Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Description:

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) program educates students in the scientific disciplines required for the discovery, development and evaluation of new drugs and other pharmaceutical products. A joint bachelor's/master's degree option also exists which provides a pathway for students to earn both degrees in five years instead of six.

Students may pursue the MSPS degree on either the Albany Campus or Vermont Campus.

Is this program for you?

• > The successful applicant must demonstrate proficiency in the basic science undergraduate courses that provide the foundation for advanced study in the pharmaceutical sciences.
• > The structure of the program enables students to focus on one of two major sub-disciplines, pharmacology or pharmaceutics, and provides flexibility for students to pursue a broad range of research interests.
• > Applicants for admission to the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program must meet the general standards for admission to graduate school and the specific criteria for admissions to the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options:

The focus of the thesis track is . . .

• > To train students in basic and translational research through numerous core courses in the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, data analysis and pharmaceutics.
• > Conduct laboratory research under the supervision of a thesis advisor and committee of research faculty.

The focus of the non-thesis track is . . .

• > To expand students' knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences.
• > To equip candidates to advance their careers in education, the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs, or governmental positions.

What can you do when you graduate?

There are a variety of career paths available to graduates of the master's in pharmaceutical sciences program. Graduates may be employed by pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; participate in research enterprises; or join government organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Graduates will also be well prepared to pursue a Ph.D. or professional degrees in medicine and other health care related fields.

Program Requirements:

• > BS or BA in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a related field or a degree in pharmacy. 
• > At least two semesters of each of the following undergraduate courses: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics (including calculus), organic chemistry, physiology. 
• > Three letters of recommendation with at least two from professional sources familiar with the applicant's academic and/or research experience. 
• > Application essay outlining the applicant's academic accomplishments, research experience and reasons for applying to the program. 
• > On-site interview (telephone interviews for applicants living outside the U.S.) 
• > Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (must have been taken within the past three years)* 
• > International applicants with English as a second language must complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 600 on the written, 250 on the computer or 100 on the internet exam. 
• > Research experience is desirable although not mandatory.

Applicants will be evaluated for admission to the program based on an overall assessment of their undergraduate transcripts, research experience, essay, letters of recommendation, interview and GRE scores.

*Exceptions to requirements will be made on a case by case basis, especially when all the other supporting documentation exceeds minimal expectation.

Who do I contact for more information?

For additional information about the master’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, please send an e-mail to graduate@acphs.edu or call 518-694-7149.

Sample Curriculum:

The curriculum for the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences consists of a core group of required courses to be taken during the first academic year: Foundations of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Experimental Design and Data Analysis, Ethics in Research and Research Rotation. 

Students will select one of two focus areas: Pharmacology or Pharmaceutics. Students who elect Pharmacology are required to take Pharmacology I, II and III, Pharmacology Seminar and one Pharmacology elective. Students who study Pharmaceutics are required to take Advanced Pharmaceutics I and II, Pharmaceutics Seminar and two pharmaceutics electives.

Pharmacology Sample Curricula

Pharmaceutics Sample Curricula