Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete the MSCR program in 1 year and what are the requirements for admission?
The program, if attended full time, can be completed in 1 academic year including summer. Requirements for admission include the following:
Admission Requirements:
Applicants for admission to the Master’s degree Program in Clinical Research should:
- Meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (An undergraduate degree with an academic background that includes science courses is recommended, with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.)
- Provide results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). GRE test scores should reflect placement in the 70th percentile or above. The average standardized test scores for MCAT are 25-30 for verbal reasoning, biological and physical science tests, and “0″ for the writing sample. Other tests may be substituted for the GRE with special permission from the program Director.
- Submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if native language is not English. Results of the TOEFL must be 550 or higher.
- Apply on-line. We offer rolling admissions and review applications throughout the year. However, it is recommended that you submit your application by mid July for Fall (September) admission and early December for Spring (January) admission.
Is it possible to complete the practicum and capstone project after I finish the course work?
Yes, but this is not a requirement to completing the practicum and capstone project.
How many credits must part-time students register for each semester?
Part-time students may register for up to 11 credits. Typically PT students take 1 or 2 courses, ranging in credits from 4 to 8.
I completed a course required in Boston University's MSCR program at another institution. Do I need to take it again?
It depends. You may request the transfer of credit and the Program Director will decide if the content of that course is relevant to the course in the program. If it is deemed acceptable, the transfer would be approved.
How many courses can a student take at the School of Public Health or another Boston University Department that will count towards the MSCR program?
Students are allowed to take one course outside of GMS.
Can I use my practicum as credits toward the 32 credits necessary to complete my degree?
Yes. There is the potential to earn up to 4 credits towards the practicum. You will also earn 2 credits of research which will be applied towards the 32 credits needed for the degree.
Is there a dual MSCR/MPH program?
We do not offer a dual degree program for MSCR/MPH. We do offer dual degrees in:
- MS Medical Sciences / MS in Clinical Research (MSMS/MSCR dual degree)
- Doctor of Medicine / MS in Clinical Research (MD/MSCR dual degree)
What are the career paths for MSCR graduates?
Our graduates work as Principal Investigators, research coordinators, project managers, regulatory & compliance managers, study scientists, pharmacovigilence investigators.
I work full-time. When are your courses offered?
All of our courses are offered in the evenings, one night per week.
I have specific research interests. Can I tailor the MSCR program toward these interests?
Yes. Students are required to complete 10 elective credits which afford students the opportunity to take courses relevant to their professional interests.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, all students at the time of admission are considered for the Provost Scholarship which is a partial scholarship the covers up to $10,000 across the Fall & Spring semesters. We do not offer full scholarships