The Master of Science in Integrated Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSIPS) program prepares graduate students desiring expertise in drug discovery, delivery, and utilization. The program serves as a logical next step for 1) students with bachelor's degrees in science who may be seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry, 2) individuals seeking a competitive advantage when applying to doctoral or professional health programs, and 3) working professionals who wish to accelerate their career in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. research, development, manufacturing, clinical translation areas), government sectors, and technology. 

The MSIPS program facilitates an understanding of the science underlying drug development and clinical therapies. Applicants choose from the following tracks when applying to the program:

  • MSIPS Medicinal Chemistry track
  • MSIPS Pharmaceutical Sciences track
  • MSIPS Clinical Pharmacy Translational Sciences track

Who should apply? Individuals interested in pursuing advanced coursework to understand the processes of pharmaceutical discovery, development, delivery, and the clinical application of therapeutics should pursue the MSIPS program. Our students come from diverse academic backgrounds, professional experiences, and cultural identities. The program accepts applications for Fall admission only. We invite applicants of all backgrounds to apply by February 1.

Curriculum Note: Available courses for the MSIPS program will vary depending on the year an applicant applies and is accepted into the program, as some courses are offered in alternating years. Review the sample curricula links below for an idea of course availability during your expected year of attendance for each track. Specific course selection for each student will be determined mutually by the faculty advisor (assigned by track) and student following matriculation into the MSIPS program. Program extension requests must be approved by the MSIPS committee.  

Admission Requirements

Listing Row

Friday, August 23, 2019
Friday, August 23, 2019
  • Minimum Requirements

    All applicants must:

    • Hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution in a science field. Students with a strong academic background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, clinical sciences, or other medical- or science-based fields have been successful in the program.
    • Degree holders from non-U.S. institutions should refer to Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions.
    • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher

    International applicants must:

    • Take one of these English proficiency tests:

    International applicants are exempt from submitting an official English proficiency score if:

    • The degree was earned from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English. This exception does not apply if some classes completed were taught in a language other than English. Verification from the school may be required.
    • The degree was earned from a country where the official language is English (e.g., United States of America, Australia, England).
  • Application Deadlines

    The application deadline is February 1.

  • How to Apply

    Use the online application provided by Rackham Graduate School.

  • Application Fees
    • Fees are waived for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

    • $90 for international applicants (waivers are not available for international applicants)

    Rackham will not process an application without the application fee, nor can the College review applications prior to the payment of this fee. Some fee waivers are available from the Rackham Graduate School; for more information visit the Rackham Application Fee and Waiver page.

  • Required Documents

    The following documents are required for application to the MSIPS and are due, with your online application, by the February 1 deadline:

    1. Official academic transcripts from completed degree(s):

       Are you attending or have you graduated from a U.S. Institution?

    • All applicants are required to upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office, to ApplyWeb for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress. The scanned copy of the official transcript is used for initial review by the graduate program faculty.
    • A downloaded transcript from your school portal or system is an unofficial transcript and not acceptable for review.
    • U-M Ann Arbor Applicants (Current or Previous Students): Do not submit your U-M Ann Arbor transcript. Rackham will obtain your U-M Ann Arbor transcript internally. Submit only degree transcripts from other institutions you attended including U-M Dearborn or U-M Flint.
    • Our graduate program admission committee will use the uploaded transcript in the review and decision process.  An official transcript will be required to be sent to Rackham after an offer of admission is made.

       Are you attending or have you graduated from a Non-U.S. Institution?

    • All applicants are required to upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office, to ApplyWeb for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress.  If you are attending or have graduated from a Non-U.S. institution, review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements by country.
      • A downloaded transcript from your school portal or system is an unofficial transcript and not acceptable for review.
    • International Applicants are also required to submit an official transcript by mail or as an e-transcript to the Rackham Graduate School by the deadline.  
      • Submit only official transcripts/academic records. These bear the issuing institution’s seal and the official signature of the Registrar or Recorder of Records.
      • For instructions on submitting official transcript to Rackham go to Submitting the Official Transcript/Academic Record to Rackham https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/transcripts/​

       Are you attending or have you graduated from both U.S. and Non-U.S. Institutions?

    • All applicants are required to upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office, to ApplyWeb for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress.  If you are attending or have graduated from a Non-U.S. institution, review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements by country.
      • A downloaded transcript from your school portal or system is an unofficial transcript and not acceptable for review.
    • International Applicants are also required to submit an official transcript by mail or as an e-transcript to the Rackham Graduate School by the deadline.  
      • Submit only official transcripts/academic records. These bear the issuing institution’s seal and the official signature of the Registrar or Recorder of Records.
      • For instructions on submitting official transcript to Rackham go to Submitting the Official Transcript/Academic Record to Rackham https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/transcripts/

    These transcripts must be received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution and should be mailed to the Rackham Graduate School:

    Rackham Graduate School
    Attn: Transcripts/UMID# (if known) or Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
    915 E. Washington Street
    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1070


    2. Academic Statement of Purpose

    • A concise (1-2 pages), well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how the MSIPS program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
       

    3. Personal Statement

    • A concise (500-word limit) essay that describes how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities/challenges, motivated your decision to pursue the MSIPS program. Please do not simply restate your Academic Statement of Purpose.

