Degree Requirements

The Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology MS track requires a total of 33 credits and is completed in 3 semesters (1.5 years). Students must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 to receive the MS degree. In addition, a Research Thesis is also required.

The Standard Track (Research Thesis) requires 23-28 credits in required courses, up to 6 credits in electives, 5-10 research credits, and a Research Thesis. Students must select a faculty mentor in their first semester, then complete an independent research project in the faculty mentor’s laboratory. This track is intended for students who plan to enter scientific careers in the academic, pharmaceutical, or government sectors, or who plan to pursue advanced degrees such as the PhD.

An Alternative Track is theliterature review option, which requires 23-28 credits in required courses, up to 6 credits in electives, 5-10 research credits, and a literature review project instead of a research-based thesis. The literature review project is based on the critical evaluation of current scientific literature, and must be developed in consultation with the Program Director. This path is intended for students who plan to pursue advanced professional degrees (MD, DVM, DDS, etc) but not a Ph.D. degree or a research-intensive career path. In this track typically a higher number of electives need to be taken to replace research credits in the final semester.

The Program Director will advise you prior to registration to discuss course requirements and to provide guidance in identifying a lab for your research activities.