Masters in Research Administration Programs are All the Rage.

What About My CRA?

Thomas E. Wilson, MBAAssistant Vice President, Research Affairs

Rush University Medical Center

Why a Graduate Degree Program• Bridges your area of specialization in the profession

– Preaward administrators learn more about post award

• Provides you with a broad based education in all areas of research administration

• Spring board for advancement in your chosen profession

• Prepares leaders individuals for leadership role in research administration

Three Graduate Programs

Emmanuel College; Boston, MassachusettsUniversity of Central Florida; Orlando, FloridaRush University; Chicago, Illinois

Emmanuel College • Master of Science in Management with Research

Administration Specialization• The degree requires 36 credits (11 courses)• 100% online format• Also offer a certificate program

Features of Emmanuel College MS Program• Focus on Grants Administration and Sponsored

Research, also:– Leadership– Communications– Organizational Change

• Balances the qualitative aspects of management and leadership with the necessary quantitative research skills.

Required Courses for Emmanuel Program Research Administration Financial Accounting Financial Management ContractsOrganizational Development Changing EconomiesStrategic Planning Capstone Seminar Managing Diversity in Contemporary OrganizationsCompliance, Regulatory Environments & Legal IssuesLeadership & Organizational Behavior

Emmanuel CollegeGraduate Certificate in Research Administration• Program Requirements: 6 courses/18 credits

Leadership Research AdministrationFinance & Accounting Organizational DevelopmentStrategy Written and oral communicationAnalysisCompliance and regulatory issuesEthics and behavioral science interventions

• Online Program

University of Central Florida• Master of Research Administration• Two year program 36 credit hours• 100% online format• launched in fall 2011

Features of UCF Program

• Provides professional skills, management theories and techniques to prepare individuals to practice as highly trained and ethical research administrators.

• Builds a solid foundation in:– research administration – Leadership

• enables graduates to work in a variety of research organizations such as universities, hospitals and medical centers, industry, and research institutes and centers.

Required Courses for UCF ProgramResearch Administration Governance & Regulatory

Issues Grant & Contact Management Financial Management Human Resource Management Strategic Planning Audits in Research AdministrationResearch Integrity for Research Administrators Contracting for Sponsored Programs Public Program Evaluation TechniquesIntellectual Property, Technology Transfer & CommercializationLeadership & Organization Models in Research Administration

Rush University Medical Center• Master of Sciences in Research Administration• 46 quarter credit hours• Two year online program• Launched in fall 2012

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Rush University Medical Center

• Prepare competent advanced-level research administrators for practice in the profession.

• Prepare leaders who are able to plan, develop and deliver high quality, cost-effective research administration services.

• Provide training in specific research administration areas. • Develop individuals who can formulate appropriate

questions, organize and test hypotheses and apply research results to the practice of research administration.

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Required courses for Rush Program

Grants & Contracts Administration Project ManagementResearch Design & Methods StatisticsBudgeting & Fiscal Management Practicum Research ProjectManagement Principles & Organizational TheoryLegal, Ethical & Regulatory ComplianceIntellectual Property & Technology Transfer

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

The designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) means that an individual has met the requirements of the Research Administrators Certification Council's eligibility requirements and has demonstrated a level of knowledge necessary for a person to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator.

Why Should Become Certified? The benefits of certification are: • Professional recognition • Personal Satisfaction • An indicator of expertise • Increased opportunities for employment • Advancement opportunities • Increased credibility with clients • Serve as a role model to others

CRA Body of Knowledge covers four areas: • Project Development and Administration • Legal Requirements and Sponsor

Interface • Financial Management • General Management