Biopharmaceutical Sciences

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Mailing Address:
335 College of Pharmacy Building (MC 865)
833 South Wood Street
Chicago, Illinois 60612-7231

Campus Location: 335 PHARM
Program Codes: 20FS1903MS (MS); 20FS1903PHD (PhD)
Telephone: (312) 996-2253
E-mail: bpsdgs@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.bps.uic.edu/
Director of Graduate Studies: Richard A. Gemeinhart, PhD

The Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences offers work leading to degrees in Biopharmaceutical Sciences at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Course work and research are available in the areas of pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, cellular and molecular biology, nanopharmacy, and pharmacogenomics. Biopharmaceutical Sciences also participates in a joint PharmD/PhD program (see PharmD/PhD in this section of the catalog), the Medical Scientist Training Program (see Medical Scientist Training Program information in the College of Medicine section of the catalog), and the Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience.

Admission Requirements

Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Prior Degrees Baccalaureate degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, biological sciences, a related biomedical science area, or a doctor of pharmacy degree.
Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00.
Tests Required GRE General.
Minimum English Competency Test Score

TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.

Letters of Recommendation Three required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s training, ability, character, and potential for successful completion of the program.
Personal Statement Required; one page. The statement should address the applicant’s educational and professional objectives.
Other This program does not typically admit applicants for an MS degree.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
Course Work Required Core Courses: BPS 501, 502; and BSTT 400 or NURS 525; GC 401, 470, and 471. Students must register for BPS 595 every semester for a minimum of 4 hours.
Comprehensive Examination None.
Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis required. Students must earn at least 6 hours in BPS 598.

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 from the baccalaureate, 64 from the master’s.
Course Work Required Core Courses: BPS 501, 502; and BSTT 400 or NURS 525; GC 401, 470, and 471. Students must register for BPS 595 every semester for a minimum of 8 hours. At least 20 hours must be in 500-level didactic courses.
Electives: At least 14 hours must be in 400–500-level didactic courses and all courses should be selected in consultation with the student’s research advisor.
Preliminary Examination Required.
Dissertation Required. Students must earn at least 50 hours in BPS 599.
Other Requirements Please consult the departmental handbook for full information on all requirements.

Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience

Doctoral students may pursue the Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience. Refer to Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience in the Graduate College section for more information.