Program Description

Research Administration is a complex and interesting field with roles spanning hospitals, universities, colleges and non-profit research organizations. Positions in Research Administration range from research facilitation to clinical trials, research ethics to laboratory/project management and more. Designed to develop effective research administrators, this program provides opportunities to learn new skill and gain understanding of key areas of research administration across industries to help you move forward in your career.

Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) logoIn partnership with the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) (opens in new window), this program is aimed at pre-management research administrators or those planning a career in research administration. Cover core components of research administration – the funding environment, ethics, integrity and governance, funding proposals, project management, financial management, and contracts and reporting. Completion of this program allows you to gain recognition for your existing skills and develop new areas of knowledge and experience.

Led by industry professionals, courses are offered in a flexible, part-time, online and interactive format that may include face-to-face live video conferencing, allowing you to learn in an engaging environment without interrupting your current employment.

Continuing Education students usually complete this program in one to two years.

Most courses do not require textbooks, but some minor additional learning resources may be required. A CARA Membership (opens in new window) is required at approximately $200 per year.

Program Highlights

  • Formally acknowledges your competency in research administration.
  • Provides opportunities for gaining new skills and knowledge.
  • Recognizes prior skills and expertise as well as those directly gained through the program.
  • Connects you to experienced mentors to help build your network and gain industry insights.
  • Flexible, fully-online program delivery.
  • Innovative teaching technologies to enhance interaction with fellow students and faculty.
  • Project and problem-based learning elements.
  • Collaborate with fellow students on projects.

Additional Details

Admission and Registration

You must apply, and be accepted, to this program prior to registering for courses.

Prospective students should be aware that this specialized program is tailored towards current and aspiring research administrators

To reserve a spot, email Continuing Education a brief expression of interest, explaining why you want to take the program and include your resume.

Once you've received official acceptance into the program you must become a CARA | ACAAR (opens in new window) member before registering for courses.

Financial Assistance

green checkmark Bursary funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.

Dr. Frances Chandler Bursary (Canadian Association of Research Administrators)

This bursary provides an opportunity for CARA to recognize and support the efforts of members who are advancing their knowledge, and the profession, through their participation in this program. It may be used to fund registration fees, CARA membership and books. To apply visit the CARA website (opens in new window) to complete and submit the application. Questions should be directed to sarahlampsoncara@gmail.com.

Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.

  • Explain how research institutions generate and receive funding.
  • Analyze research funding trends and issues in a Canadian context.
  • Design a system/program that provides effective administrative support for legal, regulatory and ethical compliance.
  • Align funding requirements with appropriate funding opportunities.
  • Compose funding proposals with key considerations including: budgeting, human resources, financial management, reporting and impact enhancement/commercialization of research.
  • Plan for human resource considerations that are relevant to multiple phases of research, including: proposal development, project life-cycle, and post-project.
  • Manage detailed project budgets that are aligned with project timelines and total costing.
  • Analyze the main types of contracts that are relevant to a research administrator and choose appropriate contract option.
  • Design internal audit mechanisms to support external audits.

Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Work in a research administrator role at hospitals, universities, colleges and non-profit research organizations.

  • Contracts Specialist
  • Ethics Officer
  • Grants Officer
  • Research Project Manager
  • Research Coordinator
  • Research Compliance Officer
  • Research Grants Facilitator
  • Research Accounting Analyst

For details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).

Next Steps

Wait for your application to be approved. Once approved, you can select and register for your courses.

Additional Information

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Interdisciplinary, Media, Creative Arts and Business
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

6 Course(s)

Professional posing in front of a computer

 

This program of studies applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings.

Required fields are indicated by .