Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Who is this program for?
The master’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences is ideal for students and professionals interested in drug development, pharmaceutical research, or regulatory science. It’s a strong fit for those seeking advanced roles in the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, or academic research institutions.
Program Overview
The Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky offers a dynamic pathway for students passionate about advancing drug discovery, development, and delivery. This research-focused program blends cutting-edge science with real-world applications, preparing graduates for impactful careers in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, or academic research. With access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain the skills and experience needed to innovate and lead in this vital and evolving field.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Admission to the MS program is restricted to students who are currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the UK College of Pharmacy (PharmD/MS Dual Degree Program), enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Program at the UK College of Pharmacy who elect to switch to the MS path, or who receive special permission from the program to apply. Admission is competitive and is based on academic achievement (minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in required PharmD coursework), research rotation evaluations, a research proposal, and a letter of recommendation from the proposed faculty research mentor. Faculty mentors will be consulted as needed to assist the Graduate Program Committee in making admissions decisions.

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Expand Your Learning
The MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) degree is designed to provide training in research and scholarship within a pharmaceutical sciences discipline for students seeking careers that include a research component, such as those in the pharmaceutical industry, managed care organizations, state and local health departments, academic healthcare systems, and healthcare colleges. The MS program is designed as a component of the PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Dual Degree Program, or alternatively can be awarded to students pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences who change to the MS path.
Students that participate in this program can choose any aspect of research conducted by investigators at the UKCOP across five training tracks:
- Medicinal, Bioorganic & Computational Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Engineering
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy


Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

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Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.