Masters in Research Administration Programs are All the Rage. What About My CRA? Thomas E. Wilson, MBA Assistant 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, Massachusetts University of Central Florida; Orlando, Florida Rush 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 AdministrationFinancial Accounting Financial Management Contracts Organizational DevelopmentChanging Economies Strategic Planning Capstone Seminar Managing Diversity in Contemporary Organizations Compliance, Regulatory Environments & Legal Issues Leadership & Organizational Behavior

Emmanuel College Graduate Certificate in Research Administration Program Requirements: 6 courses/18 credits LeadershipResearch Administration Finance & AccountingOrganizational Development StrategyWritten and oral communication AnalysisCompliance and regulatory issues Ethics 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 Program Research Administration Governance & Regulatory Issues Grant & Contact Management Financial Management Human Resource Management Strategic Planning Audits in Research Administration Research Integrity for Research Administrators Contracting for Sponsored Programs Public Program Evaluation Techniques Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer & Commercialization Leadership & 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

12 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.

13 Required courses for Rush Program Grants & Contracts Administration Project Management Research Design & Methods Statistics Budgeting & Fiscal Management Practicum Research Project Management Principles & Organizational Theory Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Compliance Intellectual 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