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

Research administration and compliance expertise is needed across a diverse group of organizations, including academic institutions, research institutes and centers, hospitals, clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry. Each step within the life cycle of research is governed by complex regulations that overlap in their functions, and require high-level expertise to integrate concepts, policy requirements, and ethical considerations to assess, improve, and develop research programs. 

The MS in Research Administration and Compliance online degree program creates a clear, attainable career path for research administration and compliance staff to become highly skilled leaders. The program guides professionals to make effective business decisions for their research enterprises by focusing on the following areas:

• Contract and grant management
• Ethical conduct of research
• Regulatory compliance
• Intellectual property and technology transfer
• Policy development and implementation
• Training and oversight

Career Prospects

Students graduating from the MS in Research Administration and Compliance program can expect to become administrators at academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. With sufficient experience, graduates can aim to become leaders holding senior executive positions within these areas. Numerous and diverse career positions within these sectors include, but are not limited to: Contracts and Compliance Manager, Director of Sponsored Programs, Executive Director of Clinical Research Administration, Vice President or Vice Provost for Research Administration and/or Compliance, Research Program Manager, Grants Administrator, Clinical Research Quality Assurance Director, Research Finance and Post Award Administrator, Research Compliance Officer.

NCURA Education Scholarship Fund

The Education Scholarship Fund awards $2,500 scholarships to research administrators who have been National Council of University Research Administration members for at least one year and who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in research administration.