Master of Science in Pharmacology

Fall 2024 Admission Deadline: June 14, 2024

Master of Science in Pharmacology Program Overview

The Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSP) is a two-year, 100% online degree program geared toward teaching students:

  • The fundamental principles of pharmacology
  • Mechanisms of drug action
  • Current topics in drug discovery
  • Strategies, techniques, and critical thinking skills needed for drug research

This program is designed for working professionals who are interested in advancing in their careers or enhancing their competitiveness for admission to other degree programs.

The online format of the MSP program allows for greater flexibility and ease of attendance regardless of geographical location. 

Students will leave this program with the necessary skills and tools to advance their career in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, in the academic environment, in undergraduate education, or in government agencies.

100% Online

The online format of the MSP program allows for greater flexibility and ease of attendance regardless of geographical location. 

2- Year Program

The MSP program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of working professionals who balance the responsibilities of busy schedules.

Advance Your Career

The MSP program prepares students for positions of leadership and responsibility in academic, industrial, and government settings.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand experimental techniques and model systems used in pharmacological research
  • Develop experimental design and data analysis techniques
  • Learn critical steps involved in discovery and optimization of a new drug.
  • Explore current hot topics in the field of pharmacology
  • Network with peers and other industry professionals.
  • Gain an understanding of ethical conduct in research including data handling, authorship, conflict of interest, animal rights and handling of misconduct.

Who Should Apply?

Working professionals and other non-traditional students who can benefit from the flexibility and convenience of online, distance learning

The knowledge acquired in the MSP program would also benefit those seeking employment or advancement in teaching, technical and scientific writing, patenting, or sales and marketing. If a continued educational pathway is desired, coursework in the MSP program would be directly relatable and beneficial to students looking to apply to a PharmD, PhD, or MD or other advanced degree program.

A number of opportunities for Masters-level pharmacologists exist in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, government agencies, research laboratories and academic programs.

Pharmacology offers unique opportunities to contribute to the knowledge, well-being, and survival of mankind. By providing advanced training in pharmacology, the MSP program prepares students for positions of leadership and responsibility in academic, industrial, and government settings. The MSP program uniquely meets the educational needs of working professionals in the pharmaceutical and related industries.

Application Process

Admissions Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution
  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Official transcript(s)
  • A minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework related to biology and/or chemistry
  • A minimum of one year of laboratory experience (e.g., employment, research, coursework)
  • Personal statement addressing motivation and suitability for the program
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English Language Proficiency: All graduate applicants, except those who have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database, are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admissions consideration. If English is not the sole language of instruction listed or if no language is listed at all, the waiver does not apply and the applicant is required to take and pass an approved English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS).
    • TOEFL (minimum score of 80)
    • IELTS (minimum overall score of 7)

Note: the GRE exam is not required.

Application Process

Students are admitted to the MSP program on an annual basis for the Fall quarter. In depth information on the UCI application process can be found at http://www.grad.uci.edu/admissions/.

Step 1

Complete and submit your Application for Admission online. The application is found on the Graduate Division/UC Irvine web page Online application for graduate admissions. Under the degree section, select the Master of Science in Pharmacology option.

Note that the Statement of Purpose is part of the online application. This statement should demonstrate your writing ability and clarity of thought. It should include a personal history describing your professional and academic achievements, and in particular, your laboratory and research experience. You should provide a statement of purpose, detailing current goals, and specifically how and why the MSP program will help you achieve them. You also should indicate your understanding of the challenges of online learning and articulate your readiness to benefit from this type of instructional modality.

If you have any technical difficulties submitting your application, email gradapplicant@uci.edu or call (949) 824-6363.

Step 2

Pay fees. Once you have finalized your application in full, press the submit button which then prompts you to pay the appropriate application fee using Visa or MasterCard.

Nonrefundable application fees:
US citizens and lawful US permanent residents: $135
All other applicants, including international students: $155

Step 3

Provide Letter of Recommendation and Waiver of Access forms (available via the online application system) to the three people you have identified who can evaluate your academic and/or professional achievement, describe your strengths and weaknesses, and comment on our character, integrity and motivation. Letters that speak to your ability to perform in a post-graduate academic program are especially useful. All letters must be submitted online.

