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Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

A pair of gloved hands reviewing trays of drugs.

Is this program right for you?

If you’re interested in the field of controlled psychoactive substances for the treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions, this program provides an in-depth understanding of the application of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, as well as medical cannabis.

  • This highly interdisciplinary program was made to appeal to students looking for careers in the pharmaceutical, academic, government, nonprofit and healthcare industries
  • Since this program is delivered entirely online, it is available to local and international students alike
  • The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent credential from an accredited college or university

Education that works for you

The UW–Madison MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation is designed to better prepare recent grads and working professionals for a career in the discovery, development and clinical application of psychoactive drugs as therapeutic agents.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Commitment

12 months – 3 years

Tuition

$1,500 per credit

Format

Online

Primarily online

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall and spring terms

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

Yes, restrictions apply

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Deadline: April 30, 2025

Spring 2026

  • Deadline: August 31, 2025

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

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Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree, PharmD or equivalent from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Have a background in physical or biological sciences, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, psychology, bioethics, law, history or a related field
  • Have demonstrated successful completion of at least 3 college-level science courses for a total of 9 or more credit hours. These courses should include the following:
    • Foundational Biology – Topics include cellular and molecular biology concepts (cell biology, cell metabolism, genetics, and similar)
    • Foundational Chemistry – Topics include chemical reactions, Lewis structures, acid-base chemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, and similar
    • Advanced science course (specifically looking for either Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, OR General/Organic/Biological Chemistry) – Topics include organic nomenclature, organic structures, functional group chemistry (structures, reactivity, acidity/basicity), reaction mechanisms, and similar
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

If you have questions about your eligibility and admissions options, please connect with our enrollment coach

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

After all application materials have been received, you will be notified by email of next steps, which may include scheduling a virtual interview.

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

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Results that work for you

Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS

#9

University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked ninth best pharmacy school in the United States.

U.S. News & World Report, 2024.

What you’ll learn

Prepare to make a difference in the mental health field with the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS program. You’ll explore the science behind psychoactive drugs, drug development, and legal regulations through a blend of coursework, research, and discussions.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Drug development process
  • Current trends in drug discovery
  • Regulatory Practices
  • Legal structures for controlled substances

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