Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
The UW–Madison MS in 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.
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.
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.
Admissions 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
- Foundational Biology
- 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 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.
Connect with us
Career Spotlight: Pharm Sci Professional Programs
April 19
2-3 p.m.
Join Dr. John McCorvy, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, as part of the Career Spotlight Seminar Series, which invites scientific professionals to share their experiences and discuss their career paths. Hosted by the Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs.
Register for Career Spotlight: Pharm Sci Professional Programs
Program highlights
- Learn from the first psychedelic-focused master’s program launched in the United States.
- Our program combines science and the humanities to address the critical intersection of scientific and societal impacts of psychoactive pharmaceuticals.
- Rigorous scientific, sociocultural, ethical and regulatory content gives graduates the flexibility to keep up with the rapid expansion of psychedelic, cannabinoid, dissociative and empathogen applications.
University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked #7 best pharmacy school by U.S. News & World Report.
How you'll learn
- Complete 30 credits of online content
- Option to complete an independent study elective with active psychedelic and cannabinoid researchers
- Flexibility to complete the degree in two or three years, with an accelerated one-year program coming in 2022
Sample curriculum
Pharmaceutical Sciences Core
- The Drug Development Process
- Current Trends in Drug Discovery and Development
- Research Ethics: Scientific Integrity and the Responsible Conduct of Research
- Introduction to Regulatory Practice
- Pharmaceutical Economics and Project Management
Psychoactive Pharmaceuticals Core
- Drug History: Dangerous Drugs and Magic Bullets
- Legal Structures for Controlled Substances
- Appropriate Use of Abused Drugs
- Psychedelic Drugs in Science and Society
- Cannabinoids in Science and Society
- CNS Drug Designs, Actions, and Applications I
- CNS Drug Designs, Actions, and Applications I
Electives
- Ethnobotany
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Psychedelic History: Sacred Plants, Science & Psychotherapy
- Neuroscience of Psychedelics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Advanced Independent Study
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 Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS?
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.
There’s so much diversity [among the students] — where we’re located, our fields and our interests. We’re engaging a lot online and even outside of our classroom platforms. We share articles and events related to what we’re learning. As someone who works remotely and doesn’t live on campus, I find it really nice to build that kind of community.
Thi Le | Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS Student
