Program Overview
Advance your career on your own time and in your own location. The Master of Science in Pharmacology & Toxicology provides advanced training, with courses available in both pharmacology and toxicology, without on-campus laboratory or research project requirements.
Students who would benefit from this program include pharmaceutical industry employees planning to advance their careers from technical positions to more senior roles, healthcare professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology for clinical or teaching purposes, and individuals expanding their academic credentials to prepare for application to professional school.
Program Outcomes
Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of systems pharmacology and/or toxicology. Core courses build a foundation on principles of pharmacology and experimental design and analysis. The capstone review paper develops literature research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Elective courses allow you to expand your knowledge in areas of greatest interest or highest value for your career goals.
Career Outlook
Graduates from our program have consistently received promotions from positions as technicians or Assistant Scientists to Research Coordinators, Study Managers, and Associate or Senior Scientists in pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, or clinical laboratories. Many of our pre-professional students have gained entry to medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.
Courses
Core
PHM 819Principles of Drug-Tissue Interaction2 Credits PHM 822 Academic and Research Integrity1 Credit PHM 830Experimental Design and Data Analysis3 Credits PHM 850Communications for Scientists2 Credits PHM 982MS Capstone Literature Review2 Credits
Elective
BLD 830Concepts in Molecular Biology2 Credits BLD 842Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations2 Credits HM 803Epidemiology and Public Health3 Credits HM 806Environmental Factors of Health3 Credits HM 833Intro to Pharmaceutical Counterfeiting and Public Health3 Credits PHM 430Human Pharmacology3 Credits General principles of pharmacology. Central nervous system and autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular, renal, cancer, microbial, and endocrine pharmacology.
PHM 431Drug Abuse3 Credits Introduction to pharmacology and neuropharmacology. Understanding of the biological basis for drug abuse and addiction. Major topics include: pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, introductory neuroanatomy, introductory neurophysiology, alcohol use and abuse, opiate use and abuse, cocaine and amphetamine abuse, barbiturate use and abuse, benzodiazepine use and abuse, hallucinogen abuse.
PHM 450Introduction to Chemical Toxicology3 Credits This online course provides an introduction to mammalian toxicology. The course includes an overview of the general principles of toxicology, toxicokinetics, and mechanisms of toxicity in major organ systems. The course also includes discussion of selected toxic agents. Individuals not affiliated with the University may enroll in this course as a Lifelong Education Student. Introduction to Chemical Toxicology is open to anyone with a prerequisite knowledge of biology and chemistry, and an interest in learning more about toxicology.
PHM 450Introduction to Chemical Toxicology3 Credits PHM 461Tropical Medicine Pharmacology2 Credits This integrated course (tropical diseases, pharmacology and public health) will focus on the study of tropical diseases and their pharmacologic treatment. Disease epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, public health control and prevention. Drugs of choice for disease treatment and pharmacologic properties will also be featured in this course. Students will acquire an up-to-date knowledge of tropical diseases and their pharmacologic management. The course is designed to meet the requirements of those studying biology, microbiology, medicine, nursing, premed, and allied health sciences in both undergraduate and graduate levels.
PHM 483Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases3 Credits This course will focus on the study of major classes of antibiotics and chemotherapy of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Up-to-date drugs of choice for infectious disease treatment and pharmacologic properties will also be featured in this course. The course is designed to meet the requirements of those studying biology, microbiology, medicine, nursing, premed, and allied health sciences at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
PHM 492Pharmacotherapy of Human Viral Infections2 Credits PHM 813Cardiovascular Pharmacology3 Credits PHM 817Neurotoxicology2 Credits PHM 828Concepts in Carcinogenesis2 Credits PHM 829Neuropharmacology2 Credits PHM 831Endocrine Pharmacology2 Credits PHM 833Gastrointestinal and Liver Pharmacology and Toxicology2 Credits PHM 834Respiratory Pharmacology and Toxicology2 Credits PHM 835Biopharmaceuticals: from Development to Manufacturing3 Credits PHM 837Autonomic Pharmacology1 Credit PHM 840Safety Pharmacology2 Credits PHM 841Cellular and Molecular Toxicology3 Credits PHM 851Intellectual Property and Patent Law2 Credits PHM 854Leadership and Team building for Researchers2 Credits PHM 855Business of Biomedical Research2 Credits PHM 857Introduction of Project Management2 Credits PHM 858Drug Development Process3 Credits VM 812Food Safety Toxicology3 Credits
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
A bachelor's degree
Completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Completed coursework
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 credits in chemistry and 3 credits in biology. Preference will be given to applicants with undergraduate degrees in biological or biochemical sciences, additional science coursework, and/or professional experience.
A written personal statement
Complete a personal/academic statement, including your reason for choosing our program and your career or academic goals after earning this degree.
2 letters of recommendation
Two letters of recommendation (preferably academic or professional supervisory).
Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
Complete a university graduate application (program code: 4176) in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
International Graduate Application (VISA information is not required for this online program)
Key Dates
Fall 2021
Application Deadline
June 1, 2021
Spring 2021
Application Deadline
October 1, 2020
Summer 2021
Application Deadline
February 1, 2021
THE MSU DIFFERENCE
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MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.