Graduate Certificate in Research Administration
This graduate certificate program is designed for professionals currently working or interested in working in an academic or non-profit research environment.
The curriculum provides an overview of research administration, the environment, finance and accounting, compliance, legal issues and organizational behavior.
Program Requirements: 6 courses/18 credits
Course I: RAC 9010 Introduction to Research Administration
An overview of the complex environment and relationships that support the partnership between the federal government, industry and academic and clinical research institutions.
Course II: RAC 9012 Financial Accounting for Sponsored Programs
An introduction to fund-based accounting, the standard method utilized by not-for-profit organizations. Students are introduced to budgets, direct and indirect costs, balance sheets and financial analysis.
Course III: RAC 9009 Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Students explore the issues of personality and individual style within organizations as they begin to form a personal leadership philosophy.
Course IV: RAC 9016 Compliance, Regulatory Environments and Legal Issues
Federal and non-federal awarding agencies and institutions that provide research grants and awards require rigid adherence to their requirements. Students will be introduced to the federal requirements and other terms and conditions associated with acceptance of research grants.
Course V: RAC 9018 Financial Management for Sponsored Programs
An introduction to the basics of financial management of sponsored awards including grants, contracts and cooperative agreements. Students gain an understanding of the principles governing cost allocation and cost reimbursement in an academic environment, with emphasis on the distinction between indirect and direct costs and the importance of indirect cost recovery.
Course VI: RAC 9020 Contracts
Contracts in the context of sponsored programs and research administration are a major function in the “pre-award” process and have the potential to significantly impact “post-award” processes. This course provides a fundamental understanding of contract processes and typical forms, including those used by the federal government.