University of Florida

For Fall 2010 consideration, complete application packets must be received by January 15, 2010. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by late February 2010.

The POP Research MS program, housed in POP, was created to meet the continued demands of academic, private, and governmental organizations to build research capacity surrounding the safe, effective, and efficient use of medications. The program offers a terminal masters degree but course work and other scholastic requirements are fully applicable and transferable to the Department’s PhD program if a successful graduate wishes to continue his or her studies.

The degree provides individuals with the credentials to serve as entry- or mid-level research associates in contract research organizations, academic and clinical research units, pharmaceutical companies, and government organizations. Typically, these individuals work under limited direction as part of a multi-disciplinary research group. Examples of such positions include research associates, program managers, and health scientists.

The strong pharmaceutical focus of this specialization offers the opportunity to explore a research career for individuals who oscillate between a more research-oriented or clinical specialization (e.g., residency). The curriculum is further flexible enough to allow clinical involvement so that clinical skills can be maintained; if a clinical career is chosen post-graduation the acquired methodological expertise will complement clinical skills, especially in work situations where population-based quantitative approaches are needed. Examples are positions in quality improvement, drug information and formulary management, and other key positions in pharmaceutical decision-making. The POP Research Masters is divided into three specializations, including Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacoeconomics and Patient Safety and Medication Use.

Specialization in Pharmacoepidemiology

Specialization in Pharmacoeconomics

Specialization in Patient Safety and Program Evaluation

Tuition and Funding

The MS POP Research Program is supported by the FDA/CDER Scholarship program. In order to benefit from this program, students will need to be enrolled into the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.  Applicants interested in becoming an officer in the USPHS may review eligibility criteria at the FDA/CDER Scholarship Program link or the USPHS website.

The UF College of Pharmacy does not provide assistantships or other support to MS students. Information about tuition cost and other fees can be reviewed at the UF Admissions Site

MS POP Research Curriculum

Application Process