Step 4

Upload all transcripts to your application. Ensure the scanned copies are legible before uploading. Do not mail official transcripts to the department. If you are admitted, you will be asked to mail official transcripts to the Graduate Division at that time.

Step 5

International students must submit the results of their TOEFL exam. Scores will be sent directly to UC Irvine by the testing agency. Please choose Institution Code 4859.

NOTE: All supplemental materials must arrive before or on the application deadline in order for the application to be deemed complete and reviewed. You must supply a valid e-mail address that you will maintain at least 8 months after you apply. Students will be notified via this email address when they have been accepted into the program.

Program Fees

To view the current tuition and fees, visit the University Registrar webpage. UC Irvine bills for fees each quarter.

This is a different fee structure than other UC programs due to the unique nature of the program and its associated technology costs

Currently, there is no additional charge for out-of-state or international students

You are expected to take and complete two online courses each quarter during Fall (September-December), Winter (January-March), and Spring (March-June).

NOTE:  This program is a self-supporting degree program and not supported with state funds, thus certain fee waivers traditionally accepted by the University of California may, or may not, be accepted.  For example, the MSP program is not subject to the state law regarding Cal/Vet tuition/fee exemptions, and students enrolling in this program cannot use Cal/Vet tuition/fee exemptions.

Financial Aid

Master’s students are typically self-supported. Because the MSP program is a fully accredited graduate degree, enrolled students from the U.S. (citizens and eligible non-citizens) are eligible to apply for specific federal loan programs:

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

To be considered, all domestic (e.g., non-foreign) graduate students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Please note that foreign students are not eligible for financial aid. Therefore, foreign students should not complete a FAFSA. For further information, please check the UCI Financial Aid office website.

Schedule of Classes & Curriculum

The MSP degree program requires 39 units of coursework, including 3 units of a capstone project.  All courses in the program are required.

UCI MSP Curriculum Map

UCI MSP Schedule of Classes and Online Classes

I highly appreciate the UCI Master of Pharmacology program being offered online. I had contemplated pursuing a master’s degree before but attending classes while managing a full-time job had been a major deterrent. From my perspective, someone that has been in the industry for several years focused on the technical aspects of research, I consider this program a great stepping stone for advancing a career in research and other life science-related disciplines.

Dora Santos, UCI Master of Science in Pharmacology Student

Faculty

The UCI Pharmacology faculty members teaching in the Master of Science in Pharmacology degree program share a strong foundation in the fields of pharmacology and drug discovery.  They are renowned nationally and internationally for their scientific research.  A number of faculty members have worked in and/or actually founded pharmaceutical companies, so they have industry as well as academic backgrounds.   Many have close ties with industry, both locally and internationally. These relationships are a key asset to the MSP program and its students. In addition, a number of faculty hold patents relative to drug discoveries they have made.

Olivier Civelli, PhD

Olivier Civelli, PhD
Chair and Professor of Pharmacology; Eric L. and Lila D. Nelson Endowed Chair in Neuropharmacology

Dr. Civelli is currently serving as MSP Program Director and has responsibility for oversight and general administration of the program. Dr. Civelli is a recognized leader in the field of neuropsychopharmacology. He was the first to clone the D2 dopamine receptor and discovered the diversity of the dopamine receptors, in particular the D4 receptor. He spearheaded reverse pharmacology and used it to discover the first new neuropeptide identified by this approach, nociceptin/orphanin FQ and later neuropeptide S. He discovered the receptors for melanin concentrating hormone and for urotensin II. His primary interest is the study of neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia. Dr. Civelli is well versed in the area of pharmaceutical drug discovery. Earlier in his career, he was a vice president at F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel and was head of one of the company’s preclinical research departments. He also started a biotechnology company. Dr. Civelli has authored more than 200 manuscripts and holds 30 patents.

Amal Alachkar, PhD

Amal Alachkar, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Dr. Alachkar was trained as a pharmacist and received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester, UK.  She has extensive background in molecular and behavioral neuroscience and neuropharmacology.  Dr. Alachkar established the first neuroscience laboratory in Syria in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Aleppo before moving to the US.  Her research focuses on associations between genetic and environmental factors and mental disorders such as schizophrenia, autism and depression. Dr. Alachkar is investigating potential therapies using an epigenetic model of schizophrenia that involves methionine exposure during gestation. She has discovered that melanin concentrating hormone receptor knock out (MCHR1 KO) female mice display maternal deficits and is studying this model to develop the potential therapeutic use of MCHR1 antagonists for the treatment of postpartum depression in humans.

