Plan for Pitt 2025

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Abstract

Expanding the research administrator talent pool at Pitt and creating both an internal and national pipeline of professionals with advanced training in the field of research administration are critical for strengthening our administrative and operational efficiency for conducting research of impact.

A study will be conducted in collaboration with Human Resources, University Center for Teaching and Learning, School of Education, Katz Center for Executive Education, Office of the Provost, Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research, and external consultants to assess the need to create and the sustainability of two new online programs: a Master of Research Administration Graduate Program and a Certificate in Research Administration Program.

The outcomes of the study will include a needs assessment for offering these two programs; analysis of the Pitt position in the marketplace for developing and executing these online programs; identification of benefits, risks, and viability of these programs in the short and long-term; evaluation of budget models to generate adequate tuition and cash flow from external participants of the programs to support tuition reimbursement for Pitt employees; the potential for these programs to meet both the program goals and The Plan for Pitt; and a decision on whether to move forward or not with developing a business plan and a pilot offering of the programs.