Master of Science in Clinical Research
Advancing Integrative Medicine through Collaborative Research and Scholarship
Our Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree is one of the few programs in the country that allows students to study integrative medicine using rigorous research methods.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds NUNM’s scientific investigations in large part because NUNM has some of the most respected complementary and alternative medicine physician-researchers in the country teaching our students. Through cross-disciplinary coursework and hands-on research experience, students train for multiple research career paths. Our students develop natural medicine research protocols from our expert faculty and work alongside scientists from all fields, including local and national institutions.
Attend NUNM and discover skills that can be applied to basic science, clinical or public health research. Our students tailor their research projects to focus on their personal interests, and have included a dietary supplement and exercise study, the effects of peat mud pack therapy on osteoarthritis, and a global health study on the obstetrics practices of West African women in birthing. Our students choose from a variety of elective courses that give them practical experiences as they work on innovative research projects that allow them to develop theses, publish case studies, and exhibit at conferences locally and nationally. Make your mark in research—your future awaits you!
Program Outcomes
Our graduates are skilled in research methodology, study design, data collection and analysis. Their skill sets allow them to contribute high-quality studies that are relevant—and necessary—to the real-world practice of integrative medicine. They develop the assurance and confidence to employ clinical research and scientific integrity while cultivating an exciting career in integrative medicine.
Questions? 503.552.1660 / Toll-free 877.669.8737 or admissions@nunm.edu
Learn more
Program News
Program Options
The Master of Science in Clinical Research program may be taken concurrently with the following programs.
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MSCR
Admissions Requirements for MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.2 or higher
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for MSCR* Credits 35 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $17,640 Fees** $1,350 Total $18,990 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MSCR program.
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
-
General Biology —
1 Course
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ND/MSCR
Admissions Requirements for ND/MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
Biological Sciences 2 Science-major level. Competencies may be met through courses such as: cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Content should cover cell biology. Lab work required. Chemical Sciences 4 Science-major level. Two sequential courses in both general and organic chemistry; biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required for the general chemistry series. General Physics 1 Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher. Social Sciences & Humanities 2 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology, sociology art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. -
Biological Sciences —
2 Courses
Science-major level. Competencies may be met through courses such as: cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Content should cover cell biology. Lab work required. -
Chemical Sciences —
4 Courses
Science-major level. Two sequential courses in both general and organic chemistry; biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required for the general chemistry series. -
General Physics —
1 Course
-
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Psychology —
1 Course
Any general psychology course 100-level or higher. -
Social Sciences & Humanities —
2 Courses
Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology, sociology art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the ND/MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
Personal Statement
Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants.
ND: Primary Care
While you might not choose to ultimately practice as a primary care physician, you will be trained as such at NUNM and will be expected to work with all patients without bias or discrimination. Please discuss how you anticipate dealing with the following situations while you are a student at NUNM: a) Providing healthcare to patients who may differ from you in terms of gender identity, religion, political viewpoints, race, sexual orientation, etc. b) Providing treatments that you may have conflicting personal beliefs around but are necessary parts of your naturopathic education, including but not limited to administration of immunizations, pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathy, hormone therapies for patients undergoing gender transitions, etc.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for ND* Credits 82.71 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $41,686 Fees** $1,080 Total $42,766 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the ND program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total ND Degree Credits
Core program credits
286
Elective credits
16
Total required credits
302
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
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Biological Sciences —
2 Courses
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DAcCHM/MSCR
Admissions Requirements for DAcCHM/MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Physics 1 Must include mechanics. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Physics —
1 Course
Must include mechanics. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Psychology —
1 Course
Any general psychology course 100-level or higher -
Humanities —
1 Course
Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. -
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the DAcCHM/MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
Personal Statement
Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants.
