Most Affordable Online Master’s in Clinical Research Degrees

Grab your white coat and your microscope: These affordable clinical research degrees will have you in the lab in no time.

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Updated April 11, 2024

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Every medical advancement — including vaccines, cancer treatments, and heart disease treatments — can be credited to clinical research. Clinical researchers investigate and develop treatments, therapies, and devices that can improve patient outcomes on a massive scale.

If contributing to scientific knowledge and saving lives sounds like the career path for you, an online master’s in clinical research degree can get you there. Here’s what you need to do next:

Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
Check out the top-ranked affordable online master’s in clinical research degrees, as well as our sponsored programs.
Request more information from schools you’re interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, your pocketbook, and your career goals.

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In this Article

Most Affordable Online Master’s in Clinical Research Degrees

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

George Washington University

Washington, DC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $635
Out of State | $635

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Established in 1821, George Washington University is a private research institution that's home to a 100% online master of health science in clinical and translational research.

This flexible online master's prepares you for clinical research manager roles in both public and private sectors. Core classes include topics such as bioinformatics for genomics, clinical investigation, and critical analysis of clinical research.

You can apply online and must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Alongside an online application, you must include official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume.

25%

Online Enrollment

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$31,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 43%

Students Enrolled: 27,017

Institution Type: Private

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,255
Out of State | $1,255

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Philadelphia's Drexel University is home to many online programs, including a 100% online master's in clinical research for health professionals.

Throughout this 36-credit graduate program, you'll tackle core classes such as introduction to clinical trials, epidemiology, and scientific writing and medical literature.

To apply, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. You must submit official transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal essay. In addition, you must submit a detailed research proposal.

89%

Online Enrollment

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Students Enrolled: 23,589

Institution Type: Private

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Boston, MA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,325
Out of State | $1,325

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private institution that dates back nearly 200 years. MCPHS offers a flexible, 100% online master's in clinical management.

Ideal for working students, you can complete this part-time master's in just two years. Throughout this two-year program, you'll explore healthcare policy and practice, strategic planning, and the business of healthcare administration.

You must hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA to meet admission requirements. MCPHS also prefers that applicants have management experience in a healthcare or related field.

44%

Online Enrollment

$22,230

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

82%

Retention Rate

$22,230

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Students Enrolled: 7,501

Institution Type: Private

Arizona State University

Phoenix, AZ
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $857
Out of State | $857

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Arizona State University is one of the leaders in online higher education and is home to an online master's in clinical research management. The 33-credit online master's program prepares you for careers like clinical data manager, clinical trial director, and clinical research coordinator.

You must hold a bachelor's in a science-based field with a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. In addition, you must have academic experience in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 0

Institution Type: Public

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,650
Out of State | $1,650

Credits to Graduate
35

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Established in 1834, Wake Forest University is an elite private research institution that offers a master's in clinical research management. You can complete this 100% online graduate program in as few as 20 months.

Foundational coursework covers research design and methods, as well as data analysis in clinical research. You'll also study clinical operations and project management.

You can apply online, and your application must include official transcripts. You must also submit recommendation letters, a research statement, and a personal statement.

86%

Online Enrollment

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

95%

Retention Rate

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 32%

Students Enrolled: 8,789

Institution Type: Private

How Much Does an Online Master’s in Clinical Research Degree Cost?

With an average cost of $59,440 at public schools, grad school is pricey. But the affordable clinical research degrees we list above average $35,055 — much lower. And that’s before financial aid kicks in.

Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (One Year)

Public Institution

$29,720

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$42,700

Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

Public Institution

$59,440

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$85,400

Source: BestColleges, What is the Cost of a Master’s Degree?

How to Pay for Your Online Master’s in Clinical Research Degree

There are several strategies to help make your master’s degree in clinical research more affordable.

Apply to FAFSA early to make sure you can receive financial aid like loans, grants, and scholarships.
Choose an online program that offers flexible scheduling options and lower tuition.
Get help from your employer if they offer tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Compare program costs to find an online program that best suits your budget and your career goals.

Loans

There are different types of loans available to graduate students, including federal and private student loans. Remember — you’ll have to pay these back, and student loan debt can impact the return on your degree investment.

So be sure to consider interest rates, the total cost of the loan, and the repayment options available.

Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships

Grants, scholarships, and fellowships are all forms of financial assistance that you won’t have to pay back — so prioritize these first.

Grants are typically based on need. Fellowships and scholarships tend to be based on merit. Here are a few of the many organizations that offer grants, scholarships, and fellowships specifically for graduate students doing clinical research:

Is a Master’s in Clinical Research Degree Worth It?

If you are devoted to helping others, deeply analytical and detail-oriented, and fascinated by medical science — then yes, earning a master’s in clinical research will probably be worth it for you.

A career in clinical research is a smart choice right now. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobs for medical scientists are projected to grow by 10% in the next decade — a much faster rate of growth than average across all occupations. So on top of a satisfying career, you can reasonably expect some pretty serious job security.

You can also look forward to good options for career advancement: Clinical research jobs span from entry-level to senior positions. With the right training and years of experience, your earning potential can increase. Clinical trial managers, research scientists, and directors all make over six figures.

How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Clinical Research Degree?

The salaries for folks with a master’s degree in clinical research can vary widely, depending on location, role, experience, and employer. But here are some positions you can qualify for with this degree:

Average annual wage for Clinical Research Coordinators

$52,840

Source: Payscale

Average annual wage for Clinical Research Associates

$73,920

Source: Payscale

Average annual wage for Biostatisticians

$82,480

Source: Payscale

Average annual wage for Clinical Trial Managers

$108,970

Source: Payscale

Average annual wage for Clinical Research Scientists

$119,980

Source: Payscale

Average annual wage for Clinical Research Directors

$122,400

Source: Payscale

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Research?

Typically, you’ll be able to complete an online master’s degree in clinical research with two years of full-time study. Programs that require a capstone project or thesis may require more time.

Online programs offer you the flexibility to complete your coursework on your own schedule so you can take all the time you need to fit school around an existing career, your family, or other responsibilities and priorities.

Required Course Credits

36 credits

Field Study Requirements

Yes
*Depending on your program and specialization

Everything Else You Need to Know About Affordable Master’s in Clinical Research Degrees

How can you make your online master’s in clinical research degree more affordable?

These three things can make your graduate degree more affordable:

Prioritize grant-based aid and scholarships that you won’t have to pay back.
Choose an online program that charges reasonable tuition and gives you the flexibility to work while you’re in school — so you aren’t losing out on earnings while getting your degree.
Apply for tuition assistance or reimbursement from your company if it’s available.

What can you do with a master’s in clinical research?

So many things! A master’s in clinical research prepares you for a variety of roles across the medical research landscape, both in the private and public sectors.

You can work in hospitals, research organizations, academic institutions, or pharmaceutical companies. You will design, develop, and oversee clinical research studies: enrolling study participants and trial patients, maintaining ethical and legal compliance standards, and writing and publishing reports on your findings.