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Dissertation
Obtaining a clinical research master's degree amongst paradigm shifts: is it worth it?
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011143
Abstract
The clinical research industry is undergoing significant transformations, driven by knowledge acquisition methodologies and evolving professional landscapes. This paradigm shift raised questions about the relevance and sustainability of master's degrees in clinical research amidst a sense of professional identity, clear career trajectories, alternative educational offerings, and the integration of emerging technologies. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the perceived value of online Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degrees. Individual interviews, dyadic conversations, and focus groups were employed to collect the data. Participants described the MSCR degree as supportive of professional identity development and career advancement, though perceptions of its legitimacy varied across employer settings. Many emphasized that the degree held the most value when paired with hands-on experience and recognized industry-based certifications. Both MSCR degree completers (DCs) and Talent Acquisition Specialists (TASs) spoke to the value of foundational knowledge gained through the program, while also expressing concern about gaps between academic preparation and real-world demands. This perceived misalignment was seen as a barrier to fully realizing the degree's potential, highlighting the need for broader professionalization within the field.
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Details
- Title
- Obtaining a clinical research master's degree amongst paradigm shifts
- Creators
- Lisa Palladino Kim
- Contributors
- Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 185 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022083054104721