UT MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences announces enrollment requests for Cohort VI of the Cancer Research Administration and Management (CRAM) Certificate Program starting Fall 2024.

CRAM is a 12-credit hour *graduate level non-degree certificate program designed to benefit students who are interested in a career in Research Administration. The curriculum for this program is based upon the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) Body of Knowledge and will assist students to learn about Research Administration and to prepare them to take the national Certified Research Administrator® licensing exam.  This program provides in depth understanding of the broad field of biomedical science research administration. Elements of the curriculum include understanding the environment and context within which biomedical research administration is conducted, fiscal management, regulatory compliance, sponsored program administration, grant proposal and budget development and an emphasis on pre- and post-award management.

Currently, the program is structured around MD Anderson research administration policies and procedures.  The classes are taught via Zoom in a virtual setting by MD Anderson faculty, including the Course Director, Robert Bast, Jr., M.D., and classified personnel who are subject matter experts on course topics.

KEY DATES

• May 1, 2024: Online application system opens
• June 30, 2024 at 11:59 pm (CDT): Application system closes
• July 15, 2024: Applicant selection notification
  • Upon selection notification, applicants are to complete their full registration.

The first course, Pre-Award, is taught virtually in the Fall semester,

 August 28 – December 18 (Wednesdays, 3pm – 6pm).

How to Participate: Upon receipt of all application packets, the information will be reviewed by the program leadership where students will be selected.  The selected applicants will be notified and required to register with the MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Tuition Assistance: MD Anderson employees may be eligible to receive up to $5,250 tuition reimbursement per calendar year for their participation in the CRAM certificate program through the Tuition Assistance Program.  Tuition sponsorship via your current department is also an option. 

Online Application: All materials are collected electronically through the Graduate School’s application system.

1. To apply, submit your application packet online through the GSBS website.
2. Application fee - $50 application fee is required.
3. Current resume.
4. Brief personal statement of no more than 250 words addressing:
   1. How the CRAM program will help in obtaining future career goals/promotions.
   2. Plans for taking the CRA exam and how getting the certification will contribute to your career growth.
5. One letter of recommendation.
6. Manager’s approval to participate for time commitment away from the office.
7. Official copy of undergraduate transcript.