Three students and an instructor look together at results in a lab

Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacology & Toxicology - Laboratory-Based

The laboratory-based Online Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in pharmacology & toxicology provides advanced training in molecular, cellular and organ systems pharmacology and toxicology and scientific writing. Rolling admission.

Program Overview

Structure —

Online lectures and hands-on research training in laboratory at an approved distance site. Research-based thesis.

Audience —

Students unable to relocate to Lawrence, Kansas, seeking advanced training and research experience for career advancement in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Requires access to research facilities (i.e., company or university research labs or computational facilities) at their home locale that would enable the generation of novel data for a Laboratory-based M.S. thesis

Standard KU Graduate Admission Requirements —

Students must meet all requirements for Graduate Admissions.

Important Dates —

  • Online Masters (Lab-/Lit-based) Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
  • Online Masters (Lab-/Lit-based) Admission Decisions: Rolling Review

Prerequisites —

Previous Degree Requirement —

Must have a bachelors or master's degree in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology or other related disciplines.

Grade Point Average (GPA) —

  • Minimum of 3.0 required
  • Special attention given to grades in relevant science courses such as cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, statistics, etc.

English Proficiency Requirements —

  • Students who are non-native English speakers, must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and listening via English Proficiency Scores from TOEFL, IELTS or PTE tests.
  • See KU's English Proficiency Requirements for detailed information, including minimum score requirements.
  • Request that your testing agency send official English Language Proficiency scores directly to KU (Code: 6871-30)

Undergraduate Research Experience —

Applicants are strongly encouraged to gain undergraduate research experience before applying to our program.

Coursework —

30 total credit hours (grade of C or better, with overall GPA of at least 3.0)

  • 16 credit hours - Core coursework in pharmacology, toxicology, statistics and scientific ethics
  • 14 credit hours - Research and thesis supervision

See Courses - Laboratory-Based Online M.S. for detailed information about required and elective coursework.

Guidelines for Research Proposal and Thesis Preparation

Thesis —

  • Thesis committee formed
  • Thesis proposal written and reviewed by committee
  • Faculty advisor and the thesis committee monitor progression of research project and final thesis presentation/defense
  • Draft research proposal and presentation completed by end of second semester

Time Frame —

  • Online courses are designed to be completed in eight weeks (w/exception of literature research proposal)
  • Earliest possible program completion: two years
  • Students urged to complete the program within four years of admission to maintain momentum and focus
  • Three credit hours per calendar year required to remain in good standing. Failure to do so will require re-admittance.
  • Degree must be completed within 10 years from initial enrollment per KU policy

Financial Aid —

  • Master's students are responsible for their own tuition, fees and living expenses.
  • For information about federal financial aid, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.