Online Master's Program Overview

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy masters programs provide the necessary credentials for individuals who want to distinguish themselves so they can advance at their current place of employment or change careers to a field that is more challenging and rewarding. All online courses are 7 weeks in length and are taken sequentially, so students are never taking more than one course at a time. Since most students are working full time, the courses are structured flexibly to adapt to each student’s individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What positions are available for graduates of your programs?

A. Our graduates find positions with government agencies, large medical centers, prescription benefit management companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy chains, professional associations, and other institutions within the healthcare industry. There are many functions they can perform, including compliance officer, government relations director, regulatory affairs specialist, patient safety officer, economic analyst, medical science liaison, and clinical research associate.

• How are the courses taught on the Internet?

A. Each course relies on a textbook or a set of readings. The teaching platform is Electronic Learning System (ELS), and adaptation of WebCT Blackboard developed at the University of Florida. On ELS, video and audio lectures are available at any time. Students and faculty engage in spirited discussions on the ELS threaded discussion board. ELS is where students find their written assignments and it is where assignments are turned in. Live classes are held in the evenings using a virtual classroom product called elluminate. These live classes are usually held twice weekly and students can view archived classes that they miss. Live classes emphasize critical thinking and case studies.

• How will I be graded?

A. The grading differs from one course to another. Most professors assign grades based on class participation, written assignments and performance on a midterm exam or project and a final exam or project.

• Are the exams proctored?

A. No. Exams in classes are not proctored. However, there is a daylong comprehensive final exam at the end of the curriculum, and it is proctored. Students must travel to Gainesville for that comprehensive final exam, unless arrangements can be made to administer the exam at another location.

• Since the courses are taught throughout the year, can a student enter the program at any time a course is beginning?

A. The “natural” entry points for the programs are in either August or January. Students who are well prepared and have previous graduate course experience may be permitted to join at other times of the year.

• How long does it take to complete the program?

A. If all courses are taken in sequence, students who start in August will finish in 22 months and students who start in January will finish in 24 months.

• Can I take more than 2 years to complete the program?

A. Yes. Many students spread the coursework out over 3 or 4 years. After taking the foundation course in each program, you may take any course at any time it is offered.

• Is relocation required?

A. No. All courses are taught online.

• What about the three seminars in Gainesville?

A. These are weekend seminars that begin at 1pm on Saturday and end in the afternoon on Sunday. They are issues-oriented. There is one seminar each fall (usually mid-October) and one each spring (usually early March). During the two years that a student is enrolled in the program, there are four opportunities to attend a seminar and three of them must be attended.

• What are the requirements for admission to the program?

A. You must have either an undergraduate degree (in any field) or a PharmD degree. You must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and obtain an acceptable score. Applicants who have already earned a doctorate (PharmD, JD, MD, PhD) may be exempt from the requirement to submit a GRE score.

• What is the deadline for application to the program?

A. For those who wish to begin their studies in the fall semester (late August), the deadline to apply is June 15. For those who wish to begin their studies in the spring semester (January), the deadline to apply is November 15.

• How do I apply?

A. Apply online by filling out the application form at http://www.admissions.ufl.edu. You must have transcripts from all colleges and universities attended sent to the graduate admissions office at the address on the application. You must take the GRE unless you are exempt. Letters of recommendation are NOT required for the distance learning masters programs.

• Are these programs only open to pharmacists?

A. No. While many of our students have a pharmacy background, other students come from a wide range of disciplines and professions. The diversity of our student body is its strength.

• Are international students eligible for the online programs?

A. Currently no. The logistics of online instruction make it impossible to accommodate international students at this time. We are currently working with universities in other countries to provide access to our masters programs.

• How much do the programs cost?

A. The tuition for each program is $650 per credit hour, totaling $19,500 for the 30 credits necessary to complete the program?

• Is financial aid available?

A. Yes. Federal loans are available to those who have been admitted to the graduate program. Scholarships are being developed, but there currently are no university-based scholarships for these programs.

CONTACT US:
Pharmacists, we want to hear from you. Please click below to contact us today.

David B. Brushwood, R.Ph., J.D. Professor of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy The University of Florida brushwood@cop.ufl.edu