Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

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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

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Degree awarded

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Commitment

12 months – 3 years

Tuition

$1,500 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Online

Primarily online

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall and spring terms

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

Yes, restrictions apply

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Spring 2027

  • Deadline: September 30, 2026

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: May 31, 2027

Spring 2028

  • Deadline: September 30, 2027
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Vincent Wartneweiler smiling in his UW lab coat

[This program] really opened my eyes to how big the topic of psychedelics is, beyond just what’s happening in the brain, what’s happening in the body. I really appreciated taking a breadth of coursework rather than focusing just on the sciences. The flexibility really is there.

Vincent Wartenweiler MS’23, Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

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 →

August 11, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development

Join program staff to learn more about the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development program, including the curriculum, field-based projects and career development opportunities.

Register now →

August 12, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Career Outlook: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development

Join Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development staff to learn how the program’s internship and fieldwork opportunities can support your career development goals.

Register now →

August 18, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development

Join Admissions Coach Marta McCoy and learn strategies to make your Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development application stand out.

Register now →

August 19, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Virtual Office Hours: Applied Drug Development MS and Capstone

Join Admissions Coach Marta McCoy during virtual office hours to ask your questions about the Applied Drug Development Professional Programs or application process.

Register now →

September 9, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Pharm Sci: Psychoactive Pharmaceuticals Investigation

Join program staff to learn more about the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation program, including the curriculum, field-based projects and career development opportunities.

Register now →

September 15, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Career Outlook: Pharm Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

Join Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation staff to learn how the program’s internship and fieldwork opportunities can support your career development goals.

Register now →

September 22, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Pharm Sci: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

Learn strategies to make your Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation application stand out.

Register now →

September 23, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Virtual Office Hours: Pharm Sci: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

Join Admissions Coach Marta McCoy during virtual office hours to ask your questions about the Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation Professional Programs or application process.

Register now →

Results that work for you

Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation MS

Job titles

  • Research Coordinator
  • Regulatory Affairs Manager
  • Laboratory Director
  • Integration Specialist
  • Associate Scientist

Top industries

  • Integrata
  • Capital Ketamine
  • Usona
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Wisconsin Opioid Overdose Response Center (WOORC)

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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Explore the cutting-edge science of psychoactive drugs with the Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation Capstone program. Through a combination of classroom learning and discussions on bioethics and current trends, you’ll be equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic drug development.

Spring 2027

Deadline: 10/31/26

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$1,500 per credit

Credits

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Modality

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View program
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Connect with an enrollment coach

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:

  • Explore your program options
  • Review courses and outcomes
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Get help with your application
  • Learn about financial aid
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Frequently asked questions