The MS degree is awarded for advanced knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences through didactic, analytical and applied learning opportunities. As for the PhD program, the coursework and seminars are designed to provide students with theoretical and applied knowledge. The MS program, in particular, requires class and lab work in analytical methods and instrumentation in order to prepare students for the workforce. Students have the option of completing a research project in the department with an advisor or through external internships with industries to expand their experience or enhancing their learning through didactic lectures. The entire program is designed to be completed in 1.5 years.
The PhD is awarded for an original investigation leading to the significant advancement of knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical and/or biomedical sciences. Didactic courses and seminars will provide students with the required theoretical knowledge, basic principles and methods in the field. Under the guidance of the departmental graduate committee, students will complete those courses that best serve their particular needs. In the course of their training, they are expected to demonstrate by appropriate examination, a breadth of knowledge particularly in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, and how chemistry, biochemistry, biology and physiology can help them build this knowledge. Students are also expected to develop competency to evaluate and communicate scientific research via oral presentation and in writing.
The entire program requires four to five years and will be assessed on the following components:
Courses
Each student is expected to take five basic courses and at least two electives depending on their research track. All courses are taken in the first and second year of the program.
Comprehensive exam
Following the satisfactory completion of the course work, students are required to complete a written comprehensive exam in the form of a grant proposal (K01 or F32 type) followed by an oral presentation of the proposal. Failure to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or failure of the comprehensive exam with a maximum of two attempts will result in dismissal from the PhD program.
Research and dissertation
Since the PhD in pharmaceutical sciences is earned on the basis of original investigative research work, students will begin working on their research project early in their training after they have completed the three laboratory rotations and have been placed in a given laboratory. Each student, with the help of his/her advisor, will establish a dissertation committee composed of a minimum of four members, a chair and three other faculty (two from the department and one external). The committee will review each student’s progress every year.
MS Program Schedule
| Course Number & Title | Credits |
| Term 1 Fall 1 | |
| PHSC 601 Pharmaceutical Sciences I | 4 |
| PHSC 610 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Human Diseases | 4 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 518 Analytical Methods and Instrumentation I | 3 |
| Term Credit Total | 12 |
| Term 2 Spring 1 | |
| PHSC 602 Pharmaceutical Sciences II (Pre-reqquisite: PHSC 601) | 4 |
| PHSC 611 Biostatistics | 3 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 519 Analytical Methods and Instrumentation II | 1 |
| Term Credit Total | 12 |
| Term 3 Fall 2 | |
| PHSC 598MS Internship (or PHSC 699 (by petition)) | 6 |
| 3-credit elective 500 level or above | 3 |
| Term Credit Total | 9 |
| Program Total Credits | 33 |
PhD Program Schedule
| Course Number & Title | Credits |
| Term 1: Fall 1 | |
| PHSC 601 Pharmaceutical Sciences I | 4 |
| PHSC 610 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Human Diseases | 4 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 693 Lab Rotations I | 3 |
| Term Total Credit | 12 |
| Term 2: Spring 1 | |
| PHSC 602 Pharmaceutical Sciences II | 4 |
| PHSC 611 Biostatistics | 3 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 694 Lab Rotations II | 4 |
| Term Total Credits | 12 |
| Term 3: Fall 2 | |
| Restricted elective PHSC 680@ | 3 |
| Restricted elective PHSC 680@ | 3 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 2 |
| Term Total Credit | 9 |
| Term 4: Spring 2 | |
| Restricted elective PHSC 680@ | 3 |
| PHSC 613 Critical Thinking and Communication in Research and Drug Development | 4 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 9 |
| Term 5: Fall 3* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 8 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 9 |
| Term 6: Spring 3* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 8 |
| PHSC 600 Department and Student Seminar Series | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 9 |
| Term 7: Fall 4* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 1 |
| Term 8: Spring 4* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 1 |
| Term 9: Fall 5* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 1 |
| Term 10: Spring 5* | |
| PHSC 699 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Term Total Credit | 1 |
| Program Total: | 64 |
*With “Full-time working toward degree statusâ€
List of Faculty
Addendum: Updated on 6/7/2023
Term 4 Spring 2 PHSC 699 changed to 1 credit; 1/11/2024