
• Fully online, asynchronous format offers flexibility to balance school, work, family, and other responsibilities
• Complete the certificate as a standalone credential or use it as a pathway into the MS in Research Administration and Compliance at CUNY SPS
• No standardized tests required for admission

Who Is This Program For

This program is ideal for professionals who want to enter or advance in the field of research administration. It is a strong fit for individuals interested in sponsored programs, grant administration, clinical research administration, contracts, technology transfer, intellectual property, award management, and research operations.

The certificate may be especially useful for administrative professionals, grants staff, research coordinators, project managers, healthcare professionals, legal or compliance staff, and others who support research activity in academic, healthcare, nonprofit, government, or private-sector settings. It is a good option for students who want to explore graduate-level coursework before applying to the MS in Research Administration and Compliance.

Skills You’ll Gain

• Understand the research enterprise and the role of research administration
• Support pre-award and post-award research administration
• Assist with proposal development, submission, review, and award negotiation
• Apply administrative and fiscal regulations to research settings
• Support accountability, risk management, and fiscal stewardship
• Understand clinical research administration and compliance requirements
• Identify legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to clinical research
• Understand intellectual property laws, technology transfer, and commercialization processes
• Support institutional policies, procedures, and responsible research administration practices
• Apply research administration concepts through practicum-based learning
• Build a foundation for future graduate study in research administration and compliance

Sample Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration program may be prepared for roles such as:

• Research Compliance Administrator, Manager, Director, or Officer
• Export Control Administrator/Manager/Director
• Research Security Administrator, Manager, Director or Officer
• Research Integrity Officer (RIO)
• Responsible Conduct of Research Administrator/Manager/Director
• Conflict of Interest Administrator/Manager/Director
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator/Manager/Director
• Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) Administrator/Manager/Director 
• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Administrator/Manager/Director
• Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Administrator/Manager/Director
• Research Policy Administrator, Manager, Director

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

 

What are the admission requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration program?

To apply for the online Advanced Certificate in Research Administration program, applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Submit a personal statement
• Upload a current résumé
• Provide one letter of recommendation
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Participate in an individual interview, if requested

Applicants should use the personal statement to explain their educational background, professional experience, career goals, and interest in research administration.
 

What are the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration application deadlines at CUNY SPS and how do I apply for the program?

Apply now and view application deadlines here.

What courses are included in the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration?

The certificate consists of four graduate-level courses:

• RAC 600 – Introduction to Research Administration
• RAC 602 – Introduction to Clinical Research and Compliance
• RAC 612 – Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Commercialization
• RAC 699 – Research Administration and Compliance Practicum

Together, these courses provide a foundation in research administration, clinical research compliance, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and applied research administration practice. You can view the full course catalog here.

How many credits is the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration?

The Advanced Certificate in Research Administration is a 12-credit graduate certificate made up of four courses.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters, depending on course load. To support student success, CUNY SPS recommends enrolling in no more than 6–graduate credits per semester.

Can I complete this certificate as a standalone credential?

Yes. The Advanced Certificate in Research Administration can be completed as a standalone graduate credential for professionals who want to build research administration knowledge without immediately committing to a full master’s degree.

Can this certificate lead into the MS in Research Administration and Compliance?

Yes. Graduates of the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration are eligible to transfer into the MS in Research Administration and Compliance online degree program at CUNY SPS. Students who later apply to the MS program may need to meet any additional admissions requirements for the degree.

What is research administration?

Research administration involves the administrative, financial, operational, and regulatory work that supports research projects. Professionals in this field help research organizations manage funding, proposals, budgets, awards, contracts, compliance requirements, reporting, and closeout processes.

Is this program focused on conducting research?

No. This certificate is not primarily focused on conducting research or research methods. It focuses on the administrative management of research, including the systems, policies, finances, regulations, and processes that help research projects move forward responsibly and effectively.

What research administration topics will I study?

Students study pre-award and post-award administration, proposal development, award negotiation, fiscal regulations, risk management, clinical research administration, legal and ethical issues, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, and applied research administration practice.

Do I need a background in research administration to apply?

Not necessarily. The certificate may be a good fit for students who are new to the field as well as professionals who already support research, grants, finance, operations, compliance, or clinical research activities.

Do I need to take the GRE or another standardized test?

No. Standardized tests are not required for admission to the Advanced Certificate in Research Administration program.

Can this certificate help me move into a research administration role?

Yes. The certificate is designed to help students build foundational knowledge and applied skills that can support entry into or advancement within research administration, sponsored programs, grants management, clinical research administration, research finance, and related roles.

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 Nonprofit 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.