We have received several queries regarding our MS in Pharmacometrics program. Prospective students can benefit from reviewing our responses to these recurring questions.
If your concern is not covered below, please email the Center for Translational Medicine for more information.
What are the class timings?
Recorded lectures (voice over slides), practice problems, reading material, and assignments will be available through Blackboard, our e-learning system. Students can access this material at their own pace and at convenient times in any part of the world as long as they have access to the Internet.
What time commitment should I expect to make for this program?
Each student can take up to two courses (six credits total) per semester. The didactic portion of the program constitutes about 45 hours per three-credit course over approximately four months. Taking into account homework and review time, we estimate a time commitment of one day per week for two courses. Of course, the learning needs of each student will be different.
What if I only want to take one course per semester?
Students are required to select either the five-semester or eight-semester course schedule at the beginning of the program. The MS in Pharmacometrics program must be completed within five years.
Can I request a course waiver?
Typically, course waivers are not supported. All courses are designed with pharmacometrics in mind and may offer content you didn't receive in other training.
How can I interact with the lecturers?
Blackboard, our e-learning tool, supports a variety of interactive mechanisms. Each course will have a discussion board established for students to pose questions and receive input from the class as well as the lecturers. There will be pre-specified virtual office hours for faculty. Students can contact faculty via e-mail, phone, and/or other tools (e.g., Skype).
Will I have access to modeling and simulation software?
CTM has a variety of software packages available on its state-of-the-art computational infrastructure. Students will have access to Pumas and NONMEM at no additional cost. Students will also need R (freeware) program.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
No, GRE scores are not required.
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.
I am an international student. Can I obtain a student visa if I am accepted into the program?
International students are not eligible for F-1 student visa sponsorship from the University of Maryland Baltimore due to the entirely online curriculum of the MS in Pharmacometrics program. Students can participate in the program from outside the US without a need for a US student visa.
In the future, if I decide to pursue a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, will my credits be transferrable?
You will still need to take the required PhD program core courses, and some of the needed electives. You can transfer the MS in Pharmacometrics course credits towards the PhD elective requirements, but this depends on the area of research you choose. You still need to complete your chosen research.
Is this degree equivalent to any other master's degree given by the University of Maryland, or will it be listed as an online degree on my diploma?
Yes, the MS in Pharmacometrics is equivalent to any other master's degree given by the University of Maryland.
Are there any students currently enrolled in this program who I can e-mail or call to obtain additional feedback about the program?
Yes, we can connect you with current students who are willing to talk about the program.
What is the tuition?
The tuition is about $40,000 for the whole program, not including additional fees charged by the University. Exact tuition costs and applicable fees are available online ( found under "School of Pharmacy - Online Programs").
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 $10.00 administrative fee per semester to participate in this plan, and your application to participate must be processed before each semester starts.
Do I need a lot of work experience to be eligible for entry into the program?
No.
Do I need to send one set of official transcripts and Certificate of Finances Form to Graduate School by regular mail at West Lexington Street?
Yes, official transcripts must be mailed to the Graduate School at W. Lexington Street. A Certificate of Finances isn't needed as the Program is 100 percent online and can be completed from your home country.
I am interested in learning how to perform pharmacometric modeling but don't need a degree in this field. Is it possible to enroll in just a few selected courses in this program?
Yes, you may apply as a coursework only (CWO) non-degree student with permission from the program Director. Visit this page for more information.
Are prerequisites required to apply?
Yes, a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree is required. Some experience in medical product development with a background in pharmacology, engineering, statistics, pharmaceutical sciences, or epidemiology is strongly recommended. A clinical PK course is also important.
As I understand it, Pharmacometrics requires a strong knowledge of math such as, calculus and statistics. What about biology or chemistry?
A good foundation in pharmacology is recommended, but coursework in biology and chemistry are not required.
Do I have to prepare for any programming, for example: C++ or others?
No, the curriculum will teach you how to become skilled in the modeling and simulation software.