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Research Administration, Certificate

See Program Details, Dates & Deadlines

Successful Research Starts with Skilled Administrators.

Help make great ideas happen. This unique 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificate program can help advance your career in research administration. Explore topics such as historical and evolutionary perspectives, legal issues in research, contract management, and safeguarding proprietary information. Through the Research Administrators Certification Council, graduates are eligible to receive 36 contact hours towards recertification.

Details, Dates & Deadlines

Program Details

Class Format

Online, Part Time

Program Location

Online

Program Length

1-3 years

Credits to Complete

12 credits

Cost/Credit Hour

In State $769
Out of State $994

  • Online application
  • $75 application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • 300–500 word essay
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • CV or resume

Dates & Deadlines

Fall deadline: July 1

Program Overview

Research administration is the backbone of innovation. Professionals in this field ensure that groundbreaking discoveries move forward ethically, efficiently, and in compliance with complex regulations and institutional policy. Expertise in research administration is in high demand across a wide range of organizations including academic institutions, research institutes and centers, hospitals, clinics, governmental agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. This makes it a versatile and rewarding career path. 

Our four-course online certificate in Research Administration is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in this dynamic profession. Through a flexible, fully online format, you will gain practical knowledge and strategic insight in key areas such as: 

  • Regulatory Compliance & Ethics – Navigate federal, state, and institutional guidelines and regulations with confidence. 
  • Grant & Contract Management – Master the lifecycle of research funding, from proposal development to closeout. 
  • Budgeting & Financial Oversight – Learn to manage complex budgets and ensure fiscal accountability. 
  • Policy Development & Implementation – Shape policies that support research integrity and organizational success. 
  • Risk Management & Auditing – Identify potential risks and implement safeguards to protect research programs. 

Whether you are looking to advance in your current role or transition into a growing field, this certificate equips you with the skills and credentials to stand out. 

  • All courses will be offered at least once each year to enable you to complete the program within 9 months. 
  • Although most students complete the program in 1 year, you will be allowed up to three years to complete the program. 

Upon completion, you will be able to do the following: 

  • Understand the complex environment that supports academic research. 
  • Develop skills to think critically about the legal and ethical issues regardless of your profession. 
  • Learn about the historical and evolutionary perspectives in research and contract management and proprietary information safeguarding. 

The knowledge and training you'll receive in the Research Administration Certificate Program will prepare you to jump-start your career in a number of rapidly growing fields, including: 

  • Grant Writing 
  • Clinical Research 
  • Data Analysis 
  • Clinical Trials 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Academic Research Institutions 

Required Courses

  • MHS 601: Introduction to Research Administration (3 Credits) 
  • MHS 618: Regulatory and Legal Issues in Research (3 Credits) 
  • MHS 635: Grant and Contract Management in Research (3 Credits) 
  • MHS 640: Technology Transfer (3 Credits) 

See Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements

Upload your transcripts as a supplemental item to the online application. 

You must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including coursework in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process.  
If you are offered admission, you must then provide official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned.  The transcript must be provided to the Graduate School directly from the prior, degree-granting institution in a sealed envelope in order for that document to be considered official.  Alternatively, it may be provided to the Graduate School electronically by way of a secure, encrypted platform.  Each transcript should bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution. 

Transcripts (US only) may be obtained from/provided by one of the following secure, encrypted transcript services:
https://www.parchment.com/ 
https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/solutions/ed-transcripts/
Send encrypted, electronic transcripts from your issuing institution to: gradapply@umaryland.edu 

If provided by mail, send official transcripts in sealed envelopes to:
ATTN: Admissions
University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies
620 West Lexington Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508

Essay
Your essay must be uploaded as a supplemental item to the online application.  The statement should be between 300- to 500-words and should address your academic and/or professional career goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study.   

CV or Resume
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is required by most graduate programs.  Your CV or resume must be uploaded as part of the online application.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants Only)
The Graduate School accepts the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the Duolingo English Test as a measure of English proficiency.  Minimum required scores are 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, and 115 on the DET. Scores must be sent directly from ETS (for TOEFL, use institution code #5848), the IELTS agency, or Duolingo to the Graduate School.

Application for in-state status classification
Maryland residents only.  If you wish to be considered for in-state residency status for admission and tuition purposes, you must complete an Application for In-State Classification and submit it to the campus classification officer within the Office of the Registrar.

If you have problems with or questions about the application process, please contact us at 410.706.7131 or gradapply@umaryland.edu 

Contact Us

Admissions

Nina Jackson
Admissions Counselor 
nina.jackson@umaryland.edu 
410.706.6489

 

Academics

Sarah N. Archibald, PhD, MS, MA, CCEP
Program Director
sarchibald@umaryland.edu
410.706.0149 

Meet Your Faculty

Our faculty are visionaries in health science research and research administration, committed to shaping the future of health care through discovery and innovation. With expertise in research administration, clinical research, regulatory compliance, technology transfer, and research ethics, they will empower you to think boldly, lead confidently, and create meaningful change. Through their guidance, you’ll gain the knowledge to drive impactful research initiatives and shape the future of academic research administration.

View Faculty Bios

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Next Steps

Your path to success starts here

620 W. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-3100

University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies. All Rights Reserved.