Program Overview

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Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology

The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program is designed for recent graduates and clinical professionals with a science, biotech, or animal science background interested in advancing their career and specializing in clinical trial design or preclinical toxicology and safety pharmacology studies.

Program Overview

The program is offered 100% online in an asynchronous format by the Ohio State College of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, in collaboration with the Ohio State colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing. The program is designed to be flexible and work to fit the needs of working professionals.

Specializations

The program offers two specializations:

1. Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Trial Design: This track emphasizes the application of pharmacological science in clinical research, bridging the gap between bench science and patient care. Students gain expertise in studying biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenetics; designing and evaluating clinical trials; and analyzing adverse drug reactions and interactions.
2. Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology: This track focuses on enhancing the safe development of biologically active compounds. Students study the identification, monitoring, and characterization of potential adverse effects through preclinical testing.

Curriculum

The curriculum is organized into three curricular areas:

1. Based on the specialized track either clinical pharmacology and clinical trial design coursework or toxicology and safety pharmacology coursework.
2. The conducting of clinical trials or preclinical studies coursework.
3. The program's culminating project, which is the development of a clinical trial or preclinical study protocol and manuscript.

Courses

• BIOPHRM 5600: Introduction to General Pharmacology: Introductory course emphasizing the general principles of pharmacology using a systems-based and mechanism-based approach.
• Pharmacy 5005: Fundamentals of Pathophysiology: Provides a fundamental overview of human pathophysiology by comparing dysfunctional body processes to normal physiological function.
• Bioethics 6010: Biomedical Research Ethics: Explores the importance of ethics in biomedical research and critical ethical thinking in analyzing personal decision-making, public regulation, and the law concerning advanced biomedical sciences/technologies and their clinical applications.
• Pharmacy 7582: Organ System Toxicology: Principles of toxicology, physiology, and pharmacology as they relate to adverse and unanticipated drug effects, with emphasis on cardiovascular, nervous, pulmonary, liver, and kidney systems.
• Pharmacy 7584: Applied Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Introduction to basic and advanced concepts in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacology for clinical investigators and other research professionals participating in the conduct of clinical trials.

Admission Criteria

• Degree Requirements: A clinical, health science, or bioscience bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants not holding a bachelor's degree or higher in a clinical, health science, or bioscience field are encouraged to complete coursework in biology, chemistry, and physiology before entry to the program.
• Application Materials: Online application, current resume or curriculum vita, statement of purpose and goals, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test of English proficiency (if required).

Career Outlook

Graduates may find rewarding clinical research career opportunities as clinical trials administrators, project managers, quality assurance specialists, and in pharmaceutical sales. Career pathways also include entry- and mid-level roles such as study coordinators or directors, quality assurance specialists, laboratory animal resource managers, and project or program managers.

Tuition and Fees

• Instructional Fee: $829.75 per credit hour (part-time, Ohio resident)
• General Fee: $32.63 per credit hour (part-time, Ohio resident)
• Distance Learning Fee: $100 per semester
• Non-Resident Surcharge: $200 per semester (if applicable)

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available through FAFSA. The university also recommends visiting the Office of International Affairs website for scholarships available and exploring ScholarshipUniverse or contacting employers to see if they offer tuition assistance or reimbursement.

Faculty

The program is supported by faculty from the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, including:

• Jen Plahovinsak, MS, DABT: Director, MS Translational Pharmacology Program, and Assistant Professor Clinical.
• Mitch A. Phelps, PhD: Director of the Pharmacoanalytical Shared Resource, OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Brian Roche, PhD, DSP, DABT: Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice.
• Frederick Villamena, PhD: Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Dept. of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology.