Who is this program for?
This unique opportunity is for individuals looking for a specialized field of healthcare and science poised for exciting growth and world-changing potential. It is a graduate program, a science degree (e.g., chemistry, biology, medical technician, etc.) or a professional degree (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, master of science in genetic counseling, etc.) is required.

I already have a professional degree - why should I pursue an MS degree in PGx?
Our MS in PGx program provides an in-depth scientific exploration of drug-gene relationships as a component of precision medicine.  Our core courses in human genetics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and molecular biology provide the foundational scientific knowledge that our students apply in our pharmacogenomics-specific courses.  Upon completion of our MS in PGx, graduates will have a complete picture of the role PGx plays in precision medicine as well as snapshot into the future of precision medicine.  The MS in PGx will equip graduates to understand and apply pharmacogenomics leading to improved patient outcomes.

I currently have a PharmD, what opportunities do you expect pharmacists to have with the MS in PGx degree?
Pharmacists are now being hired in laboratories to be the translational individuals connecting the science to the clinic. Examples include YouScript (Invitae), Great Lakes Laboratories, and OneOme and there will be others. Labs will be expanding and need these translational expertise of these individuals. 

Can I earn continuing education (CE) credits from the MS in PGx program?
None of our courses are accredited for CE credit.

Why should I pursue a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics verses completing a Pharmacogenomics certificate program?
A MS degree will give the graduate extensive training in PGx and will provide a more scientific background than a continuing education-based certificate program.  The certificate programs largely focus on patient care, but don’t delve into the basic sciences that are important for a complete understanding of PGx and personalized medicine. Currently the certificate training program are largely available to pharmacists and while there are components of basic science, the depth and breadth of molecular biology, genetics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics related to pharmacogenomics is cursory and not to the depth and breadth as that in an MS program. 

Do I need to take the GRE for admissions into the program?
No - we do not require students to take the GRE to be considered for the MS in PGx program at Manchester University!

What sort of references are preferred?
Professional, such as professors, or supervisors from related work/efforts.

Can a student transfer in credits?
External coursework may be considered for the master's program for transfer credit if all of the following conditions are met:

• The course work is completed at a regionally accredited institution.
• The course work is substantially similar to Manchester courses.
• The final grade posted for each potential transfer course is a 'B' grade (or better).
• The course work does not duplicate, overlap, or regress previous work.
• The university or college offering the courses allows these courses to be used for credit towards its own Master's degree.
• No more than 8.5 credits for work completed elsewhere may be counted toward the Master's degree. The 8.5 credit limit applies to transfer of credits and credit for prior learning.

The transfer work must first be officially approved by the PGx Council, then accepted into the University through the University Registrar.  Students should contact the Director for PGx Operations directly for additional details regarding transfer credit policies.

• In order for approved transfer credit to be awarded, students must submit an official transcript that clearly indicates all of the following information for each course:
• Course codes or numbers
• Course titles or descriptions
• Final grades earned
• Course credits earned

Does Manchester University provide housing to graduate students?
No, Manchester University does not provide housing to graduate students.

Is there a fee to apply?
Yes, costs update annually on PharmGRAD.