For courses see Curriculum
Masters Program
The Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science programs offer training in pharmacology and biomedical research. We believe that a sound training in medical pharmacology and cell biology should be integral to a pharmacology research degree and students are trained in both disciplines in the first year. A student then does research in a selected area of pharmacology. During the course of the research, emphasis is placed on developing the student’s understanding and communication of research. Masters Students complete all coursework and research in two years and submit a Thesis. Graduates of the Masters program proceed to careers working in academic or industry laboratories or may pursue other advanced degrees. The vast majority of our MS graduates find jobs or successfully matriculate to advanced training programs within three months graduation.
For courses see Curriculum
When the applicant enters the program, a research advisor is assigned, and the student begins directed research on an active project. In the first three quarters, there is minimal research as classroom studies are emphasized. During these quarters, both Masters and Ph.D. graduate students take the Graduate Core Curriculum (GCC) classes and required Pharmacology (PHR) courses. The summer quarter is devoted to laboratory research. Although research predominates the second year, the student also takes the Medical School Pharmacology sequence and additional electives. The Masters students are involved in a directed research project that culminates in a Thesis.
A written thesis, describing the work accomplished, is required to be completed by the end of the second year. The thesis is presented to the University community in an open meeting at the conclusion of the training period. The student’s advisor, the Program Director and the University Librarian, must approve the written document.
Typically, the 84 credit hours accumulated in the seven quarters listed in the curriculum are necessary for the completion of a Masters of Science degree. However, a student with advanced training in a related field may complete the Masters of Science by completing 1 year of study (48 hrs). For example, this option is available to individuals with advanced degrees who wish to develop research skills. Such applicants have already covered many of topics in the GCC courses, and may have taken medical pharmacology courses. These applicants will spend the bulk of their time on research, and take research related courses (e.g. Medical Research Strategies, Writing Practicum, seminars, and advanced pharmacology courses etc.) provided the faculty waive didactic requirements.
The student must complete all required courses except for those waived by the Graduate committee and have completed the minimally required course hours as detailed above. For the Masters degree, the student’s Advisor and the Graduate Program director must approve the student’s thesis.