FAQs – MSPharm Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Master of Science in Pharmacy Online Degree Program – University of Florida
Q. Who needs an MSPharm degree?
A. Students who enroll in this program may aspire to work in or currently work in the pharmacy benefits management industry, the insurance industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies.
Q. How does an MSPharm enhance my career path?
A. With challenging economic times, comes the need for specialization, expertise and credentials. There will always be a need for pharmacy business managers with advanced training, who can fill a specific niche in the employment market. The MSPharm & MBA degrees are a benefit to professionals who want to stand out in the pharmacy profession and in the industry workforce.
Q. Will the Master of Science in Pharmacy degree qualify me to obtain a license to practice pharmacy?
A. No. The only degree currently offered in the United States that qualifies the recipient to practice pharmacy is the Pharm.D. degree. The University of Florida does not have an online Pharm.D. degree program.
Q. Are these programs open only to pharmacists?
A. No. About half of our students are pharmacists and the other students have a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. The diversity of our student body is its strength.
Q. Is relocation required?
A. No. All courses are taught online.
Q. Are there any on-campus seminars required for this program?
A. No. Seminars are not a requirement of the MSPharm/MBA program. Students enrolled in other UF online programs are scheduled for several weekend seminars as a part of their specific program. This program is exempt.
Q. What will the diplomas say on them?
A. Two diplomas will be awarded in two different commencement ceremonies. The University of Florida Diploma will say, "Master of Science in Pharmacy," and the Stetson University diploma will say "Master of Business Administration."
Q. How are the Internet courses taught?
A. These courses use WebCT as the learning platform, and this is where the assignments are found. Also on WebCT are pre-recorded lectures and discussion boards. Live classes are held two to three times weekly using Elluminate, which is a virtual classroom product with which students call all hear each other and participate together in problem-solving exercises.
Q. When can a student begin the program?
A. There are two entry points into the program, and in the fall and spring of each year.
Note:
Spring and Fall starters have the same courses, with these exceptions:
• Students starting in Fall, take Introduction to Pharmacoepidemiology from UF (late fall, year two);
• Students starting in Spring, take Regulating Pharmaceutical Access & Cost from UF (late spring, year one).
Q. How do I apply to the program?
A. Apply to the University of Florida program first. Go to the UF graduate admissions Web site: https://gradschool.ufl.edu/students/application-and-admission.html. Then fill out an online Graduate application. For ‘Program Selected’ option, indicate "Applied Pharmacoeconomics." Under ‘Joint Degree,’ type in "MSPharm/MBA."
You will need to have your transcripts and GRE score (unless exempt) sent to UF, along with a resume.
Q. Does acceptance by UF guarantee acceptance by Stetson?
A. No, your information will be referred to Stetson University and they will contact you about the process for application to their program. UF Student admissions are also reviewed with the business requirements in mind.
Q. What documentation is required for the admission process?
A. In order to complete the application process, typically, three things must be mailed to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, P.O. Box 100496, Gainesville, FL 32610-0496.
1) Transcripts, from all colleges and universities you have attended
2) GRE score (if applicable to you)
3) Professional Resume
Q. Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation?
A. No. This is not required for the distance learning master’s programs.
Q. How are the courses taught on the Internet?
A. Each course relies on a core textbook or a set of readings. The teaching platform is Electronic Learning System (ELS), an adaptation of Blackboard developed by the University of Florida. On ELS, video and audio lectures are available at any time. Students and faculty engage in spirited discussions on the discussion board. ELS is where students find their written assignments and they turn in their assignments through ELS. Live classes are held in the evenings using Elluminate, a virtual classroom program. These live classes are usually held twice per week and students can view archived classes that they miss. Live classes emphasize critical thinking and case studies.
Q. How will I be graded?
A. The grading differs from one course to another. Usually professors assign grades based on class participation, written assignments, and performance on a midterm exam or project and the final exam or project.
Q. How long does it take to complete the program?
A. Fall Starters take 33 months to complete, with no breaks. Spring Starters take 40 months to complete, including a break for first summer & second fall.
Q. What are the academic requirements for admission to the programs?
A. You must have an undergraduate degree (in any field) or a Pharm.D. degree. You must take the Graduate Record Exam and obtain an acceptable score. Applicants who have already earned a master’s degree and applicants who have already earned a doctorate (Pharm.D., J.D., M.D., Ph.D.) may be exempt from the requirement to submit a GRE score.
Q. What is the deadline for admission?
A. For those who wish to begin their studies with the fall semester (late August), the deadline to apply is June 15. For those who wish to begin their studies with the spring semester (January), the deadline to apply is November 15.
Q. How much do the programs cost?
A. UF tuition is $650 per credit-hour, and Stetson tuition is $1,000. The total tuition for the program leading to both degrees is currently set at $39,600.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Yes. Federal loans are available to those who are pursuing a master’s degree. Scholarships are currently being developed, but there are currently no university-based scholarships for these programs.
Q. What is the deadline paying tuition, and what is the policy for reimbursement if I must withdraw from class?
A. Tuition must be paid by 5 p.m. on Friday of the first week of class each semester. Full tuition reimbursement is extended to anyone who withdraws before 5 p.m. on Friday of the first week of class each semester. A 50% tuition reimbursement is extended to anyone who withdraws before 5 p.m. on Friday of the second week of class each semester. Students who withdraw from class after 5 p.m. on Friday of the second week of class will not be reimbursed for tuition they have paid. Petitions describing medical hardships and other personal circumstances, with request for a refund beyond these allowances, will be accepted but there is no guarantee of approval.
