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Pharmaceutical Science, M.S.
Professional Program
Program Overview Request Info Program Highlights Featured Courses Accelerated Program Options Career Opportunities Admission Requirements
Program Overview

The Marshall University School of Pharmacy (MUSOP) offers two master’s programs to provide students with the training and skills required to prepare them for careers in academia, pharmaceutical industry, or public/private research institutions. The programs involve a curriculum consisting of didactic courses and research. The program of study is based on the background and career objectives of each student and is tailored to meet individual needs.

Both M.S. (thesis) and M.A. (non-thesis) options are available. The M.A. and Pharm.D. programs may be combined into a dual-degree: Pharm.D./M.A.

Full-time students typically complete the MS degree program in two years. The Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research is comprised of faculty with expertise in pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology. The faculty are highly engaged in graduate courses and interdisciplinary research. Prospective MS thesis-track students are encouraged to contact faculty about research opportunities in their laboratory.

Graduates master the key concepts in the discipline of their interest in pharmaceutical sciences (pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacology). They will be able to work independently or in collaboration with others in their area of expertise as an investigator. After graduation, they will be prepared for a career as an independent scientist with abilities to:

  • Critically assess the scientific literature
  • Engage in and conduct original research
  • Design and implement research experiments to critically test research hypotheses
  • Conduct research in a professional and ethical manner
  • Present scientific data using strong verbal and written communication skills
View Program Overview and Curriculum
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Program Highlights
Dual-Degree Option

Students can enhance their credentials by pursuing a Pharm.D./M.A. dual-degree, combining pharmacy practice with advanced pharmaceutical sciences knowledge.

Expert Faculty

The School of Pharmacy is home to experienced faculty across key fields like pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and more, providing rich interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Flexible Study Paths

MUSOP offers both M.S. (thesis) and M.A. (non-thesis) options, allowing students to tailor their educational experience based on career goals, whether in research, academia, or industry.

Featured Courses
MSPS 544 - Prin Dis Drug Action
Topics covered include the concepts and mechanisms of the basic processes underlying disease and pathophysiology; the general principles underlying drug action and therapeutics, including receptor pharmacology, enzyme inhibition and pharmacology; the relationship between drug concentration at the target tissue and drug effect; as they relate to drug action and individual variation in response.
PHAR 537 - Pharmacokinetics
An introductory course emphasizing basic principles in pharmacokinetics.
PHAR 542 - Immunology & Microbiology
Topics covered include an introduction to the classification, morphology and physiology of microorganisms, primarily organisms that can cause human pathology, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, parasites, and worms; the body's immune response and mechanisms of defense at the cellular and humoral (molecular) level will also be covered in the context of pathogenic organisms, tissue transplants, and autoimmune disease.
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Accelerated Program Options

Accelerated Graduate Degree Pathways

There are several different Accelerated Graduate Degree pathways from which a student can select:

  • The B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate.
  • The B.S. in Biological Science to the Pharmacy Doctorate.
  • The B.S. in Chemical Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate.
  • The B.S. in Health Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate.

The B. S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program is also offered as part of an accelerated 3 + 4 program in conjunction with the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (3 years B.S. + 4 years Pharm.D.). The first 3 years of the B.S.P.S. program include all prerequisite courses that are required for matriculation into the Pharm.D. program as well as all university core requirements for a B.S. The coursework in the fourth year of the B.S.P.S. program is synonymous with the coursework in the first year of the Pharm.D. program. This allows both degrees to be completed within 7 (3 + 4) years.

Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Graduate Degree (AGD) program can begin taking master’s level classes while still in the B.A. program. These graduate credits can be used for both the undergraduate and graduate level coursework and will help facilitate an easy and fast transition into the master’s program if a student is accepted. In order to be accepted into the AGD, please see your advisor to see if you qualify for one of these positions.

AGD applicants who meet these program GPA admission requirements must comply with all other admission standards. Also, it is important to note that during the last semester of the undergraduate degree program, students in the AGD program must apply for formal admission to the PharmD program.

Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Graduate Degree (AGD) program can begin taking graduate level classes while still in their undergraduate program. These graduate credits can be used for both the undergraduate and graduate level coursework and will help facilitate an easy and fast transition into a graduate program if a student is accepted. To be accepted into the AGD, please see your advisor to see if you qualify for one of these positions.

Undergraduates accepted into an AGD program can begin taking graduate coursework during their junior or senior year.

Graduate coursework/credit will appear only on the graduate transcript, and graduate course grades will be calculated towards the graduate GPA.

Note: Accelerated Graduate Degree programs may have admission requirements that differ from the admission requirements for the regular graduate degree. Students should check with the chosen graduate degree program.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of MUSOP master’s programs are equipped to critically assess scientific literature, lead independent research, and pursue careers in academia, pharmaceutical industries, or research institutions.
  • Drug Research
  • Drug Development
  • Clinical Trials Management
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Quality Control/Assurance
  • Pharmaceutical Marketing