Aspiring research scientists should start by pursuing a bachelor's degree that's relevant to the field they're most interested in. If you are unsure, a general degree in clinical research can be a good option. If you want to research medicine, chemistry or biology, a degree in biochemistry, biology, pharmacology or pre-med can work well. If you are interested in being a computer and information research scientist, then a degree in information technology is appropriate.
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, aspiring research scientists should begin working toward a master's degree. Some schools off a program that combines a bachelor's and master's program, allowing students to begin graduate coursework immediately upon obtaining their bachelor's. If your university doesn't offer this program, you will likely have to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying to graduate degree programs.
These programs usually last two to three years. The coursework you complete as part of your program will vary depending on the degree you're pursuing, which should be relevant to the field you're entering. However, some common topics in many fields are:
• Teaching skills
• Writing for research papers and grants
• Advanced mathematics courses
• Public speaking classes to prepare students for presenting research findings
To better qualify for research positions, aspiring research scientists should consider entering the workforce for one to two years before pursuing a Ph.D. program. They could also defer a master's degree program for one or two years and pursue a position as a research assistant to obtain hands-on experience before continuing their academic studies.
While it's usually not a requirement for research scientists to obtain licensing, certifications are available, which can differentiate you from other candidates. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers several certifications that you may want to consider such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate, Certified Principal Investigator or ACRP Certified Professional designations.
If you are interested in becoming a lead research scientist, you should consider pursuing a doctorate after completing your master's program. Doctoral programs typically take between four and five years to complete. Doctoral candidates must perform original research during the time they're a student and their progress is monitored by school faculty or an advisor. As part of their program, they also defend their research through formal processes.