Frederick J. Ehlert, PhD

Frederick J. Ehlert, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology

Dr. Ehlert is internationally known for his development of computational methods to analyze drug interactions with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).  He recently published the book Affinity and Efficacy, the Components of Drug-Receptor Interaction. Dr. Ehlert’s analytical methods provide a means for validating conclusions drawn from docking drug molecules onto active and inactive receptor structures in silico. His approach is useful for quantifying agonist signaling through different pathways (agonist bias) and allosteric modulation of pathway selectivity. Finally, his analysis provides a more useful interpretation of structure-activity relationships.  Dr. Ehlert’s lab analyzes models of drug-receptor interactions using a variety of techniques: computer simulation of receptor events, cell culture, second messenger assays, and contractile measurements on isolated smooth muscle from wild type and receptor knockout mice. In particular, Dr. Ehlert has focused on muscarinic receptors and the development of novel subtype-selective irreversible antagonists.  Dr. Ehlert received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from UC Irvine. He serves on the editorial board of 3 major international journals and his industry ties include work with Pfizer, Inc.

Stephen Hanessian, PhD

Stephen Hanessian, PhD
Distinguished Professor

Stephen Hanessian holds the rank of Distinguished Professor in the UCI Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Combining bioorganic principles with medicinal chemistry objectives, Dr. Hanessian has made seminal “first to conceive and/or first to achieve” contributions in the design and synthesis of originally designed enzyme inhibitors, antibiotics, antiviral and anticancer agents, and the development of innovative drug delivery systems. Arguably one of the premier academic ambassadors to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as a consultant and collaborator, Dr. Hanessian is a rare researcher who can engage effectively in numerous productive projects of mutual interest while simultaneously maintaining fully autonomous, high impact research programs in state-of-the-art areas of medicinal relevance. Dr. Hanessian has published nearly 600 original papers and holds over 50 patents.

Naoto Hoshi, MD, PhD

Naoto Hoshi, MD., PhD
Associate Professor of Pharmacology

Dr. Hoshi received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Japan.  The Hoshi laboratory studies the function and regulation of the M-channel as a model system for understanding how low threshold voltage-gated channels contribute to higher brain functions such as learning and memory and also pathological states such as epilepsy. M-channel modulators have therapeutic potential for controlling pathological neuronal activity.  Dr. Hoshi’s detailed analyses of the M-channel complex revealed that the KCNQ2 channel tethers several kinases and protein phosphatases as well as its direct binding to GPCRs. This receptor-ion channel complex is a fundamental regulatory mechanism, which is also important for the heart pacemaker channel, HCN4 channel. Dr. Hoshi recently discovered that the widely used anticonvulsant valproic acid acts by protecting the M-current from neuromodulators. Dr. Hoshi’s studies utilize molecular biology, electrophysiology, live cell FRET imaging and behavioral neuroscience.

Diana N. Krause, PhD

Diana N. Krause, PhD
Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology

Dr. Krause is recognized for her expertise on hormonal regulation of the cerebral circulation, in particular, the influence of estrogen and other sex steroid hormones on vasculature function and disorders such as stroke and headache.  Her research group has made pioneering discoveries that give insight into why cerebrovascular physiology and pathology differ between males and females and over the course of the female lifespan, e.g., pre- vs. postmenopause.  Dr. Krause is currently collaborating with investigators at the University of Lund, Sweden, on a promising novel treatment for stroke. She earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA and has previous industry experience as Director of Pharmacology for Nelson Research (Irvine, CA).  She currently is a consultant for the biotech company Edvince AB.

