Enhance your career with an M.S. degree that allows you to learn through a research-based foundation, while still utilizing and maintaining clinical skills.
The Residential M.S. degree is available in the following specialties:
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Safety Sciences
- Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
- Pharmaceutical Health Services Research
The POP M.S. program also offers a Focus area in Artificial Intelligence that supports the three specialization areas.
Overview
Our graduate program was created to meet the continued demands of academic, private and governmental organizations to build research capacity surrounding the safe, effective and efficient use of medications.
This well-established program offers a terminal residential master’s degree, but course work and other scholastic requirements are fully applicable and transferable to the department’s Ph.D. program if a successful graduate wishes to continue his or her studies. Individuals who are interested in a Ph.D. degree do not need to apply for the M.S. track but can apply directly into the Ph.D. program.
Fellowships and tuition waivers are generally not available for students enrolled in the M.S. degree program, but for applicants with U.S. licensure, opportunities to work part-time as a pharmacist at the UF teaching hospital or other pharmacies are available.
For questions about program content and structure, contact Dr. Almut Winterstein.
Career Outlook
The degree provides individuals with the credentials to serve as entry- or mid-level research associates in contract research organizations, academic and clinical research units, pharmaceutical companies and government organizations. Typically, these individuals work under limited direction as part of a multi-disciplinary research group.
The strong pharmaceutical focus of the M.S. degree offers the opportunity to explore a research career for individuals who oscillate between a more research-oriented or clinical specialization (e.g., residency). The curriculum is flexible enough to allow clinical involvement so that clinical skills can be maintained.
Students may also have the opportunity to pursue an internship with government organizations, or in the pharmaceutical or health services industry, to allow students early exposure to a potential work place. However, we advise students who plan to transition to the Ph.D. program, to delay an internship until a summer during their Ph.D. studies.
Alumni
Leaders in Health Care
Graduates of the department are well prepared to assume a variety of leadership positions in academia, industry and government.
Application Information
Successful applicants must have a competitive academic record and should have a terminal degree in health sciences (e.g., Pharm.D.) and have demonstrated interest in research surrounding the evaluation of drugs and drug use.
Students are only admitted into the M.S. program in the fall. Review of applications begins December 1 and ends April 1; we encourage completing your application before December 1.
For questions about the admission process, contact Dr. Richard Segal.