Clinical Research Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for the M.S. in Clinical Research and Certificate in Clinical Research programs?
Admission to the M.S. in Clinical Research requires:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete application form.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0*
- Self-Assessment Essay.
- Discuss personal goals, conditions, or career aspirations that motivate you to pursue graduate study at Drexel University.
- What are your most important accomplishments?
- What do you expect to achieve through this program?
- Current Resume.
- Official Transcripts from all universities or colleges attended.
- Two letters of recommendation (one from your immediate supervisor and one from another individual qualified to comment on your ability to succeed in your chosen program).
- Two years of clinical experience.
- An interview will be required as part of the admission process.
* Applications with a GPA under 3.0 but greater than 2.75 will be reviewed by the Program Director on an individual basis. Students with strong work experience are encouraged to apply.
**Important note: The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) can be taken starting September 2007 for students considering the Spring 2008 MS CROM program. Please use code number 2689 to ensure that we receive your score. It is very important that you check the CROM e-Learning website for application deadline dates. The applicant's MAT score should fall into the upper 50th percentile. For information regarding the MAT and to register to take the examination, please go to www.milleranalogies.com.
Admission to the Certificate in Clinical Research requires:
- Complete application form
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
- Current resume
- 800 word essay on your goals for seeking Certificate of Study in Clinical Research
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Are GRE scores required for admission into either the Master's or Certificate in Clinical Research programs?
No. Drexel's College of Medicine does not require GRE scores to be considered for admission into either of these programs.
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What is the undergraduate GPA requirement for admission into these programs?
All applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants to the M.S. in Clinical Research program with a GPA under 3.0 but greater than 2.75 can be reviewed by the Program Director on an individual basis. Students with strong work experience are encouraged to apply.
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What steps does someone with an international degree take to apply to the Master's or Certificate in Clinical Research programs?
In addition to the general admissions requirements, anyone who has been born outside of the United States is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have an official score report (indicating a minimum score of 600) sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Drexel University before their file is evaluated.
TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered. Information regarding the TOEFL can be obtained by contacting:
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-921-9000, or 609-771-7100
http://www.toefl.org
In addition, international students are required to list on their application all schools attended, including primary and secondary schools. Along with your application, you must enclose official transcripts (mark sheets and degree certificates) in your native language and in English from all colleges and graduate/ professional schools that you attended. Do not send transcripts from secondary schools. If your school issues only one transcript for life, you may send a notarized photocopy, bearing the seal on each page.
Applicants are responsible for contacting World Education Service for evaluation of transcripts:
World Education Service, Inc. (WES)
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745
212-966-6311
http://www.wes.org
Applicants are responsible for supplying all necessary documentation.
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Can I take just one or two classes from the Master of Clinical Research curriculum without being fully enrolled in the program?
No. The College of Medicine does not allow students to take just one or two courses from the MS in Clinical Research curriculum without being a degree-seeking (matriculated) student. Students must submit all required admissions materials and be accepted before they can begin taking courses.
Students do have the option of taking courses within the Certificate in Clinical Research curriculum, as they will not be considered matriculated students. Click here to view the Certificate in Clinical Research curriculum.
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Is it possible to transfer credits into Drexel's M.S. in Clinical Research from previous studies?
Yes. Transfer of credits may be allowed from an accredited institution under limited and controlled conditions. Students must provide official transcripts as evidence that the credits to be transferred are for graduate level courses.
Up to 18 credits may be transferred from another accredited graduate school toward the Master's degree with the approval of the chairman or director of the student's program.
Any credits transferred towards a specific annotated degree must be equivalent to the required or elective courses offered for credit at Drexel University College of Medicine for that degree. The Graduate Education Committee in consultation with the relevant course director will make the determination of equivalence.
To be acceptable, the credits must:
- Be from an accredited academic institution
- Meet the academic requirements of a grade of at least a "B" (3.00) or a "S" and
- Not have been used previously toward the minimum credit requirement for another earned degree at Drexel University College of Medicine
Credits taken to meet the requirements of a previous Master's degree, Master's equivalent, M.D. or other equivalent degrees can not be transferred towards the Master's degree. However, courses taken in fulfillment of the requirements for those degrees may be considered in developing the requirements for the Master's degree program.
The request for such acceptance of credits taken prior to matriculation in a graduate program at Drexel University College of Medicine must be made at the time of application for admission to the program. With the advice of the director of the student's program and of the department, which offers corresponding courses, the Graduate Education Committee will make the decision as to the approval or the acceptance of the credits.
If the program director gives the student permission to take a course at another accredited graduate school after matriculation, the transfer of such credits is also possible. To be acceptable, the credits must meet the requirements as outlined above. The Graduate Education Committee will decide on the approval of the transfer of the credits with the advice of the director and the department, which offers corresponding courses.
The maximum time a course from another institution may be valid for transfer is 8 years from the completion of the course until the time of matriculation. Acceptance of any course for transfer credit requires the approval of the program director involved.
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How long does it take to complete these programs?
The time to complete the program depends on how many courses the student transfers in and how many courses they take per term. Generally, students take 1-2 courses per semester based on their family and work commitments. Students may take as few or as many courses as they want per term, as long as the program is completed within 7 years.
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Does Drexel offer a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Research online?
No. At this time Drexel only offers a Master's and Certificate in Clinical Research online.
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Are there any on-campus requirements for either the M.S. in Clinical Research or the Certificate in Clinical Research programs?
No, students are not required to travel to campus for either of these programs.
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How many hours per week does a student generally spend on coursework for the Clinical Research programs?
Based on student feedback, we have found that generally students spend about 9-12 hours per week on online coursework, readings, and exams.
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Are there any available tuition discounts for employees or members of partnering health systems, associations, or corporations?
Yes. Drexel has a large network of partners all over the country who benefit from reduced tuition rates. To find out if your employer or association is one of Drexel's partners, please contact us toll-free at 877-215-0009, via email at info@drexel.com, or visit Drexel University Online's Partner Network Page.
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