This two-year, thesis or non-thesis program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree with background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related areas. The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program of study is developed individually in consultation with the student’s mentor and is designed to ensure expertise in the student’s principal field. This will present the student with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, to tailor his or her academic program towards a chosen career path.
Continuous enrollment is required throughout the M.S. program. Students who have completed their 6 credits of thesis work (PHS 698 ) but have not yet successfully defended their thesis must register for PHS 698A for one credit to fill the continuous enrollment requirement. Students who have completed the maximum 1-credit limit of PHS 698A must enroll in PHS 698B for 1 credit until the dissertation is successfully defended. See Continuous Enrollment for additional information. The maximum time allowed for completion of the M.S. program is seven years.
Admission requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related areas from a regionally accredited university or college or international university. Preferred applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Lower GPA in the range of 2.5 - 3.0 may be considered if applicant excels in other areas.
The program will also consider admission for students with a bachelor’s degree in other fields. However, this will require students to take prerequisite courses in the following areas:
- Biology and lab
- Microbiology
- Chemistry and lab
- Biochemistry
- Introduction to genetics
- Calculus
- Physiology and lab
2. Two letters of recommendations from a professor or employer who is familiar with your academic abilities. If applicant graduated within last three years, one letter must be from a professor with whom they studied.
3. Resume or curriculum vitae with relevant experience.
4. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
5. A personal statement of approximately 500 words, which includes applicant’s:
- Interest in the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at Chapman University.
- Research goals.
- Career goals.
- Academic and research achievements.
Additional requirements for international applicants
- Transcripts - Applicants submitting transcripts from foreign universities must submit official academic transcripts/mark sheets from the degree-granted university in both the original language and English.
- English Proficiency Exam - International applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the CAE, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA.
- CAE minimum score = 180
- TOEFL minimum score = 80
- IELTS score = 6.5
- PTEA score = 53
International applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in the United States or in another country where English is the official language are not required to take the CAE, TOEFL, IELTS or PTEA examination.
Accelerated Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) students interested in the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree are encouraged to indicate their interest in this option as early as possible, preferably by the end of the second trimester of MSPS program, as coursework taken during the MSPS program could be adjusted toward future requirements of Ph.D. program. The graduates from Chapman University School of Pharmacy MSPS program can be credited for up to 20 core and/or elective lecture course credits towards the core and/or elective lecture courses in the Ph.D. program. It is expected that Chapman MSPS graduates will complete all the requirements of the Ph.D. program in 3-4 years.
Admission and course requirements for the Ph.D. program are listed under the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ph.D.
Requirements for Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree
Students pursuing the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition, these specific degree standards apply:
- Completion of at least 36 credits.
- Minimum grade “C+” or “P” or above required in all coursework.
- Maintain cumulative 3.000 GPA in the degree.
- Completion of a thesis PHS 698 or non-thesis capstone PHS 696 .
The following courses make up the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree curriculum:
Return to: