Program Overview

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Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacology & Toxicology - Literature-Based

The literature-based Online Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Pharmacology & Toxicology provides advanced training in molecular, cellular and organ systems pharmacology and toxicology and scientific writing.

Program Overview

Structure

Online lectures and literature-based research thesis.

Audience

Students unable to relocate to Lawrence, Kansas, and without access to a lab, seeking advanced training for academic and/or professional advancement (e.g., Ph.D. programs, admissions to professional health science programs).

Standard KU Graduate Admission Requirements

Students must meet all requirements for Graduate Admissions.

Important Dates

• Online Masters (Lab-/Lit-based) Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Online Masters (Lab-/Lit-based) Admission Decisions: Rolling Review

Prerequisites

Previous Degree Requirement

Must have a bachelors or master's degree in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology or other related disciplines.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Minimum of 3.0 required
• Special attention given to grades in relevant science courses such as cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, statistics, etc.

English Proficiency Requirements

• Students who are non-native English speakers, must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and listening via English Proficiency Scores from TOEFL, IELTS or PTE tests.
• See KU's English Proficiency Requirements for detailed information, including minimum score requirements.

Undergraduate Research Experience

Applicants are strongly encouraged to gain undergraduate research experience.

Coursework

30 total credit hours (grade of C or better, with overall GPA of at least 3.0)

• 23 credit hours - Core coursework in pharmacology, toxicology, statistics and scientific ethics
• 2 credit hours - Electives
• 5 credit hours - Literature-based research thesis

Thesis

• Student and advisor select a literature thesis topic
• Proposal reviewed by a three-member committee (advisor and two additional faculty members)
• Thesis earns passing grade or student gets feedback and has at least one month to resubmit
• Student presents final oral defense by video conference to department and committee
• Student answers questions from the advisory committee

Time Frame

• Online courses are designed to be completed in eight weeks (w/exception of literature research proposal)
• Earliest possible program completion: 24 months
• Students urged to complete the program within four years of admission to maintain momentum and focus
• Three credit hours per calendar year required to remain in good standing. Failure to do so will require re-admittance.
• Degree must be completed within 10 years from initial enrollment per KU policy

Financial Aid

• Master's students are responsible for their own tuition, fees and living expenses.
• For information about federal financial aid, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.