Pharmacology Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Program
**New submissions to this program are not being accepted at this time.
Goals of our M.S. Program
The Pharmacology M.S. degree program is designed to provide a basic framework for becoming a successful scientist (e.g., training in lab biosafety, responsible conduct of research, communication of research findings, and statistics) and a solid foundation in pharmacological and toxicological sciences, while empowering each student to pursue more in-depth studies in one of several areas, such as biomedical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics and genetics, or toxicology and epidemiology. The program is to offer a highly flexible educational experience that can prepare post-baccalaureate students for competitive jobs in the private sector, academia, or governmental agencies, or to matriculate into terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., MD) programs, if they so choose.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Applied Pharmacology and Environmental Xenobiotics program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or computer science. An overall GPA of 3.0 is strongly preferred. Application requirements include transcripts from academic institutions attended, a statement of purpose (300-400 words), and three letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.
International students must demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by satisfactory performance on the standardized TOEFL exam or other appropriate exams (this will be waived in the case of international students coming from countries offering their coursework in English).
If an applicant's undergraduate preparation is considered deficient for advanced work in the program, additional work may be required at the undergraduate level. All prerequisite credits must be earned prior to or concurrent with the first graduate credits.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include successful completion of 34 total credit hours in the Applied Pharmacology and Environmental Xenobiotics program curriculum, with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00. Full-time students can readily complete all requirements for the program degree within 2 years. Some students (such as those currently employed) may choose to enroll on a part-time basis. In any case, all degree requirements must be completed within 6 years of commencing the program.
The Pharmacology M.S. program offers both Plan A and Plan B options. Both Plan A and Plan B options require submission of a Plan of Work developed in consultation with the Program Director during the first year. Plan A requires subsequent completion of a thesis based on original research, under the direction of an Advisor and two additional committee members are chosen from among PHC faculty members with Graduate Faculty status. Plan B requires completion of an Essay based on a scholarly review of the relevant literature, under the direction of an Advisor and two additional departmental committee members with Graduate Faculty status. The thesis or essay Advisor will be selected during the Winter semester of year 1. Students' progress toward completion of their theses or essays will be monitored and certified by their committees twice-yearly. The Program Director will monitor academic progress in coursework relative to the Plan of Work.