The Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research (GCP-CR) offers students specialized instruction in clinical and translational research, including clinical trial methods, epidemiology, and research ethics. This certificate is designed to include coursework required by NIH training grants and to support the development of skills and knowledge essential for conducting clinical research. Students may tailor the program to align with their research interests and accommodate their work schedules.
The certificate program consists of 16 total credit hours: 7 required credit hours, 6 credit hours of courses selected from writing and statistics options, and 3 credit hours of electives. Most classes are offered online; however, one required course (1 credit hour) is offered in person, and one writing course option (3 credit hours) is also offered in person. Certificate credit hours may be applied toward the Master of Science in Clinical Research degree.
Application Requirements
- A completed online application form including a personal statement and resume/CV
- Official transcripts from all attended institutions including undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Students with degrees from outside the US are required to submit a course-by-course Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE)
- International applications must submit a TOEFL or IELTS
Admissions Requirements
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ is required for regular admission status
- Successful completion of one semester of calculus
Apply Now
March 1: Summer Application Deadline
May 1: Fall Application Deadline
November 1: Spring Application Deadline
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Advising and Questions
Students who are interested in the Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research should contact the MS-CR Program Manager with additional questions or requests for guidance.
Contact Information
Zoë Baldwin, Program Manager
Department of Population Health
913-945-6247, zbaldwin@kumc.edu
A minimum of 16 post-bachelor’s degree credit hours are required with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A typical part-time course plan is listed below for the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research. It requires 10 core credit hours and 6 elective hours of coursework.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| PRVM 800 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| PRVM 853 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| BIOS 810 | Clinical Trials | 3 |
| |
| Grant Writing | |
| Scientific Writing | |
| Systematic Review | |
| |
| Fundamentals of Biostatistics I | |
| Fundamentals of Biostatistics II | |
| Advanced Epidemiology I: Methods in Cross-Sectional and Case-Control Studies | |
| Biomedical Informatics Driven Clinical Research | |
| |
| Introduction to Clinical Research | |
| Grant Writing | |
| Scientific Writing | |
| Introduction to Data Management using RedCap and SAS | |
| Scientific Rigor and Reproducibility | |
| Fundamentals of Biostatistics II | |
| Advanced Epidemiology I: Methods in Cross-Sectional and Case-Control Studies | |
| Biomedical Informatics Driven Clinical Research | |
| Implementation Science I | |
| Qualitative Methods in Public Health | |
| Total Hours | 16 |
These are sample plans, and may be subject to change. Students should meet with their advisors once per semester to discuss course plans.
One Year Plan of Study
Two Year Plan of Study
Clinical Research Learning Outcomes
1. Analytical Reasoning
- Design and conduct rigorous clinical and translational research studies by selecting appropriate study designs, data sources, and analytic approaches and addressing internal validity threats.
2. Creative Inquiry & Discovery
- Formulate innovative and impactful clinical and translational research questions and hypotheses by critically appraising and synthesizing scientific literature, identifying gaps, and applying insights from basic, preclinical, and clinical studies
3. Effective Communication
- Communicate and translate research findings using strategies appropriate for a range of audiences, including academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
4. Ethical & Professional Responsibility
- Design and execute research study activities incorporating regulatory and ethical standards.
The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Program:
OBSERVATION:
A student must be able to observe and analyze class demonstrations and field experiences relevant to the disciplines of clinical research. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision and hearing.
COMMUNICATION:
A student must be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form with other students, faculty, and preceptors. Use of computers and other technology is imperative to this communication. Effective communication includes the ability to understand assigned readings and lectures, the ability to analyze information, and the ability to present results of such analyses verbally and in writing.
MOTOR:
A student must have sufficient motor function to attend classes, prepare assignments, and give public presentations. Class requirements may also include field experiences in a variety of health settings.
INTELLECTUAL-CONCEPTUAL, INTEGRATIVE, AND ANALYTIC ABILITIES:
Applicants must be able to read and understand documents written in English. A student must possess the ability to understand and work with measurements, carry out calculations, and engage in reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. A student must be able to draw on all these abilities to be an effective problem solver. In addition, a student should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships of structures.
BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES:
A student must possess the emotional maturity and stability required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of sound judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant upon responsible activity in the broad field of public health. Integrity, motivation, reliability, self-direction, and the ability to work in diverse groups are personal qualities, which are required for effective practice in this field. As a component of clinical research education, a student must demonstrate ethical behavior.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the program. Candidates who indicate that they cannot meet one or more of the expectations will be reviewed further with applicant and faculty input to determine what reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the certificate program curriculum.
