Students interested in obtaining a full-time research-based MS degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences are expect to generate innovative research findings under the guidance of a program training faculty with funded research activities.

This degree is obtained by selecting one of the three tracks listed below:

Biomembrane Sciences Track

The goal of the Biomembrane Sciences track is to develop scientists who are skilled in molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying development, growth, and barrier properties of biological membranes as relevant to the etiology and treatment of disease.

Research projects explored by graduate students affiliated with the Biomembrane Sciences track cover a broad range of drug delivery strategies, safety and efficacy evaluation of cosmetic products, development and experimental assessment of mathematical models underlying membrane transport, molecular pharmaceutics leading to innovative drug formulations, rational design of nanocarriers, as well as skin and hair development.

Experimental Therapeutics Track

The goal of the Experimental Therapeutics track is to train scientist with broad-based expertise in preclinical /clinical pharmaceutical sciences for the purpose of effectively translating novel therapeutic entities into the clinic.

Research projects explored by graduate students affiliated with the Experimental Therapeutics track cover cancer biomarkers, neuropharmacology of drugs of abuse (e.g., MDMA), stroke, and epilepsy, neurotoxicity, cancer pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism.

Health Outcomes Track

The goal of the Health Outcomes track is to train interdisciplinary scholars with expertise in pharma-ceutical sciences, economics, business and quantitative analysis who can apply these skills to con-duct research for improving the health of patients. This relatively new research area is expanding rapidly due to increased demand from the pharmaceutical industry for qualified scientists with a background in the social and administrative areas of pharmaceutical sciences.

Research projects explored by graduate students affiliated with the Health Outcomes track cover a broad range of drug safety topics, pharmacovigilance, drug utilization, pharmacy facility design and operation, as well as pharmacoeconomics.

Curriculum
MS Health Outcomes Curriculum Map (students enrolled Fall 2020 & after)

Required Courses
Students must complete all of the following:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
GNTD7003    Ethics in Research (C min)    1
PADM7020    Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (C min)    2
PADM7030    Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (C min)    2
PADM7040    Evaluation of Pharmacy Administration Research (C min)    2
PHID8010    Introduction to Pharmaceutical Research (C min)    1
Business / Economics
Students are required to complete 2 credit hours (min) of the following:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
ECON7021    Health Care Marketplace 1: Health Economics (C min)    3
ECON8020    Microeconomic Theory (C min)    4
MGMT7012    Strategic Management (C min)    2
MGMT7014    Leadership and Organizations (C min)    2
MKTG7011    Marketing for Managers (C min)    2
Statistics
Students are required to complete 3 credit hours (min) of the following:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
BE7022    Introduction to Biostatistics (C min)    3
BE7023    Advanced Biostatistics (C min)    3
BE7061    Biostatistics in Research (C min)    3
BE7062    Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis (C min)    2
BE7088    Regression Analysis (C min)    3
EDST7000    Introduction to Research Methodology (C min)    3
EDST7010    Statistical Data Analysis I (C min)    3
EDST7011    Statistical Data Analysis II (C min)    3
EDST8041    Multivariate Data Analysis (C min)    3
EDST8051    Qualitative Research Methods I (C min)    3
EDST8052    Qualitative Research Methods II (C min)    3
EDST8086    Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research (C min)    3

Required Courses
Journal Club / Seminar
Students are required to complete 2 credit hours (min) each:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
PADM7004    Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club (C min)    1
PADM7005    Seminar in Pharmaceutical Sciences (C min)    1
Research
Students are required to complete 10 credit hrs (min) of research
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
PHID8001    MS Thesis Research (C min)    1 - 12

Elective Courses
Students must take 3 credit hours (min) of the following:
Course    Title/Desc    Credit
BE7025    Comparative Effectiveness and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (C min)    2
BE7068C    Decision and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (C min)    3
BE9061C    Meta-Analysis (C min)    3
EDST8081    Mixed Methods Research I (C min)    3
EDST8082    Mixed Methods Research II (C min)    3
HPE7040    Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (C min)    3
MECH6078    Introduction to Industrial Artificial Intelligence (C min)    3
PADM7010    Medication Use System Analyses and Improvement (C min)    2
PCEU7010    BIostatistics & Research Methods (C min)    3
PHCS9002    Pharmacy Management (C min)    3
PHDD8010    Global Regulatory and Development Strategies of Drugs and Medical Devices (C min)    3
PHDD8030    Pre-Clinical/Non-Clinical Studies for IND Approval (C min)    3
PHDD8050    Phase I/II Clinical Trials Research and Design (C min)    3
PHDD8070    Phase III/IV Clinical Trials and Research (C min)    3
PHDD8080    Pharmaceutical Economics and Management (C min)    3
PHID7001    Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (C min)    1 - 12
PHID7010    Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences (C min)    3
PHID8020    SCIENTIFIC WRITING IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES (C min)    1
PHRX9003    Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy II (C min)    3

NULL

Admission Requirements

Students who have earned at least an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, engineering or related disciplines from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for admission to the full-time, research-intensive MS program in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Similarly, applicants with a completed professional degree such as a PharmD, MD, or DVM meet eligibility requirements. Applicants interested in the MS degree can directly apply for the MS track without first obtaining a MS degree. Selection for full-time research-intensive graduate training under the supervision of a qualified Program Faculty is competitive (average GRE score for admitted full-time MS students for the past two years was 308/4.0). Apply to the MS Program.

Programmatic minimum admission criteria include:

• A U.S. bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from foreign country.
• A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or foreign equivalent.
• A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 290/3.0 obtained within the past 5 years.
• If English is not your native language, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 90 (internet-based) or 235 (computer-based) is required.

Supplemental Application Documents

Consideration for admission requires completion of a University Graduate Application and electronic submission the following documents:

• Curriculum
• Statement of Purpose (Why do you plan to pursue a research-intensive PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Cincinnati? What is your desired research focus area within the broad field of Pharmaceutical Sciences? 

Transcript Information

All college transcripts with evidence of high academic achievement (undergraduate and graduate if applicable; unofficial transcript is sufficient for initial review process).

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient to make offers of admission. However, all official and final transcripts must be received by the Graduate School by 30 days before the start of class enrollment to secure admission offer.

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application and sent to:

University of Cincinnati
Graduate School
110 Van Wormer Circle
Pox Office Box 00627
Cincinnati, Oho 45221-037

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation (applicants are encouraged to seek letters from individuals who can comment on research experience). Letters of recommendation from family, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy are not accepted.

Tuition fee-3 years$87,000