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M.S. Curriculum

Completion of the MS degree requires 33 graduate level credits and a research-based thesis (23-28 credits in required courses, up to 6 credits in electives and 5-10 research credits). The MS degree is typically completed in 3 semesters (1.5 years). An alternative track involving a literature-based thesis is a second option (see ahead). In some cases,  we can offer a customized curriculum; please contact the Program Director to discuss this.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

Course Credits
1st Year, Fall  
HBH 501 Principles of Pharmacology 4
HBH 590 Seminar 1
CHE 541 or MCB 520 Biochemistry 3
HBH 545 Lab Methods 1
HBH 599 Research 3
Total 12
1st Year, Spring  
HBH 502 Advanced Pharmacology 4
HBH 590 Seminar 1
HBH 656 Cell Biology 4
GRD 500 Integrity in Science 1
HBH 550 Statistics 1
HBH 599 Research 1
Total 12
2nd Year, Fall  
HBH 590 Seminar 1
Elective 2
HBH 599 Research 6
Total 9

 ELECTIVES - choose 1 to 6 credits in consultation with the Program Director

Course Credits
MCB 657 Principles of Development 3
HBH 655 Neuropharmacology 3
MCB 503 Molecular Genetics 3
COM/JRN 501, 503 Foundations in Science Communicatione* 1 each
HBH 506 Pharmacology Colloquium 2
HBY 501 Physiology*

4

HPH 566 Clinical Trials

 2

MCB 517 Biomembranes

1

HBM 522 Biology of Cancer 2
*These are recommended electives for students considering an MS to PhD transition  

Final Written Thesis
At the beginning of their final semester of the program, students will select two faculty as Readers to evaluate their written thesis. Faculty Readers must be approved by the Program Director.

LITERATURE-THESIS-OPTION REQUIREMENTS:

Course Credits
1st Year, Fall  
HBH 501 Principles of Pharmacology 4
HBH 590 Seminar 1
MCB 520 Graduate Biochemistry 3
HBH 545 Lab Methods 1
HBH 599 Research 3
Total 12
1st Year, Spring  
HBH 502 Advanced Pharmacology 4
HBH 590 Seminar 1
HBH 656 Cell Biology 4
GRD 500 Integrity in Science 1
HBH 550 Statistics 1
HBH 599 Research 1
Total 12
2nd Year, Fall  
HBH 590 Seminar 1
Electives 6-7
HBH 599 Research 1-2
Total 9

The non-thesis option requires a total of 33 graduate level credits and a culminating literature review thesis that must be developed in consultation with the Program Director. Additional approved elective credits are also required, and must be chosen in consultation with the Program Director.