Larry Plon, PharmD

Larry Plon, PharmD
Adjunct Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dr. Larry Plon received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California and then a residency in Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy. He then went to USC School of Pharmacy where he taught medicine and then psychiatry.  Five years later, he came to UCI and established a Psychiatric Pharmacy Program.  Over his thirty plus years at the Medical Center, he contributed to the Burn Unit, Geriatric Services, and helped expand the Clinical Trials service. He eventually became the Coordinator of Investigation Drug Services, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine. Prior to his retirement from the Medical Center, he was asked to develop and teach an undergraduate course in Pharmacotherapy for the new major of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Qun-Yong Zhou, PhD

Qun-Yong Zhou, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology

Dr. Zhou has pioneered the research of prokineticins, a family of novel regulatory peptides that regulate diverse biological processes including gastrointestinal motility, pain perception, tumorigenesis and circadian rhythm. His group has developed potent and selective small molecule prokineticin antagonists with potential as therapeutic drugs for significant human disorders such as cancer, cerebral ischemic stroke, and mood disorders. Multiple approaches are used to elucidate the regulation of prokineticin ligands and receptors, including molecular biology, genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral pharmacology.  Dr. Zhou received a Pharmacy degree from Shanghai Medical University and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Oregon Health Sciences University.  He is the scientific founder of the biotech firm Kinexis and collaborates with Merck & Co.

FAQs

What is the MSP curriculum like?

The Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSP) is a two-year, 100% online degree program. The MSP degree program requires 39 units of coursework, including 3 units of a capstone project. All courses in the program are required.

Is the MSP program online?

Yes, our program is online. The only exception is the first course, PHARM 270, which is a one-week on-campus course that is given the first week of Year 1. This week also serves as an orientation to the 2-year program and provides an excellent opportunity to get acquainted face-to-face with the faculty and your cohort peers. However, if necessary, an online option for this course can be arranged.

Who is on the faculty?

The UCI pharmacology faculty members teaching in the Master of Science in Pharmacology degree program share a strong foundation in the fields of pharmacology and drug discovery. They are renowned nationally and internationally for their scientific research. A number of faculty members have worked in and/or actually founded pharmaceutical companies, so they have industry as well as academic backgrounds.

Is there a 1-year option for the MSP?

We are currently only offering a 2-year online MSP program.

Who should apply to the MSP program?

We seek to create a community of MSP students who have a passion for pharmacology and wish to advance in their careers. This program is open to any non-traditional student who can benefit from the flexibility and convenience of online, distance learning, both in the US and abroad.

What are the basic requirement for admission?

Students must have a BS degree and a minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework related to biology and/or chemistry and a minimum of one year of laboratory experience (e.g., employment, research, coursework).

Does the UCI MSP program charge an application fee?

Yes. US citizens and lawful US permanent residents pay a $135 application fee. All other applicants, including international students pay a $155 application fee.

What is the minimum acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score?

The MSP Admission Committee reviews applications holistically. We do not adhere to a strict required minimum score. However, the average score of admitted applicants is 80 iBT (TOEFL) or 7 (IEFLTS).

My transcripts and/or letters of recommendation are not in English. Do I need to have them translated?

Yes. While all official academic records must be issued in their original language, if they are not in English they must be accompanied by English translations. If the institution does not offer English translation, it is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure an English translation is provided. The translation may be done by anyone as long as it is a literal translation, and it need not be certified.

What is the timeline for the admission process?

Applicants will be notified of their admission status on a rolling basis. We encourage you to complete your application as quickly as possible because there are more admission offers available earlier in the cycle. If you submit your application materials early, you may have a competitive advantage.

Is the GRE required?

The GRE exam is not required.

How will I learn whether I have been admitted?

All admission decisions are sent by e-mail to the primary e-mail address you listed on the application form.

How much is tuition?

It is projected that your annual fees will be approximately $21,500 per year* (for two years). For more information about tuition and financial aid, please visit our Program Fee page.

Does the MSP program offer financial aid?

Master’s students are typically self-supported. Because the MSP program is a fully accredited graduate degree, enrolled students from the U.S. (citizens and eligible non-citizens) are eligible to apply for specific federal loan programs.

Where can I send further questions?

If you have additional questions about the MSP program, please email us at pharmsci-grad@uci.edu.

I view the UCI Master of Pharmacology program as a major stepping stone in my career toward earning a PhD. I have achieved mastery of various principles and aspects of pharmacology. From systemic pharmacology to drug discovery, the MSP program provides comprehensive, in-depth knowledge for pharmacology research. The MSP curriculum also offers practical skills in data analysis, experimental design, and research ethics.

Brianna Doan, UCI Master of Science in Pharmacology student