Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Mississippi offers a Master of Science in Pharmacology, a dynamic pharmaceutical sciences degree with an emphasis in pharmacology. This program explores how chemical agents, including potential therapeutic candidates, act on biological systems.

About the M.S. in Pharmacology

The M.S. in Pharmacology is designed for individuals passionate about understanding how drugs impact the body. The program combines innovative research with a strong commitment to teaching and service. Pharmacology is the science that explores how drugs affect humans and animals, unlocking insights that span a wide range of biological systems and therapeutic possibilities.

Program Details

• Degree: M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Emphases: Pharmacology
• Required Credit Hours: 30 - 36 Hours
• Program Type: Master's Program
• Program Location: Oxford
• School: School of Pharmacy
• Duration: 2 - 3 Years

Pharmacology Program Details

Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in Pharmacology requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. This includes:

• Graduate Student Survival Strategies (BMS 601) (2 hours)
• Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology I (Phcl 675) (4 hours)
• Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology II (Phcl 676) (4 hours)
• Electives at the 500/600/700 level (9 hours), with 500-level courses requiring adviser approval
• Research Ethics (GRAD 600) (1 hour)

Seminar Requirement

Students must register for BMS 643 (Z grade) every semester, except when presenting a seminar, in which case they register for BMS 641 (graded). No more than four seminar hours can be used toward the 24 minimum total credit hours.

Thesis Requirement

A minimum of 6 hours of thesis research must be taken to meet degree requirements. A thesis based on experimental work in the general area of pharmacology is required.

Other Academic Requirements

Pharmacology graduate students must maintain eligibility by meeting a high level of academic achievement, with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B).

Admission Criteria

• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: February 1
  • Spring: October 1
• Application Procedure: All applications must be made via the UM Graduate Schools online application procedure.
• Required Application Materials:
  • Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member in the applicants major study area
  • A statement of purpose
  • Undergraduate/graduate transcript(s)
  • IELTS/TOEFL score (if applicable)
  • GRE score is not required for admission

Research Areas

The program emphasizes both basic and applied research, offering many pathways to explore cutting-edge solutions for global health challenges. Research areas include cannabinoids, opioids, hormones, and cellular signaling pathways, with applications in aging, cardiovascular diseases, drug addiction, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, and environmental health.

Faculty and Resources

The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy is home to internationally-recognized research centers and has a strong commitment to research and education. Faculty lead research on critical topics and are invested in the education of graduate students.

Related Programs

Other programs offered by the School of Pharmacy include:

• Pharmacology, Ph.D.
• Environmental Toxicology, M.S.
• Medicinal Chemistry, M.S.
• Pharmacognosy, M.S.
• Environmental Toxicology, Ph.D.
• Medicinal Chemistry, Ph.D.
• Pharmacognosy, Ph.D.
• Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis, M.S.