Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation (Capstone)
Capstone Certificate in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

The UW–Madison Capstone Certificate in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation is designed to prepare recent grads and working professionals for a career in the discovery, development and clinical application of psychoactive drugs as therapeutic agents.
Is this program right for you?
If you’re interested in the development and application of psychedelics or medical cannabis for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, this program will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in this exciting growth industry.
This highly interdisciplinary program was made to appeal to students looking for careers in the pharmaceutical, academic, government, nonprofit and healthcare industries. Since this course 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. Students will have the ability to progress into the master’s program if they choose.
Is this program right for you?
If you’re interested in the development and application of psychedelics or medical cannabis for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, this program will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in this exciting growth industry.
This highly interdisciplinary program was made to appeal to students looking for careers in the pharmaceutical, academic, government, nonprofit and healthcare industries. Since this course 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. Students will have the ability to progress into the master’s program if they choose.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree, PharmD or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- 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 foundational biology and chemistry coursework.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of interest
- Transcripts
After all application materials have been received, you will be notified by email of next steps, which may include scheduling a virtual interview.
Connect with us
Coffee & Conversation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs
October 05
8-10 a.m.
Join Enrollment Coach Anna Denucci to discuss your questions regarding the application to the Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs.
Join Zoom Session
Coffee & Conversation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs
November 08
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Join Enrollment Coach Anna Denucci to chat about your questions regarding the capstone certificates offered by the Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs.
Join Zoom Session
Program highlights
- Our program combines science and the humanities to offer a holistic curriculum that offers training in multiple substances and sectors.
University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked #7 best pharmacy school by U.S. News & World Report.
How you'll learn
- Complete the 12-graduate level credits entirely online and in as few as 2 semesters depending on your preferred pace.
Sample curriculum
Pharmaceutical Sciences Core
- Current Trends in Drug Discovery and Development
- Research Ethics: Scientific Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research
Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Core
- Cannabinoids in Science and Society
- Appropriate Use of Abused Drugs
- Psychedelic Drugs in Science and Society
- Legal Structures for Controlled Substances
- Drug History: Dangerous Drugs and Magic Bullets
Want to sample an online course?
Test drive Canvas, our online learning platform, with modules from an actual UW–Madison master’s program.
Ready to learn more about Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation (Capstone)?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

I have a wider breadth of knowledge of the whole industry now compared to my pharmacy school curriculum; that’s been really eye-opening. I’m getting to know people almost better than I did in my previous in-person degree program. So, I actually think [the online format] lends itself to getting to know your classmates well.
Erin Robinson, student, Capstone Certificate in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation