Master of Science

Programs leading to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacy Administration are offered. Students choose between thesis and non-thesis options in most programs leading to the Master of Science Degree. Within the three M.S. degree programs there are numerous specializations, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, industrial pharmacy, pharmaceutical biotechnology and pharmacotherapeutics.

The College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions has developed a unique program in cooperation with the department of Library Science of St. John’s College to allow students to obtain a double master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (specialization in pharmacology) and in library science.

Master of Science Programs
The programs leading to the Master of Science degree are designed to equip individuals to contribute to advances in areas of pharmacy, allied health and the biosciences. The master’s programs develop skills in critical thinking so as to prepare graduates for positions in research, industry, education and medical settings. In addition, graduates learn to interpret and critically review basic and clinical research in order to foster lifelong learning.

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Students studying for the master’s in pharmaceutical sciences can specialize in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Master of Science in Toxicology
This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in chemical and pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and testing laboratories. Subspecialties that can be tailored to the graduate student’s needs include forensic toxicology; drug metabolism; analytical toxicology; molecular toxicology; environmental toxicology; neurotoxicology; renal toxicology; and industrial toxicology.

Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration
Students studying for the master’s in pharmacy administration may specialize in Pharmaceutical Marketing. The pharmaceutical marketing specialization is designed for medical sales representatives and others interested in marketing pharmaceuticals. Areas of study include pharmaceutical sales and marketing, drug regulatory affairs and standards, administrative principles, and merchandising and management in the institutional setting. Students in this program may use electives to satisfy pre-M.B.A. requirements. Students wishing to use this option must advise the department at the time of their acceptance.

Master’s  of Science in Biological and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
This interdisciplinary program is a joint effort of the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions and St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program gives students a thorough understanding of the scientific theory and advanced laboratory research techniques vital to success in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Students also receive valuable internship experience in this revolutionary field.

Requirements for Admission and Graduation
Master Of Science
General Entrance Requirements for the Master of Science Degree:  An overall 3.0 grade point average or better and above average grades in the sciences are required. Other requirements depend on the particular program chosen by the student. Students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and provide two letters of recommendation. Applicants for the double master’s program must meet the entrance requirements for St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Pharmacy.

Degree Requirements for the Master of Science Degree:  Two options are offered for each program leading to the Master of Science degree. Students may elect a non-thesis program in which they are required to complete 33-36 semester hours of course work (exclusive of prerequisites). The thesis option requires 24 semester hours of course work (exclusive of prerequisites) and a research project and thesis for which six semester hours of credit are given. Typically, students matriculating as thesis option students will not be considered for completion of their program as non-thesis candidates. Students matriculating in a double master’s program must complete a total of 57 credit hours distributed between Library Science and Pharmaceutical Science programs. All Master of Science candidates are required to successfully complete a comprehensive exam to assess their knowledge in their area of specialization.

Double Master’s Degree Program

Students with the appropriate bioscience background and an interest in library and information sciences may apply for admission to the double master’s program. This 57-credit course of study is the only double master’s that assists qualified persons to become competent and knowledgeable in pharmaceutical sciences, with a concentration in pharmacology as well as library and information science. Graduates receive the Master of Library Science degree and the Master of Science degree. This program prepares students to meet new demands from government, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies for drug information expertise. Areas of study include reference and government documents, information science technology, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical pharmacy and biochemistry.

Department Contact
Dr. Louis Trombetta, Chair
Pharmaceutical Sciences
St. Albert Hall 134
(718) 990-1408
trombetl@stjohns.edu

Dr. Somnath Pal, Chair
Pharmacy Administration
St. Albert Hall 108
(718) 990-6679
pals@stjohns.edu

Graduate Admission Information
Office of Graduate Admission
(718) 990-1601
gradhelp@stjohns.edu

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