MSPS in Health Outcomes & Socioeconomic Sciences

In general, a baccalaureate in the sciences is required for admission, although applicants possessing other bachelor’s degrees will be considered if the latter represent adequate preparation. Certain options and graduate courses require undergraduate preparation as prerequisites, and this preparation should be completed as soon as possible upon admission. The total time required for completion of the graduate program leading to the Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences degree will depend upon the preparation of the student entering the program. Normally two years of study and research are required.

The admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies of the University apply. The basic requirement is a 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA on all undergraduate work leading to the bachelor’s degree. Applicants having less than a 2.7 GPA on all undergraduate work will be considered for admission if other criteria for estimation of potential success in graduate studies are positive.

Each student must submit three copies of transcripts, one of which must be official and show all post-secondary academic work and degrees granted, three letters of recommendation from college faculty members acquainted with the applicant’s character and ability. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission, but is highly recommended for International students. 

International students are required to take an English language test, which will be given in their own country by the Educational Testing Service.

Normally, acceptance will be decided by April 1 for admission during the following fall semester. The priority deadline for completed applications is January 15th. Complete applications received by this deadline will be considered for admission. Applications received after the January 15th deadline may also be considered, if positions are available in a program. International students are encouraged to submit applications one month prior to the stated deadline to allow for delays in international correspondence.

A minimum of 27 semester hours of course work plus a minimum of 6 thesis hours are needed for the degree.

Core Courses
PHPR 5260Pharmacy and Healthcare Administration2
PUBH 6000Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis in Public Health3
PHPR 5590Readings in Access and Cultural Competence2
PHPR 5610Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research I2
PHPR 6520Analysis Of The Pharmaceutical Environment2
PHPR 6530Research Methods In Pharmacy Practice2
or PUBH 6080 Social Determinants of Health
PHPR 6600Seminar In Administrative Pharmacy1
PHPR 6960M.S. Thesis Research In Pharmacy 11-6
PUBH 6060Advanced Biostatistics3
PHPR 5620Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research II3
1

A minimum of 6 credit hours of Thesis Research in Pharmacy is required.

Track Courses

This major has 2 tracks. Each student must pick a tract in their first semester. Track courses must be approved by the student’s major advisor. Students may pick from the courses listed below or an equivalent/alternative course as deemed appropriate by their major advisor. Minimum of 9 credit hours of track courses required. 

Program Tracks, with approved track courses are listed below:

Track Courses
Select a minimum of 9 credit hours of one of the following tracks:9
1. Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
Public Health Epidemiology
Advanced Epidemiology
Categorical Data Analysis
Health Economics
Econometrics Models And Methods I
Econometrics Models And Methods II
Categorical Data Analysis
2. Social Behavior Sciences
Health Behavior
Health Promotion Programs
Measurement I
Issues in Public Health
Evaluation Of Health Programs

All students admitted to this option, must comply with the policies and procedures stated in the ‘graduate student handbook,’ provided to students during orientation. Additional requirements, for successful completion of this degree option, are stated in the graduate handbook.

  • PLO 1. Interpret and critically evaluate literature in the respective discipline and identify gaps in current knowledge.
  • PLO 2. Design, implement, and analyze the results of an independent research project in the respective discipline.
  • PLO 3. Effectively communicate and defend research findings orally and in writing.
  • PLO 4. Describe and comply with standards of ethical conduct of research.
  • PLO 5. Effectively work in a team of colleagues within the discipline.