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

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

The Advanced Certificate in Research Compliance (RC) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers working research administration professionals a focused way to build graduate-level knowledge in research ethics, integrity, oversight, and compliance. 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 research compliance, ethics, research integrity, clinical research administration and compliance, intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization. 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 
• 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 compliance, ethics, integrity, clinical research administration, intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization
• Prepare for research compliance roles in academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, and private-sector research settings
• Understand ethical and regulatory oversight across the research enterprise
• Explore issues related to human and animal subject research, biosafety, export controls, conflicts of interest, responsible conduct of research, and research integrity
• Learn how institutions identify, manage, and respond to non-compliance
• Develop knowledge of clinical research administration and compliance requirements
• Understand how intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization intersect with research compliance and research security.
• Complete a practicum experience designed to support professional preparation in research compliance
• 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 compliance. It is a strong fit for individuals interested in research ethics, regulatory oversight, clinical research compliance, research integrity, research security and data management, export controls, policy, conflicts of interest, human and animal subjects protections, institutional review processes, and responsible conduct of research.

The certificate may be especially useful for compliance staff, research coordinators, IRB/IACUC/IBC professionals, clinical research professionals, healthcare administrators, legal or policy professionals, grants and contracts staff, research operations 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 compliance
• Apply ethical principles and regulatory expectations to research settings
• Support responsible conduct of research and research integrity
• Understand compliance requirements related to human and animal subject research
• Identify conflicts of interest and other compliance risks
• Support institutional review, monitoring, reporting, and oversight processes
• Understand biosafety, export control, and related regulatory considerations
• Evaluate clinical research administration and compliance issues
• Understand intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization processes
• Develop, review, and support research compliance policies and procedures
• Help organizations identify and respond to research non-compliance
• Apply research compliance 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 Compliance 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 Compliance program?

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

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Submit a personal statement
• Upload a 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 compliance.

What are the Advanced Certificate in Research Compliance 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 Compliance?

The certificate consists of four graduate-level courses:

• RAC 601 – Introduction to Research Compliance, Ethics and Integrity
• RAC 602 – Introduction to Clinical Research and Compliance
• RAC 612 – Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Commercialization
• RAC 698 – Research Compliance Practicum

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

How many credits is the Advanced Certificate in Research Compliance?

The Advanced Certificate in Research Compliance 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 6–9 graduate credits per semester.

Can I complete this certificate as a standalone credential?

Yes. The Advanced Certificate in Research Compliance can be completed as a standalone graduate credential for professionals who want to build research compliance 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 Compliance 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 compliance?

Research compliance focuses on helping organizations conduct research responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and professional standards. Research compliance professionals may support areas such as human and animal subjects protections, research integrity, conflicts of interest and commitment, responsible conduct of research, clinical research compliance, policy development, education, audits, and oversight.

Is this program focused on conducting research?

No. This certificate is not primarily focused on conducting research or research methods. It focuses on the compliance, ethics, policy, oversight, and administrative responsibilities that help research organizations conduct research responsibly and effectively.

What research compliance topics will I study?

Students study research compliance, ethics, integrity, clinical research administration, intellectual property, technology transfer, commercialization, responsible conduct of research, conflicts of interest, regulatory oversight, and applied research compliance practice.

Do I need a background in research compliance 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, clinical research, compliance, legal, policy, or administrative functions.

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 Compliance program.

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

Yes. The certificate is designed to help students build foundational knowledge and applied skills that can support entry into or advancement within research compliance, research integrity, clinical research compliance, institutional review, research ethics, 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? 

Yes. Courses are asynchronous, with weekly deadlines. This means students do not need to attend class at a specific time, but they are expected to complete assignments and participate according to each course schedule.

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 much time should I expect to spend on coursework each week?

Students should plan to spend approximately 9 hours per week on coursework. Because the courses are asynchronous, students can schedule their study time in a way that works for them as long as they meet weekly deadlines.

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. 

Is financial aid available?

Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students may wish to contact Financial Aid or the Bursar Office to discuss payment 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.