Master of Science in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Master of Science (MS) in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences program equips students with the advanced knowledge and skills for a career in pharmaceutical sciences. Career opportunities for graduates include the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, government agencies, and research laboratories. The program includes a pharmaceutical internship that provides hands-on, real-life experience. It also prepares students interested in applying to related Ph.D. programs.
Degree Requirements
Successful completion of the MS in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences requires:
- A minimum of 32 credit hours
- Good academic standing
- A written thesis and oral defense
Curriculum
The M.S. in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences is a two-year program built on a curriculum that focuses on three key areas of pharmaceutical sciences – medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics and pharmacology. Pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, research statistics and elective courses expand students’ knowledge and skills in the field. The curriculum includes research rotations and the selection of an advisor for thesis research project. The program culminates in a pharmaceutical internship and master’s thesis defense.
Program Components
- Foundational courses (pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology)
- Electives
- Internship
- Thesis Research
Fall Semester, Year 1 (August - December)
| Course | Hrs. |
|---|---|
| APHS 6310 Principles of Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| APHS 6320 Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| APHS 6130 Liquid Dosage Forms | 1 |
| APHS 6240 Research Methods in Drug Development | 2 |
| APHS 6150 Research Laboratory Rotations | 1 |
Spring Semester, Year 1 (January - May)
| Course | Hrs. |
|---|---|
| APHS 6131 Sterile and Biopharmaceutical Dosage Forms | 1 |
| APHS 6232 Solid and Semi-Solid Dosage Forms | 2 |
| APHS 6260 Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs | 2 |
| APHS 6170 Selected Topics in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences | 1 |
| MATH 6363 Research Statistics | 3 |
| APHS 63TP Thesis Proposal | 3 |
Summer Semester, Year 2 (June - August)
| Course | Hrs. |
|---|---|
| APHS 63TR Thesis Research | 3 |
Fall Semester, Year 2 (August - December)
| Course | Hrs. |
|---|---|
| APHS 6199 or APHS 6299 Selected Topics in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (Elective) | 1-2 |
| APHS 6171 Seminar | 1 |
| APHS 61TR or APHS 62TR or APHS 63TR Thesis Research Continuation |
1-3 |
Spring Semester, Year 2 (January - May)
| Course | Hrs. |
|---|---|
| APHS 61TR or APHS 62TR or APHS 63TR Thesis Research Continuation (Thesis Research Completion and Defense) |
1-3 |
| APHS 6390 Pharmaceutical Sciences Internship | 3 |
APHS I. Apply the principles of pharmaceutical sciences to drug discovery, design and development.
- Evaluate the physicochemical properties of drug substances.
- Examine the drug discovery, design and development process.
- Evaluate the delivery, stability and degradation of dosage forms.
- Describe the regulatory standards for drug development and approval.
- Evaluate drug substances and drug products according to regulatory standards.
- Interpret and apply pharmacokinetic principles of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity).
- Apply pharmacodynamic principles to explain drug mechanisms of action.
- Analyze drug toxicity and adverse drug reactions.
- Analyze the chemical structure and SAR of drug substances.
- Evaluate the interactions of drug substances with active/inactive ingredients.
APHS II. Apply the scientific method, problem solving and critical thinking to pharmaceutical sciences research and development.
- Evaluate scientific literature.
- Demonstrate proficiency in research techniques.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity expressed in research and independent study.
- Communicate the results of intellectually creative work.
- Contribute to the field through original research.
Admissions
In addition to the general requirements and procedures, requirements for admission to the M.S. in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences include:
- Bachelor of Science Degree (such as Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.) from an accredited university
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate and/or professional schools
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one is required from a professor or professional supervisor)
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.75
- Resume or CV
- Statement of interest
- Invited interview
- Official Score Report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (preferred)
- Conditional admission may be considered for applicants not meeting minimum requirements
- Additional requirements for international applicants.
- Applicants may be required to submit proof of English proficiency
| Course | Required | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry 1 and 2 with Labs | X | |
| Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 with Labs | X | |
| Calculus 1 or Statistics | X | |
| Biology (or related course), Anatomy and Physiology, or Physiology | X | |
| Biochemistry with/without lab | X | |
| Physical Chemistry | X |
Instructions To Submit an Application
- Start the application process by creating a personal account in UIW's application portal: Create an admissions account.
- International applicants can click here to create an admissions account.
- Log in to your account and click on the graduate application link to complete the admissions application form and to upload required documents. Please note: You may view the status of your application at anytime by logging back in to your account.
The preferred due date for completed applications is May 31.
Have questions or require application assistance?
Contact Adeola Coker, Ph.D., Program Director, at (210) 883-1099 or msaphs@uiwtx.edu.