What is NUNM’s Master of Science in Clinical Research program?
The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program is a unique offering at NUNM, one that bridges the worlds of natural medicine and evidence-based science, giving its students a foundation in both worlds so they can operate at the forefront of research programs that advance integrative healthcare.
Students learn how medical and health studies are designed, how to critically evaluate scientific literature across diverse fields, and how to design, implement, and assess clinical research. Through hands-on training in study design and clinical data analysis, students develop the skills to create and conduct their own innovative research studies in order to advance the science of natural medicine and improve patient care.
At NUNM, our approach to MSCR is unique in that it emphasizes areas often overlooked by similar, more traditional programs, including nutrition, lifestyle factors, behavioral health, and whole-person perspectives on health and wellness.
It’s an integrative medicine-focused, mentor-guided research program that provides students with hands-on experience in ethics, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and scientific writing.
Students can choose their own research topics and align with mentors who specialize in their chosen area of study, including experienced professionals from respected institutions like NUNM, the Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), Portland State University, University of Washington, and other nationally and globally recognized organizations.
Why study to earn your MSCR at NUNM?
Since 1956, NUNM has been recognized as a foundational institution in the world of natural medicine.
A component of NUNM’s commitment to the field lies in its dedication to broadening the reach of natural medicine through education, mentorship, and professional guidance.
Every generation of natural medicine students face new opportunities and challenges, and the MSCR program offers students a unique, detailed pathway to align their interests and education into a rigorous scholarship of cutting-edge research and practical application.
Students interested in earning their MSCR at NUNM don’t need to have a background in science or medicine to be considered for this program — you simply need to have the passion to learn and your prerequisites completed in order to be eligible.
Learn more about MSCR prerequisites.
How long is the MSCR program at NUNM?
The Master of Science in Clinical Research degree is designed to be a 2-year, 66 credit program.
Credit hours at NUNM are $538 per credit, and due to NUNM’s status as a private institution, credit hours are the same whether you’re an Oregon resident or not.
Can you earn your Master of Science in Clinical Research online?
Yes, NUNM’s Master of Science in Clinical Research degree is an online program. All coursework, including the research portions (surveys, case studies, and data analysis) can be conducted online.
What are the prerequisites for the MSCR program at NUNM?
NUNM requires that prospective Master of Science in Clinical Research students have, at minimum, completed their bachelor-level degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Additionally, NUNM requires that applicants have completed a minimum coursework in the following areas:
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- General Biology (with lab)
- Precalculus, Calculus, or Math-Based Statistics
- Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, or Anthropology
- English Composition
Although the following courses are not required for consideration in the MSCR program, NUNM strongly recommends experience in the following subjects:
- Statistics
- Cell Biology
- Ethics
Experience in these subjects will better prepare students for the rigorous nature of the Master of Science in Clinical Research program.
What are the potential career outcomes for someone graduating with a Master of Science in Clinical Research?
The career opportunities graduates can pursue after completing their MSCR are diverse, including those across a variety of different industries.
MSCR graduates have gone on to careers in biostatistics, scientific writing, data analysis, public health communications, and grant writing.
These roles are often found in institutions such as holistic health clinics, universities, research institutes, hospital systems, nonprofit health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, biotech organizations, and government research initiatives.
Many MSCR graduates choose to continue their education in the field of clinical research, pursuing PhD or MD programs, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree, or more advanced natural medicine research certifications.
How to learn more about earning your Master of Science in Naturopathic Medicine
Interested in how you can become a part of this exciting program at NUNM?
Contact our admissions team today! We’d love to meet you and learn more about your goals.