In 1992 the RACC began the CRA process to add a level of recognition and
validation to our profession; to bring measurability and respectability.
 Two years ago the the Max Levine School at Cleveland State University
began its Masters Certificate in Research Admin.  I knew it was only a
matter of time.

However, to call it a "Masters in Research Administration" seems a
little too broad given the following from their website:
"As a part of an academic medical center and because of the many
idiosyncrasies of healthcare research programs, the MRA curriculum will
concentrate on the administration of healthcare related research."  It
seems more likely to be MHRA - "Masters in Health Research
Administration".  It  also appears to be no indication they collaborated
with any of the professional societies in developing the program (not
that such would be  a requirement - but it would make sense).

I have been doing Research Admin market research and curriculum review
for last year-and-a-half now and really trying to grasp what it would
take to offer a 'true' MRA.  In looking at some of the closely related
fields (like the MBA), I have noted that in order to offer an MRA
program it would almost have to be divided into areas of specialty -
given the expanse of knowledge needed to work in RA - with a strong
central core of business, policy development, project mgmt, and few
other elements.

That said, basically - RA as a profession is beginning to mature.  Chuck
Chermside wrote in this forum in Dec 2005:
"Now remember, our profession is broad.  No one can be highly expert
across the board, but to be a CRA one has to know at least something of
other specialties within the field.  So a passing score on the CRA exam
cannot be achieved by someone whose entire area of knowledge is tightly
focused; RACC does not believe the CRA status is deserved by someone who
is overly narrow.  As I said, the goal is a "journeyman"; someone who
can be dropped into the profession anywhere and function adequately with
only a little learning of the peculiarities of the explicit environment,
and will have the background to become good in short order."

The CRA exam was a beginning. The next logical steps are the Master's
Certs and academic degree programs.  A foundation has been laid on which
to build.

As 'CRA: the next generation' - I say: "Let's build the future!"

Kindest Regards,
Michael DeShazo, CRA
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
Budget/Fiscal Analyst Lead
Grant and Contract Accounting, Team 6
3917 University Way NE
Box 351122
Seattle, WA 98105-1122
Team Phone: 206-616-4968
Team Email: xxxxxx@u.washington.edu
FX: 206-543-0764

Alternate Phone: 206-616-8062

Email tip: *Where applicable, include the U.W. budget# and
nature of request in subject line.*

WEB: http://www.washington.edu/research/gca/office/
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

Lori Hulak said the following on 1/16/2008 5:38 AM:
> What is the general opinion regarding this degree?
>
>
> Lori B. Hulak, BA, CRA
> Specialist, Grant Writer
> Jefferson College of Health Sciences
> 920 S. Jefferson Street
> Roanoke, VA 24031-3186
> Phone (540) 985-8206
> xxxxxx@jchs.edu
>
>>>> Susan Greene <xxxxxx@MUSC.EDU> 1/14/2008 4:45 PM >>>
> The MUSC contact for the MRA program is Ann Brown or Melissa Freeland at
> 843-792-2118.
>
> To the Research Manager who just contacted me from MCG:
>
> I apologize for transferring you to the wrong number.  (I slipped and
> couldn't retrieve the line.)  I don't have your name to call you if you
> would please dial directly.
>
> You may also email xxxxxx@musc.edu.
>
> It's been one of those days!
> Susan
>
>
>
> Susan A. Greene, CRA, Grants & Contracts Administrator
> Medical University of South Carolina
> Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (xxxxxx@musc.edu)
> 19 Hagood Avenue, Suite 606 (express)
> MSC 808 (regular mail)
> Charleston, SC 29425
> PH: 843-792-2040; Main: 843-792-3838; FAX: 843-792-6447
>
>
> ======================================================================
>  Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
>  subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
>  via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
> ======================================================================
>
>
> ======================================================================
>  Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
>  subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
>  via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
> ======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================