Prospective students may benefit from reviewing the following responses to frequently asked questions about the MS in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR) program.
While this is a program geared towards experienced professionals, students are still expected to attend class in-person at the School of Pharmacy.
What time commitment should I expect to make for this program?
The MS in PHSR program can be completed in two years. Students enrolled in the program are considered full-time. Once enrolled, students are expected to be fully engaged in their studies.
The MS in PHSR program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MS in PHSR program is designed to be completed in two years.
Can I request a course waiver or partial course waiver?
Yes. Requests for course waivers may be made but are subject to review by the Graduate Program Director. If any courses are waived, the equivalent credits must be earned through electives.
Can I have the application fee waived?
If you are experiencing hardship and would like to request a fee waiver, please email Dr. Wendy Camelo Castillo, graduate program director, to request the waiver.
Are Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores required for admission?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges our applicants may have experienced during the pandemic in accessing test centers, the PHSR Admissions Committee will not be considering GRE scores for the incoming class of Fall 2023. Applicants who wish to submit their GRE scores may still do so, but they will not be reviewed by the committee. All applicants, regardless of GRE submission, will be given a full and fair review. Please reach out to phsr-MS@rx.umaryland.edu if you have any questions.
Are TOEFL/IELTS scores required for admission?
Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Visit the Graduate School website for more information.
What is the approximate cost for tuition?
Resident tuition is approximately $29,960 and non-resident tuition is approximately$47,484 and for the entire program. Auxiliary fees and health insurance are an additional $3,363 (resident) and $2,728.25 (non-resident) per semester. Exact tuition costs and applicable fees are available on the website.
Can I pay the tuition and fees in installments?
Students can elect to participate in the University's installment plan. It splits the total cost of the semester into three payments (August, September, and October for fall; and January, February, and March for spring). There is a $10 administrative fee per semester to participate in this plan, and your application to participate must be processed before each semester starts.
If offered admission to the MS program am I able to request a deferral?
Deferrals are granted on a limited case-by-case basis after review by the graduate program director and admissions committee. If you are experiencing an issue outside of your control and need to request a one-year deferral (we do not allow semester deferrals), please email Dr. Danya Qato, graduate program director, at dqato@rx.umaryland.edu to request the deferral. Each request will be reviewed by the graduate program director and admissions committee in order to render a decision.