grad-ed/msps

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.

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.

Both a thesis and non-thesis option is available.

The major focus of the thesis option is:

To train students in basic and translational research through numerous core courses in the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, data analysis and pharmaceutics.

Laboratory research under the supervision of a thesis advisor and committee of research faculty.

The major focus of the non-thesis option is:

Designed for students seeking to advance their knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences

To equip candidates to advance their careers in education, the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs or other governmental positions

Standards for Admission to the MSPS Program:

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.

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

MSPS Faculty

Curriculum (subject to change):

Required Courses

The curriculum for the MS 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.

Course Credits

Foundations of Pharmaceutical Science 2

Experimental Design and Data Analysis 2

Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club (2 semesters) 2

Ethics in Research 1

Advanced Pharmaceutics (6) or Pharmacology I, II and III (8) 6-8

Pharmacology or Pharmaceutics Seminar 2

Electives or Independent Study 6-8

Research Rotation 2

Thesis Research 8

Total 33

Pharmacology Sample Curricula

Year 1
FALL		SPRING
COURSE TITLE	CREDIT	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
Foundations of Pharm. Sci.	2	Pharmacology II	3
Pharmacology I	2	Pharmacology III	2
Experiment. Design and Data Analysis	2	Research Ethics	1
Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1	Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1
Research Rotation	2	Thesis Research	2

Total Credits	9	Total Credits	10

Year 2
FALL		SPRING
COURSE TITLE	CREDIT	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
Pharmacology or Pharmaceutics Elective	2	Pharmacology Seminar	2
Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1	Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1
Elective	2	Thesis Research	4
Thesis Research	2

Total Credits	7	Total Credits	7

Pharmaceutics Sample Curricula

FALL		SPRING
COURSE TITLE	CREDIT	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
Foundations of Pharmaceutical Sciences	2	Advanced Pharmaceutics II	3
Advanced Pharmaceutics I	3	Pharmaceutics Elective	2
Experiment. Design and Data Analysis	2	Research Ethics	1
Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1	Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1
Research Rotation	2	Thesis Research	2

Total Credits	10	Total Credits	9

FALL		SPRING
COURSE TITLE	CREDIT	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
Pharmaceutics Elective	2	Pharmaceutics Seminar	2
Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1	Pharm. Sci. Journal Club	1
Elective	2	Thesis Research	4
Thesis Research	2


Total Credits	7	Total Credits	7

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.