Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm)

Be Pharmacy's Future with a Master of Science in Pharmacy 

The Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm) is an advanced professional practice program for experienced pharmacists that builds on entry to practice degree programs.

The MScPhm program educates and trains pharmacists with high potential for leadership and a passion for becoming clinical pharmacy academics and leaders.

The program provides an opportunity for students to gain advanced clinical therapeutic knowledge and practice experience in a defined area, in addition to research, education and leadership skills.

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy offers a variety of programs for practicing pharmacists, learn what program is right for you by visiting the link below.

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About the Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm)

Pharmacists may complete the MScPhm program on a full-time or part-time basis

The next cohort of MScPhm students (full-time and part-time) will enter the program in September 2023.

What is the MScPhm program

The Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm) program is developed for practicing pharmacists who are looking for the next challenge in their careers. The program offers an advanced learning experience customized to a student-chosen area of practice, growth, and leadership interest.

The goal of the MScPhm degree is to prepare high-potential pharmacy professionals eager to build on entry-to-practice degree programs, such as the BScPhm or PharmD, and their experience, to further advance their skills, and go on to be professional leaders, teachers, and clinicians. 

How is the MScPhm  different from other MSc programs in pharmacy?

The MScPhm program is an advanced professional practice program with a research-informed, scientific focus as the foundation of all components. While the thesis-based MSc in pharmaceutical sciences is more research-intensive, the MScPhm program brings together research training, graduate-level coursework, and advanced clinical learning.  

The program is also designed to offer a deep dive into a chosen area of focus. For example, MScPhm students can choose to focus on a specific clinical area, on pedagogy, or in organizational behaviour, management, and leadership in alignment with the expertise of their graduate faculty supervisor.

Similar to students in a traditional MSc program, MScPhm students have the benefit of individualized guidance throughout the program from a graduate faculty supervisor who is an advanced practice clinician. 

What will I gain from this program?

MScPhm students can expect to graduate from the program with an understanding of advanced pharmacy practice principles and deep content knowledge in a defined area. Core courses in advanced pharmacy practice leadership (PHM1143), pedagogy (PHM1141) and research methods (PHM1142) support these goals. 

Elective courses are selected from the wide array of  graduate courses offered  at U of T in accordance with students’ clinical, teaching and/or research goals.  As valued members of patient care teams and as pharmacy practice researchers and educators, graduates will be prepared to influence the provision of pharmaceutical care at the patient and population level.

What are the degree requirements?

Successful MScPhm students will have completed

• 3 mandatory courses: PHM1141, PHM1142, PHM1143
• 3 elective courses
• Clinical Practicum: 8 months
• Research Practicum: 8 months

The Clinical Practica courses will expand the student’s clinical experiences to further develop and establish their knowledge, skills, and judgment to an advanced level in a defined area of clinical pharmacy practice. A pharmacist in an advanced practice role will supervise the student practicums.

The research practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply content covered in foundational MScPhm courses by undertaking a research project. Students will develop a research protocol including the question, rationale, significance and methods, obtain regulatory and ethical approval to conduct the study as required, undertake the study and present their findings orally and in writing. Students will be supported by their graduate faculty supervisor.  

What is a graduate faculty supervisor?

The graduate faculty supervisor takes primary responsibility for assisting the MScPhm student in all aspects of their program.   A student may be supervised by two graduate faculty co-supervisors to optimise support in their specific areas of interest. In addition, MScPhm students are supported by a graduate advisory committee tailored to their area of focus.

Do I need to have a graduate faculty supervisor before applying?

No.  However, each candidate must indicate their area of focus in their application.  Therefore, candidates should reach out to potential supervisors before submitting their applications to ensure your interests align.

What is the time commitment?

This is a 24-month professional graduate program. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.  The curriculum is comprised of three components with approximately 8 months cumulatively dedicated to each: coursework, a clinical practicum, and a research project.  Part-time students may complete the program over a maximum of 4 years, however they must spend at least 12 months physically on site which can be divided into blocks of 4 months or longer. A key feature of this program is flexibility, and the scheduling of program activities are tailored to meet the needs of each student as much as possible. For example, a student could be enrolled in courses while starting the clinical practicum if that presents the best opportunity for the student.

How will the MScPhm benefit my career?

Graduates from the program will go on to hold leadership roles in health care and academic settings. The program will enable graduates to advance pharmacy practice as leaders within their health care teams or organization, to influence best practices and policies in their clinical area of expertise, and to shape the development of future pharmacists through academic faculty positions.

Who should apply?

 We are looking for high-potential practicing pharmacists with a strong academic background and who hold a professional pharmacy degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, successful applicants will be  pharmacists with demonstrated leadership experience or demonstrated potential, and a well-defined professional area of interest. Applicants should be genuinely interested in and excited by the opportunity to help drive practice changes, improve clinical care, and shape the next generation of pharmacists.

When do applications open and what is the selection process?

Applications are generally open from September through March. Applicant interviews are typically held in April with decisions communicated by May.  Newly admitted students begin the program each September.

This program includes clinical and research work with a primary supervisor, and applicants are required to identify an  area of focus. We encourage applicants to reach out to potential supervisors early in the application process, although a supervisor is not required to apply.Interested pharmacists whose circumstances prevent them from meeting application deadlines should contact the program co-leads.