A pathway for pharmacist-clinical researchers
The PharmD-MSCR program is intended to prepare graduates who can connect the realities of patient care with the tools of clinical research. Students build the foundation to ask important medication-related questions, conduct rigorous studies, and translate findings into practice.
Complete both degrees efficiently
The integrated pathway is designed so students can complete the PharmD and MSCR in four academic years rather than completing the two degrees sequentially.
Build a rigorous clinical research skill set
Students complete graduate-level training in clinical research design, epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, statistical computing, research ethics, data collection and management, clinical epidemiology, health disparities, scientific writing, and research presentation.
Integrate research with pharmacy practice
Students complete the core PharmD curriculum, IPPEs, APPEs, and a longitudinal clinical practice experience while developing a mentored research project.
Work with UCSF faculty mentors
Students may work with faculty across the School of Pharmacy, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF Health, and other UCSF research programs.
Prepare for multiple career pathways
Graduates will be prepared for roles in academic health systems, government, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, regulatory science, clinical research organizations, health systems, and other settings where medication expertise and clinical research skills are both valued.
Produce scholarly work
The MSCR portion includes mentored research culminating in a comprehensive literature critique, an abstract submitted to a national or international scientific meeting, and a first-author manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.