Education is an on-going process that doesn’t stop after earning a degree or landing a job. Through continuing education, individuals build on their knowledge-base and fine tune their skills, expanding their proficiency and often moving up the career ladder.

For research administrators, there are a number of opportunities for on-going education. Highlighted in this blog are formal degree programs along with educational and professional development opportunities for administrators seeking continuing education.

Master-level Programs

There are currently 5 institutions offering Master-level programs in research administration. Some offer graduate certification as well. These programs differ in scope, duration, medium (classroom or on-line), cost, and available financial assistance.

• Emmanuel College[– M.S. in Management: Research Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Research Administration
• Central Michigan University– M.S. in Administration- Research Administration
• CUNY– M.S. in Research Administration & Compliance
• Johns Hopkins– M.S. in Research Administration and Graduate Certificate in International Research Administration Management
• University of Central Florida– Master in Research Administration

In addition to program-specific assistance, the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) has an Educational Scholarship Fund (ESF) to support members who seek graduate education in research administration. Awards of $2500 are available to NCURA members currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.

Certification in Research Administration

The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) certifies individuals through testing of fundamental knowledge in sponsored programs administration. The RACC offers the following certifications:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
• Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA)
• Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)

Certification is granted upon completion of experiential and testing requirements and is active for 5 years. Certified administrators are able to recertify by completing continuing education hour and a recertification application.

Professional Organizations

There are 2 primary professional organizations for research administrators: National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and Society of Research Administrators (SRA). Both offer education and training in sponsored programs administration though annual and regional/sectional meetings as well as through webinars and workshops. Both also provide opportunities to connect with an expansive network of research administration professionals.

For those specializing in research development, there is the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP).

We are fortunate to have professional development opportunities to keep pace with current systems, rules, and regulations and to stretch ourselves to learn new things. Continuing education allows individuals to make meaningful contributions to the research administration community and allows for personal growth.

We hope you find the opportunity that works for you.