Program Overview

Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics

The Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics is a fast-growing field that explores a patient's DNA sequence to determine how they are most likely to respond to medications. This program supports personalized or precision medicine, which connects a patient's genetics, epigenetics, environment, and lifestyle to design a treatment plan that will best suit the patient.

Program Overview

The goal of this modern approach to medication therapy is to optimize response and beneficial outcomes while limiting adverse effects and toxicities. With a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics degree, students will be ready to make the most of emerging opportunities from basic or industrial research to clinical implementation through a well-rounded program that aligns with their personal career goals.

Why Choose the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics?

The design of the program has purposely integrated all major aspects of this field, from basic genetics to clinical implementation. This results in the program including introductory and advanced medical genetics and pharmacogenomics, pharmacology and pathophysiology, genetic data analysis and laboratory techniques, healthcare outcomes and statistical analysis, research design and application, genetic counseling, and clinician/patient interactions at medical sites.

Program Structure

The 38-credit MS in Pharmacogenomics program can be completed in one calendar year (three full-time semestersfall, spring, and summer). Through foundational and advanced courses in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Medical Genetics, Genetic Counseling, Pharmacogenetics, Genetic Research, and Data Analysis, and others, as well as skill-building experiential courses in the laboratory and clinic, students will be well-versed to enter the field of precision medicine.

Courses and Curriculum

• Didactic MSPGx courses are offered in-person and online.
• The Analytical Techniques Laboratory course is offered in-person and as a hybrid course for MSPGx-HP students.
• The two 3-week experiential courses, which take place during the summer, are only offered in person.
• Courses are taught in the state-of-the-art classrooms and labs of the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the program can expect to follow a number of different career paths, including:

• Laboratory researcher or technician
• Clinical research
• Clinical implementation
• Education
• Regulatory Institutions
• Clinical laboratory or genetic testing facility analyst Starting salaries for graduates are around $60,000 per year, with more advanced roles potentially earning over $100,000 per year.

Faculty and Research

Students will learn from knowledgeable graduate program faculty who are dedicated to their success. The faculty includes molecular pharmacologists, pharmacokineticists, practicing clinical pharmacists, and certified genetic counselors.

Partnerships and Affiliations

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has partnered with the American Pharmacogenomics Association (APGxA) to further elevate its Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics program. The partnership will facilitate internships for students at leading companies, providing invaluable professional growth and industry experience.

Articulation Agreement

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has partnered with Bay Path University to create new opportunities for students pursuing advanced study in the rapidly growing fields of genetic counseling and pharmacogenomics. The agreement reserves interview seats for qualified graduates of the Western New England University MSPGx program and guarantees transfer credits for certain courses.

Housing and Scholarships

Western New England University offers campus housing for students in graduate programs as space allows. The university also offers graduate housing scholarships of $3,000 annually to eligible degree-seeking graduate candidates.