Hi Vicki.
As for learning, the job and onus is really on the learner at this point especially if the program is online (at least in my own experience). So what might be more important to consider is who the instructors are, what are the rigors of the program, and honestly what is your friend's interest. For example, some schools seem to have more solid programs in devices than they do in drugs or biologics. The reason is because their instructors are more well-versed in that particular area so like in most other areas of life, you tend to gravitate towards what you know best and have the greatest ability to provide specifics about areas in which you have the most experience.
I personally did my MS at Hopkins entirely online. I checked out their staff of instructors before I started and found that they had, in my opinion, the best blend of knowledge from different areas of the FDA regulated industry. Now, I graduated 8 years ago so I don't know if some things might have changed either at Hopkins or other schools but that was my experience. At the same time I was going through Hopkins, I had a colleague going through a different program (I think it was Northeastern) who had a great experience from there as well. We actually found ourselves essentially going through both programs together since we ended up discussing the courses we were taking to the point that we decided to just set up a standing meeting together to discuss what was being discussed in our classes during the semester.
So really, it is strongly up to what your friend wants to learn more about and where your friend is most likely to get that opportunity. Since it is online it gives a lot of opportunity. But I strongly suggest that your friend carefully review the requirements for the individual schools and programs, because there are some schools that bill their program as online but then when you read more specifics about the program either there is a residency requirement where you can take classes in person at the school or there are required externships that you must be able to complete in order to qualify for the degree. I say that not to call out the schools but to ensure that your friend knows that they are getting into before they actually apply and get partially through the degree only to find out that they are not able to complete the degree without either taking significant time off from work or even potentially require a leave of absence from the job to complete the degree.
------------------------------
Victor Mencarelli
Global Director Regulatory Affairs
MelvilleNY
United States
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 16-Jun-2020 12:31
From: Vicki Gail
Subject: Online Degree in RA
Hello RegX Members!
I have a friend who is working full-time and wants to expand his regulatory career. He is looking for recommendations for online degree in Reg Affairs. He has over 8 years of quality and regulatory experience but no degree. (He is not a member of this forum, yet but will be shortly). Since he is based in So Calif, I recommended UCI, UC Berkeley, UCSD. Anyone have a recommendation or review of this programs?
------------------------------
Vicki Gail
RA Manager
Agoura Hills CA
United States
------------------------------