The Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences degree is designed to prepare an individual for responsibilities in professional practice, the pharmaceutical industry and scientific research beyond those possible with a baccalaureate.

Although a single degree is conferred, specialization is possible in that the curriculum is organized into three distinct disciplines, referred to here as "options". Applicants must select the program of study (option) they wish to pursue. The options available to graduate students are:

• pharmacology/toxicology,
• health outcomes and socioeconomic sciences, and
• industrial pharmacy.

The requirements for the Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences degree differ according to the option. The minimum course work for the industrial pharmacy major is 24 semester hours, for the pharmacology/toxicology major 28 semester hours and for the health outcomes and socioeconomic sciences major 27 semester hours. In addition, each major requires a minimum of 6 semester hours of thesis research.

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 24 credit hours of course work and a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis work for a total of 30 required minimum credit hours for the degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Graduate Required Courses 1
PHCL 5760	Toxicokinetics	3
PHPR 5770	Advanced Drug Delivery Systems – I	3
PHPR 6950	Seminar In Industrial Pharmacy	1
PHPR 6960	M.s. Thesis Research In Pharmacy	1-6
PUBH 6000	Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis in Public Health	3
PHPR 6860	Advanced Drug Delivery Lab	2
PHPR 6960	M.s. Thesis Research In Pharmacy	1-6
MBC 5100	Ethical Conduct Research	1
CHEM 6300	Advanced Analytical Chemistry	4
PHPR 5720	Pharmaceutical Rate Processes	3
Electives (optional) 2
MBC 5620	Biochemical Techniques	2
PHPR 5710	Selected Topics In Pharmaceutical Technology	2-3
PHPR 5990	Problems In Pharmacy Practice	1-6
PHPR 6530	Research Methods In Pharmacy Practice	2
PHPR 5700	Equilibrium Phenomenon	2
PHPR 5780	Advanced Drug Delivery Systems-2	2
CHEM 6310	Separation Methods	3
CHEM 6810	Materials Science I	4

¹

Seminar course must be taken 2 times therefore 2 credit hours total to meet requirements. 6 thesis credit hours are the required minimum; more than 6 credit hours can be taken.

²

 Two credit hours of electives must be satisfied by taking courses within the PHPR Department.

Successful oral defense of the thesis before the thesis advisory committee (consisting of the thesis adviser and two other members) and presentation of the results of the thesis research in a seminar before the Division of Industrial Pharmacy.

Acceptance of thesis by the M.S. thesis advisor and the thesis advisory committee.

Applicants for the health outcomes and socioeconomic sciences and industrial pharmacy options who possess a B.S. in pharmacy, Pharm.D. or bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences degree from an ACPE-accredited institution will be given preference for admission into those options. International applicants must have earned pharmacy degrees from their home institutions.

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