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MS RAC FAQ
Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Research Administration and Compliance program. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about the program. If you still have questions, please contact us at rac@sps.cuny.edu.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Individuals who are interested in managing and leading research organizations, entering the research administration and/or compliance fields, and/or seeking advancement in their research administration and/or compliance career should apply to the program.This program is not designed to focus on research methods but the administrative management thereof, so, candidates should be interested or involved in the management of research or compliance oversight.
HOW MANY TOTAL CREDITS DOES THE PROGRAM REQUIRE?
The program requires a total of 30 credits of which 21 are required courses and the remainder are electives.
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Elective |
3 |
9 |
| Required |
7 |
21 |
| Total |
10 |
30 |
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM?
Some experience in the field of research administration and compliance or a related field is preferred. Additional requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, transcripts from all the institutions you have attended, and two letters of recommendation. We also require a personal statement. All of these variables will factor into the review process – please explain in your personal statement how your background and/or career goals support your candidacy for admission into the program. An individual interview may be requested as part of the admissions process.
WILL I HAVE TO TAKE PREREQUISITE COURSES OR STANDARDIZED TESTS TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
There are no pre-requisite courses for the degree, and standardized tests are not required.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
The number of credits typically taken varies, with most students averaging two courses per semester, although there are a few who take more. The program can be completed in about two years’ time, but most students take slightly longer.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSFER CREDITS?
Yes. Previously earned credits from accredited institutions will be considered for transfer. The program will review no more than two courses total. We suggest you look at the degree requirements and course descriptions. Only courses that map directly onto existing courses will be reviewed. Collect any syllabi for the courses you took and wish to transfer. They must be from the semester you took them. The review process starts after a candidate has been admitted.
HOW LONG IS EACH COURSE, AND DO I HAVE TO BE "IN-CLASS" AT SPECIFIC TIMES?
We are on the semester system. Each course lasts 15 weeks in fall and spring semesters. Summer courses may vary between 7 weeks and 10 weeks depending on the offering. Courses are asynchronous, but have weekly deadlines. As long as you meet any stated deadline in a particular course you can work whenever you are able.
WHAT IF I COMPLETED A DEGREE ABROAD OR i AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
International students need both an official transcript in its original language and the international credential evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. If you took courses abroad, those transcripts will also need to be evaluated.
WHAT IF THE MS DEGREE SEEMS LIKE MORE THAN I CAN MANAGE AT THE MOMENT?
We have two advanced certificate programs. These certificates are four classes, but typically students have taken two classes at a time. If you change your mind, the process for transferring from the certificate to the degree is relatively seamless. However, there are a few differences in the admissions process (i.e. the number of recommendations) that would need to be met.