Research Ethics

Degree Offered

Postbachelor’s Certificate

Program Description

The goal of this 12-credit, six-course online certificate program is to provide individuals with an understanding of the ethical and regulatory aspects of human subjects research and give them the skills needed to analyze ethical issues that arise in the conduct of research in domestic and international arenas. The certificate program interrelates with the Fogarty International Center/National Institutes of Health training program that is focused in the Middle East (MERETI). The inclusion of these targeted audiences will ensure an interprofessional and global experience for all enrolled students. The program is particularly designed for investigators, clinical research coordinators, nurses, individuals from institutional review boards, contract research organizations, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and others involved in research. The exclusive use of distance learning technologies meets the needs of professionals worldwide who may have few opportunities to enroll in an on-site program.

All six courses are offered throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters to enable individuals to complete the program within an academic year. However, since all courses stand alone (i.e., are not dependent on each other), one may take these courses in any order and at one’s own pace; in these instances, the program may take more than a year to complete.

Program Admission

Candidates for admission must meet the minimum standards of admission established by the Graduate School and must provide the requisite credentials. Admission to the certificate program is highly selective. A U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a non-U.S. educational institution is required. No specific undergraduate course of study is required or recommended. Graduate Record Examinations are not required for admission.

Certificate Requirements

Certificate candidates must complete a minimum of 12 credits. Students must maintain a minimum, cumulative grade- point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All courses must be taken for letter grade; courses taken as Pass/Fail (P/F) or Audit (AU) do not count toward the certificate. All requirements for the certificate must be completed within three years after admission and all credits for the certificate must be completed at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Complete guidelines/requirements for progression and completion are outlined in the Academic Performance and Progress in a Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program section of this catalog.

Required Courses