Overview of Master of Science (MS) Degree Program in Pharmaceutical Admin
Majors Overview April 2, 2018This article talks about the Master of Science (MS) degree program in Pharmaceutical Admin and its education requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Master of Science (MS) Programs in Pharmaceutical Admin
A Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis on pharmacy administration and an MS in Pharmaceutical Administration are the common choices of graduates in this field. Some schools offer these degree programs in partially online formats. Full-time students typically complete an MS in Pharmaceutical Administration program within two years; they are also expected to complete a master’s project or thesis before they can graduate out of the program.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and submit GRE scores. However, schools may accept holders of a bachelor’s degree in any field of study provided the applicant reveals an aptitude for pharmaceutical administration and a strong interest.
Coursework
Coursework includes business and medical courses where students can gain a grasp of the role of the pharmacy and pharmacy managers as related to healthcare systems. The research, production and defense of a master’s project or thesis are requirements in most master’s programs. Core coursework may commonly cover topic areas such as:
•Healthcare marketing
•Pharmacoeconomics
•Pharmaceutical research
•Healthcare policy
•Medical information systems
•Drug development
•Health services management
Career Options
Graduates may seek careers as supervisors in medical environments. They equip themselves with expertise relating to the analysis of data and formation of policies in workplaces. They can seek careers at pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare management companies and clinics. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Administrator for hospitals, clinics or pharmacies
•Researcher for pharmaceutical or healthcare companies
•Health information manager
•Pharmacy Manager
•Policy analyst
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2016, medical and health services managers brought in an average annual wage of $96,540 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the 2016-2026 decade, these professionals are expected to see a job growth of 20% (BLS).
Continuing Education Options
Program graduates who seek continuing education may earn a Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Administration. The focus of the Ph.D. program is primarily on research related to healthcare and pharmaceutical topics, including consumer health behavior, managed healthcare, or information systems. Enrollees in most Ph.D. programs are required to complete a dissertation.