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
- Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
- Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
- Receive invitations to special events for future students.
- Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Students can enhance their credentials by pursuing a Pharm.D./M.A. dual-degree, combining pharmacy practice with advanced pharmaceutical sciences knowledge.
The School of Pharmacy is home to experienced faculty across key fields like pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and more, providing rich interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
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.
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.
- Drug Research
- Drug Development
- Clinical Trials Management
- Regulatory Affairs
- Quality Control/Assurance
- Pharmaceutical Marketing
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.
- Complete an on-site or video interview.
- 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 applicants website (https://www.marshall.edu/admissions/graduate-proof-of-english-proficiency/) for more information.
Graduate Assistantships
All M.S. 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.