Overview
The PharmD + MSPS dual degree program is designed for students that have an interest in the complete drug development pipeline, from discovery to delivery. Graduates of the PharmD + MSPS program may choose to pursue research and drug development opportunities with large pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations, academic institutions, or governmental agencies.
Eligibility
PharmD students without a bachelor’s degree are eligible to participate in these programs, as their prerequisite and pharmacy course credit hours meet the graduate school requirements.
Application Process
Attendance at MSPS Overview Session in early spring PY1: An in-depth session will be organized by the DGS and faculty members who are offering positions during the current recruitment cycle. The session will last for approximately 2 hours and will cover the following topics: program description, program requirements, the attractions and realities of science/research, and the role of research in clinical careers. Faculty offering placement in their research groups will present a brief overview of the projects that are available. Students will then need to take responsibility to communicate with faculty that they are potentially interested in to express interest and to ascertain additional information.
Application to participate in the rotation pool in mid-March PY1: Students who are interested in advancing to post-baccalaureate status and participating in research rotations will apply. The application will include a CV, personal statement highlighting the student’s reason for pursuing the program, a letter of recommendation, and an interview. Faculty on the GPC and those who are recruiting during the current cycle will then conduct interviews of the applicants to make decisions on whom to admit to the Rotation Pool. Students admitted to the rotation pool will apply to the UK Graduate School for post-baccalaureate status prior to enrolling in coursework (generally summer admission for POP interested students and fall admission for non-POP).
Research Rotations (Spring PY1, summer, and Fall PY2): Students admitted to the Rotation Pool will participate in research-related experiences with faculty who have submitted a project for a dual degree student for the current recruitment cycle. Each experience will last 4-6 weeks and vary according to the type of project and experience desired by both the faculty member and trainee. Students will be able to complete up to 3 rotations. Each student will submit an anticipated rotation schedule to the DGS upon acceptance to the Rotation Pool, and rotations will be conducted within “rotation windows” that are set as follows (although flexibility will be allowed upon request):
Window 1: Mid-April through June
Window 2: July through Mid-September
Window 3: Mid-September through Mid-December
Formal MSPS Program Application in March PY2: Students who have identified a mentor who has agreed to accept them as a student will formally apply to the master’s degree program. The GPC will review applications which include the student’s transcript (must maintain a minimum 3.0 PharmD GPA to be considered for the program), research rotation evaluations, research proposal, and recommendation letter from the proposed mentor. Faculty mentors will be consulted as needed to assist the GPC in making admissions decisions.
Programmatic Objectives
Objective 1: Submission of a written research proposal for MS application
Objective 2: Presentation of the background and proposed approach/methods
Objective 3: Submission of a written manuscript to the committee (which can serve as the basis of a thesis, publication, or both)
Objective 4: Scientific presentation of the project and results to the college
