Nov 21, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.S.


This two-year, year-round thesis or non-thesis program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree with background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related areas. The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program of study is developed individually in consultation with the student’s mentor and is designed to ensure expertise in the student’s principal field. This will present the student with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, to tailor his or her academic program towards a chosen career path.

Admission requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related areas from a regionally accredited university or college or international university with a cumulative 3.000 GPA or higher. The program will also admit students with a bachelor of science degree in other fields. However, this will require students to take prerequisite courses in the following areas:

  • Biology and lab
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry and lab
  • Biochemistry
  • Introduction to genetics
  • Calculus
  • Physiology and lab

2. Two letters of recommendations from a professor or employer who is familiar with your academic abilities

  • If applicant graduated within last three years, one letter must be from a professor with whom they studied.

3. Resume or curriculum vitae with relevant experience.

4. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.

5. A personal statement of approximately 500-1,000 words, which includes your:

  • Interest in the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at Chapman University.
  • Research goals.
  • Career goals.
  • Academic and research achievements.

Additional requirements for international applicants

1. Transcripts - Applicants submitting transcripts from foreign universities must submit International transcript evaluation from one of the services below:

2. English Proficiency Exam - International applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the CAE, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA.

  • CAE minimum score = 180.
  • TOEFL minimum score = 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS score = 6.5.
  • PTEA score = 53.

International applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in the United States or in another country where English is the language of instruction are not required to take the CAE, TOEFL, IELTS or PTEA examination.

Accelerated Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) students interested in the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree are encouraged to pursue this option as early as possible, preferably by the end of the second trimester of MSPS program, as coursework taken during the MSPS program could be adjusted toward future requirements of Ph.D. program. The graduates from Chapman University School of Pharmacy MSPS program can be credited for up to 20 core and/or elective lecture course credits towards the core and/or elective lecture courses in the Ph.D. program. It is expected that Chapman MSPS graduates will complete all the requirements of the Ph.D. program in 3 years.

Admission and course requirements for the Ph.D. program are listed under the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ph.D. 

Requirements for Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree

Students pursuing the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

  • Completion of at least 36 credits to fulfill the requirements for the program.
  • Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
  • Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
  • Complete a thesis PHS 697  or non-thesis capstone PHS 698 .

The following courses make up the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree curriculum:

core courses (13 credits)


thesis or non-thesis option (6 credits)


one of the following

total credits 36