Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.S.

 

Admission Requirements

Applications may be submitted under the Graduate applicant link on the Marshall University’s Admissions website (http://www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission). Requirements for program admission include: 

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from an accepted, accredited institution with a recommended degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
  • Official transcripts from degree-granting institution (additional transcripts may be required, at the discretion of the program).
  • No entrance exam is required; however, a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score may be submitted to strengthen an application.
  • International applicants are required to have earned a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 80 or minimal score on an alternative test to demonstrate language proficiency. Please visit the international applicant's website (https://www.marshall.edu/admissions/graduate-proof-of-english-proficiency/) for more information.

Applicants must choose one of two emphasis areas when they apply:

  • Pharmaceutical Science Research (thesis option): Preferred matriculation of students is August (fall term). On a case-by-case basis, spring and summer matriculation can also be considered. 
  • Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes (practicum option): Students may apply for fall or spring admission. On a case-by-case basis, summer matriculation can also be considered. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be considered until all seats in the class are filled.

Application deadlines are:

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: May 1

Applicants that require a visa to study in the United States must follow the application deadlines set by the Office of Admissions: https://www.marshall.edu/international-admissions/international-admissions-requirements/

Graduate Assistantships

All Pharmaceutical Sciences Research emphasis applicants will be considered for funding (up to $12K/year stipend plus tuition waiver) after the requirements for enrollment have been met (e.g., transcripts, recommendation letters, interview etc.). There are a limited number of graduate assistantships offered on a competitive basis and there is no application to apply for funding. Once a student is enrolled into the M.S. program, the Admissions Committee will review their credentials to determine if program funding will be extended. 

Program Requirements

Requirement for All Degrees

A Plan of Study approved by the student’s advisor must be submitted for approval to the Director of Graduate Studies before the student registers for his or her 12th semester hour. The Plan of Study is a student’s “blueprint” for completing graduation requirements.

For the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research emphasis, students must have a thesis committee consisting of no fewer than three faculty (including the student’s advisor) assembled by the end of their first year. 

For the Pharmaceutical Economics & Health Outcomes emphasis, students must have a practicum committee consisting of no fewer than three faculty (including the student’s advisor and practicum course instructor/director) assembled by the end of their first semester. 

M.S. Degree Requirements for Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Emphasis (Thesis) Option

  • Students must complete the graduate coursework as noted in the following section, including MSPS 699 Thesis. The maximum number of credits that may be earned for the thesis is 12 hours.
  • Candidates must register for and participate in MSPS 542 Science Seminars, Graduate Seminar, during each of the semesters in which they are actively enrolled in the graduate program.
  • Not more than 4 hours of Graduate Seminar (MSPS 542 Science Seminars) may be used to complete the M.S. program credit requirement.
  • Successful completion of the master’s program requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than 6 credit hours of C grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
  • Upon completion of course requirements and the thesis, M.S. candidates must pass a comprehensive oral examination.
  • No more than 12 credit hours of PHAR courses may be applied towards the degree.

M.S. Degree Requirements for Pharmacoeconomics & Health Outcomes Emphasis (Practicum) Option

  • Students must complete the graduate coursework as noted in the following section, including MSPS 694 Practicum The maximum number of credits that may be earned for the practicum is 6 hours.
  • Candidates must register for and participate in MSPS 542 Science Seminars, Graduate Seminar, during each of the semesters in which they are actively enrolled in the graduate program.
  • Not more than 4 hours of Graduate Seminar (MSPS 542 Science Seminars) may be used to complete the M.S. program credit requirement.
  • Successful completion of the master’s program requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than 6 credit hours of C grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
  • No more than 12 credit hours of PHAR courses may be applied towards the degree.

Course Requirements

MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Major Core

Core Courses
MSPS 542Science Seminars (two times)2
MSPS 544Prin Dis Drug Action4
MSPS 561Biopharmaceutics I3
MSPS 562Biopharmaceutics II3
Area of Emphasis Requirements18-20
Total Credit Hours30-32

Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Emphasis (Thesis)

Core Courses
MSPS 542Science Seminars (two times)2
MSPS 544Prin Dis Drug Action4
MSPS 561Biopharmaceutics I3
MSPS 562Biopharmaceutics II3
Areas of Emphasis
MSPS 542Science Seminars (Taken two additional times for the Emphasis)2
MSPS 699Thesis (taken two times)12
Select 4-6 hours from the following Electives:4-6
MSPS 512
Med Chem & Drug Disc
MSPS 531
Regulatory Affairs
MSPS 581
Special Topics
MSPS 585
Independent Study
MSPS 586
Problem Report
MSPS 632
Prod Dev by Quality Design
MSPS 681
Special Topics
MSPS 682
Special Topics
MSPS 685
Independent Study
MSPS 686
Problem Report
Total Credit Hours30-32

Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Emphasis (Practicum)

Core Courses
MSPS 542Science Seminars (two times)2
MSPS 544Prin Dis Drug Action4
MSPS 561Biopharmaceutics I3
MSPS 562Biopharmaceutics II3
Area of Emphasis
PHAR 635Research Outcomes Patient Care3
PHAR 664Pharmacoecon & Health Outcomes3
MSPS 694Practicum6
Select a minimum of 6 credit hours of Electives for this emphasis. Other courses with advisor approval.6-8
MSPS 681
Special Topics
MSPS 685
Independent Study
MSPS 686
Problem Report
PHAR 663
Healthcare Admin & Leadership
PHAR 783
Pharm Indust & Medical Affairs
PHAR 784
Rural & Public Health Pharmacy
Total Credit Hours30-32