    4. Three Letters of Recommendation

    • These should be written by those who are capable of evaluating your academic progress and potential for graduate study. Letters must be submitted directly by each recommender.
    • Recommenders should submit the Recommendation form and their letters using the online application site. This is the preferred method of submission; please be sure to enter information for each of your recommenders on your application as required.
    • If a recommender is unable to access the site after you have submitted your application, they can email the letter directly to the College of Pharmacy.
    • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadline. Late letters may result in a delay in processing your application. Click here for more information on submitting letters.
      ​

    Note: the GRE is not required for the MSIPS program.
     

    International applicants must also submit:

    • Certificates of degrees with dates awarded
      • For transcript requirements for international applicants, please click here
    • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores
      • For information about TOEFL and other test scores that the Rackham Graduate School will accept, click here.
        • TOEFL scores are sent electronically from ETS directly to the University of Michigan (institution code: 1839).
        • IELTS, ECPE, and MELAB scores are sent directly from the testing agency to the Rackham Graduate School at the following address:

    Rackham Graduate School
    915 E. Washington St.
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

    • After admission to the program: The Affidavit of Financial Resources and Immigration Information for International Students, with supporting documentation, is required. This form is necessary, regardless of funding.
  • FAQ and Contact Information

    Common Questions

    I have questions about the Student F-1 Visa.

    See the following pages for information on immigration documents for International Students who are admitted:

    If you have additional questions email the Rackham Graduate School regarding the VISA process for new students: [email protected]


    I am applying and do not have a Visa – what do I enter under Visa Information and SEVIS ID?

    If you do not have Visa information to provide, leave the fields blank. 
     

    Can an F1 student of your program, who receives a STEM degree, apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT?

    Yes. Our program is a STEM degree. See this website for more details: OPT STEM Extension | International Center (umich.edu)


    Can an international student receive the F1 Visa with CPT and OPT?  

    Yes. See these links for information:

    CPT: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students | International Center (umich.edu) and

    OPT: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students | International Center (umich.edu)

    If you have additional questions email the International Center regarding these at [email protected]


    What is the institution code for TOEFL scores?

    Institution Code: 1839 

    See this page: https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/tests/

    After reviewing the link above, if you have additional questions email the Rackham Graduate School at: [email protected]


    Is the WES evaluation accepted for the transcript review?

    An evaluation provided by a credential service will not be accepted, for example, Educational Credentials Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). Exception: the Rackham Graduate School will accept electronic evaluations from Educational Perspectives (EP).

    Review these links for additional information on transcript requirements:

    Is the Capstone completed during the 1-year program?

    Yes. You will take classes in fall and winter terms and complete the capstone (through an 8-credit course) during the spring/summer term. Registration is required and tuition is paid for the fall, winter, and spring/summer terms.

     

    Which tuition fee is applicable for me?

    This master’s program requires the payment of three terms of tuition and fees (fall, winter, & spring/summer). Tuition costs can be reviewed at https://ro.umich.edu/tuition-residency/tuition-fees. In the tuition & fees search choose make the following choices:

    • Academic year: (choose the current academic year)
    • College/School: College of Pharmacy
    • Full or Half Term: Full Term
    • Level of Study: Graduate

    Your rates will be listed under the following:

    • Rackham Tuition
      • Michigan Resident or Non-Resident
    • Mandatory Fees
    • International Student Fee

    For information regarding your student account, billing due dates, and payment methods accepted by the University of Michigan: http://www.finance.umich.edu/finops/student/billing 

    Please Note: Financial support for the master’s program is provided through sources obtained by the student (Federal Student Aid, private loans, and external scholarships). We encourage interested applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.  The College of Pharmacy does not offer financial aid for students in the master’s program. The University of Michigan offers an optional payment plan which allows you to spread the payment of anticipated educational expenses for fall or winter term over five payments. More information can be obtained at http://www.finance.umich.edu/finops/student/um-payment-plan.

    • A waiver of the international application fee is not available at this time.
       

    Is the GRE required?

    No.
     

    Does the program provide assistantship opportunities?

    No. However, students complete a research capstone under the direction of a faculty mentor in their final term for credit. 


    When will I receive an admissions decision? 

    The committee will begin reviewing applications in February and decisions will be sent out on a rolling basis through May 1.
     

    Is the schedule for completion of the program based on the student or is there a program deadline?

    Students are expected to follow the MSIPS timeline with enrollment in three terms – fall, winter, and spring/summer.​


    What is the annual fee / cost of living?

    See the following pages for information on immigration documents which includes the estimated student and dependent cost of living expenses for International Students who are admitted:



    Contact Us!

    Other questions regarding admissions can be sent to [email protected].