DAcCHM #1
Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the DAcCHM Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for DAcCHM* Credits 58.5 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $29,484 Fees** $1,810 Total $31,294 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the DAcCHM program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total DAcCHM Degree Credits
Core program credits
256.25
Elective credits
10
Total required credits
266.25
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
-
General Biology —
1 Course
-
MScGH/MSCR
Admissions Requirements for MScGH/MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the MScGH/MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
MScGH Personal Statement
Please share what interests you about this program, why you believe you’re a good match for the program, and what you hope to do in the future with this degree.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScGH* Credits 35 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $17,640 Fees** $550 Total $18,190 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MScGH program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total MScGH Degree Credits
Core program credits
50
Elective credits
12
Total required credits
62
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
-
General Biology —
1 Course
-
MSCR/MAc
Admissions Requirements for MSCR/MAc
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.2 or higher
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Physics 1 Must include mechanics. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Physics —
1 Course
Must include mechanics. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Psychology —
1 Course
Any general psychology course 100-level or higher -
Humanities —
1 Course
Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. -
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the MSCR/MAc Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Personal Statement
Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants.
MAc
Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the MAc Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for MSCR* Credits 35 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $17,640 Fees** $1,350 Total $18,990 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MSCR program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
Total MAc Degree Credits
Core program credits
158.75
Elective credits
0
Total required credits
158.75
-
General Biology —
1 Course
-
MScN/MSCR
Admissions Requirements for MScN/MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Psychology —
1 Course
Any general psychology course 100-level or higher -
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the MScN/MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
MScN: Career Goals
Speaking to your background in nutrition, interests, and philosophy around nutrition, please share how you plan to use nutrition in your career.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for MScN* Credits 32 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $16,128 Fees** $1,160 Total $17,288 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MScN program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total MScN Degree Credits
Core program credits
50
Elective credits
14
Total required credits
64
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
-
General Biology —
1 Course
-
MAcCHM/MSCR
Admissions Requirements for MAcCHM/MSCR
Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent
A GPA of 3.0 or higher (strongly recommended)
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program. Prerequisite courses may be substituted with comparable coursework if the learning objectives are met at the determination of the Admissions Committee, utilizing the evaluation procedures set by that committee.
General Biology 1 Science-major level preferred with lab. General Chemistry 2 Science-major level preferred with lab. Physics 1 Must include mechanics. Mathematics 2 Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. English Composition 1 Psychology 1 Any general psychology course 100-level or higher Humanities 1 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. Social Science 1 Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology -
General Biology —
1 Course
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
General Chemistry —
2 Courses
Science-major level preferred with lab. -
Physics —
1 Course
Must include mechanics. -
Mathematics —
2 Courses
Must be pre-calculus, calculus 1, or statistics. -
English Composition —
1 Course
-
Psychology —
1 Course
Any general psychology course 100-level or higher -
Humanities —
1 Course
Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music, and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. -
Social Science —
1 Course
Any course from the following disciplines: psychology, public health, sociology, anthropology
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Documents and Essays
Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.
Required Documents and Essays for the MAcCHM/MSCR Program
Resume
A chronological resume of work, educational, and volunteer experience. Include work experience, internships, research, activities, publications, community service, and any honors/awards received.
Personal Statement
Please write a 2–3 page personal statement, which should include: the development of your decision to become a naturopathic physician or CCM practitioner; recent steps taken to further explore this career path; qualities and/or attributes you might bring to NUNM that might distinguish you from other applicants.
MAcCHM #2
Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the Classical Chinese Medicine program at NUNM.
MSCR: Background and Goals
Please speak to your career goals, background in research or research-related interests, and what interests you about integrative medicine research.
Estimated Program Cost
First-Year Tuition & Fees for MAcCHM* Credits 45 Cost/Credit $504 Tuition $22,680 Fees** $1,810 Total $24,490 * The prices listed above reflect an estimate based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
** Click the dollar amount to see an itemized list of fees for the MAcCHM program.
The above tuition numbers reflect only the cost of the primary program (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine). Concurrent degree plans are established individually and each term is priced accordingly. The credit hour fee is consistent across all graduate programs.
Total MAcCHM Degree Credits
Core program credits
214.75
Elective credits
6
Total required credits
220.75
Total MSCR Degree Credits
Core program credits
57
Elective credits
9
Total required credits
66
-
General Biology —
1 Course