Degree Offered
Postbachelor’s Certificate
Program Description
The purpose of this 12-credit, six-course online certificate program is to equip participants with an understanding of the ethical and regulatory aspects of human subjects research. It aims to develop their ability toto analyze ethical challenges in research both domestically and internationally. The certificate program offers a globally-oriented and interdisciplinary learning experience to all enrolled students.
The program targets investigators, clinical research coordinators, members of institutional review boards and contract research organizations, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and others involved in research activities. By exclusively employing distance learning technologies, the program caters to the needs of professionals worldwide who may have limited access to on-site educational opportunities.
All six courses are available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters enabling participants to complete the program within an academic year. Since each course is self-contained and does not rely on the other courses, participants have the flexibility to take courses in any sequence and at their own pace. Consequently, completion of the entire program may extend beyond one year depending on individual preferences and scheduling.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Certificate in Global Research Ethics students will be able to: Explain the significance of past research ethics abuses on current research ethics concepts. • Apply knowledge of research ethics guidelines to emerging research issues. • Describe the ethical requirements for the review of research. • Evaluate protections for vulnerable populations. • Describe the impact of globalization on research practices. • Integrate ethical theories into the analysis of research ethics issues. • Analyze ethical questions and issues in international collaborations and research. • Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within interprofessional teams.
Program Admission
Applicants to the Graduate School certificate program must meet strict admission criteria, including holding a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a non-U.S. educational institution. Proof of English Proficiency is also necessary, such as passing TOEFL or IELTS scores and having attended a university where English is the primary language of instruction. The submission of Graduate Record Examinations is not mandatory for admission.
Certificate Requirements
Participants for the certificate must complete a minimum of 12 credits. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. All courses must be taken for a letter grade; courses taken as Pass/Fail (P/F) or Audit (AU) will not count toward the certificate. All requirements for the certificate must be fulfilled within three years of admission, and all credits must be earned at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Detailed guidelines and requirements for progression and completion can be found in the Academic Performance and Progress in a Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program section of this catalog.
Required Courses
| ETHC 629 | INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL THEORY | 2 |
| ETHC 637 | INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH ETHICS | 3 |
| ETHC 638 | ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ETHICS | 3 |
| ETHC 639 | REGULATORY AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARDS | 2 |
| ETHC 640 | ETHICS OF GLOBALIZATION | 1 |
| ETHC 665 | RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | 1 |