Overview

No GRE Required  100% Online  Thesis and Non-Thesis Tracks Available 

Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacy, International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences

The rapid expansion of pharmaceutical and biomedical products industries requires an increasing number of highly skilled regulatory science professionals.  Often serving as company liaisons with the regulatory authorities, these professionals are responsible for ensuring that their companies are compliant with complex regulatory policies and procedures within the countries in which they operate.  An online master’s in regulatory affairs, offered through the UGA College of Pharmacy, provides the credentials you need to serve in such capacities and advance your regulatory career in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and veterinary medicine.  
 
With the choice of either a thesis or non-thesis path to the degree, this regulatory sciences master’s degree is ideal for individuals who have a clear objective to pursue a career in regulatory affairs, as well as those with an industry background desiring an advanced education to thrive in regulatory management. 

What Career Options Are Available With An Online Masters In Regulatory Sciences / Affairs? 

Regulatory science professionals are employed in industry, government, and academia and provide a range of services related to the regulation, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, biologics, biotechnology, nutritional products, cosmetics, and veterinary products.

What Are The Benefits Of An Online Masters In Regulatory Sciences / Affairs? 

Regulatory affairs/sciences is a multi-disciplinary field.  By earning a master’s degree you can change your career, pursue advancement in your current role, or continue on to doctoral studies.  
This online regulatory sciences master’s program provides a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree while still meeting the demands of your busy schedule.  Online students are granted the same access to online resources, career services, library services, and technical support as all enrolled University of Georgia students to help ensure that you are equipped for success in every way. 

  
What Are The Differences Between The Non-thesis and Thesis Tracks? 

The non‐thesis pathway will engage you in the real‐world application, practice, development, and experiential learning needed for career success. These practical aspects of the job are highly desired by employers and the non‐thesis pathway is particularly suitable for students who do not plan to pursue research-intensive positions or continue on to doctoral studies.

The non-thesis path requires a minimum of 39 semester hours and includes an applied project or internship and a comprehensive examination.

The master's thesis path demonstrates research competencies, involves direct original research experience, and strengthens your potential application to Ph.D. programs.  A thesis may be especially valuable for work requiring research in cutting‐edge development companies.

This path requires a minimum of 38 semester hours and includes the development and oral defense of a research-based thesis. 

What is the difference between a Thesis and Project (Non-Thesis)? 

Why Choose the University of Georgia’s Online Master’s In Regulatory Sciences?

 
The University of Georgia’s online regulatory sciences master’s is unique in that it covers the requirements of both the medical and veterinary industries helping to ensure the development, manufacturing, and marketing of safe and effective medical products and therapies.  Topics of study include pharmaceutical, biologic, medical devices, animal health, international regulations, and combination products as well as the management and monitoring of clinical trials.

 

Download the complete Regulatory Sciences program brochure (PDF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As an online graduate of the University of Georgia, you become part of an extensive alumni network and a longstanding tradition of striving for excellence in every pursuit.  For over two hundred years, we have been on a mission of leadership and service, and today, we are ranked #16 among the nation’s top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report.

You also may be interested in these certificate programs:
Graduate Certificate Clinical Trials Design and Management

Graduate Certificate International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year. 

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $27,360 in tuition.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar's Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year's current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. 

 

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance for the M.S. in Pharmacy programs.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster professional growth and development. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
  • High-speed internet access.
  • Free software required for UGA students –Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Flash, Firefox and Chrome browsers, Zoom

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total Hours Required to Earn Degree:  38 - 39 (credit hours)

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program:  6

A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred into the program with Director's approval. The International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences Graduate Education Program is a member of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), which allows students to register for approved courses at an approved ARCHE member institution.

M.S. in Pharmacy Admission Requirements

Students applying to the University of Georgia must be accepted by the Graduate School. Any student holding a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in the sciences, healthcare, or engineering. Preference will also be given to applicants employed in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology industries or a related field.

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus - Online
  3. Select Intended Program - 
    • MS_PHRM_GWON: Thesis option
    • MS_PHRM_GONT: Non-thesis Project option
  4. Select Area of Emphasis - Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Regulatory Affairs 
  5. Submit the Supplemental Application - Complete the M.S. International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences Supplemental Application and email it to regsciences@uga.edu, or mail to the address on the form.
  6. International Applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  7. Résumé or Curriculum Vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
  8. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate's relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
  9. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
  10. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
  11. Professional or Academic Writing Sample: 
  • Not to exceed 5 pages
  • Should cover a regulatory sciences topic of your choice
  • This sample helps the department to evaluate your writing skills and determine your communication style. Be sure that your writing sample is grammatically correct and free of typographical errors and misspellings. Send the writing sample to the department along with your Personal Profile.

Interview with Department:  Schedule your interview with the department and ensure that it takes place PRIOR to the application deadline.

Choose either the Thesis or Project model and make note of the proper program code in your UGA Graduate School application.

  • MS_PHRM_GWON: Masters of Science Thesis option
  • MS_PHRM_GONT: Masters of Science Project option

 

M.S. in Pharmacy Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall:  June 1
  • Spring: November 1

International Applicants

  • Fall:  April 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • International Applicants - must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Applications submitted after the application deadlines will be marked for the following semester. We will only consider completed applications.

There are no new admissions for summer semesters.

Click here to access the UGA Calendar system, including the Academic Calendars, Registration Calendars, Payment Dates, and Final Exam dates.

 

 

Curriculum

The M.S. in Pharmacy—International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences curriculum covers requirements for pharmaceutical, biologic, medical device, animal health, international regulations, and combination products. Regulatory science professionals are employed in industry, government, and academia and provide a range of services related to the regulation, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, biologics, biotechnology, nutritional products, cosmetics, and veterinary products.

Students may choose either the non-thesis or thesis path to degree completion.

International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences Courses

  Fall Term Spring Term Summer Term

Sample Year (part-time schedule)
  • PHAR 6100: Quality Assurance & Quality Control
  • PHAR 6200: Clinical Trials & Monitoring
  • PHAR 6800: Applied Project
  • PHAR 6130: FDA Submissions
  • PHAR 7100: Biostatistics
  • PHAR 6210: Project Management for Clinical Trials

Master's in Regulatory Affairs Program Plan

38-39 Total Semester Hours (Thesis and Non-Thesis Project options)

Course topics include the 14 semester hours in the RS Certificate Program:

Core Courses (22 semester hours)

Completion of 14 semester hours (RS Certificate Program courses)

PHAR 6010 Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Device Industries (4 sem hrs)
PHAR 6020 Food and Drug Law (3 sem hrs)
PHAR 6030 Current Good Manufacturing Practices (4 sem hrs)
PHRM 7230 Ethical Issues in Research (3 sem hrs)

Additional Core Courses 

PHAR 6100 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (3 sem hrs)
PHAR 6120 Process Control and Validation (3 sem hrs)
PHAR 6130 FDA Applications and Submissions (4 sem hrs)
PHAR 7100 Biostatistical Applications for Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industries (3 sem hrs)
Master’s Thesis or Major Project

Advanced Electives (minimum of 6 semester hours)

Research Regulatory Affairs
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Internship in Regulatory Affairs (3 sem hrs)
Clinical Trials Design & Monitoring
Clinical Trials Project Management (3 sem hrs)
Developing Leadership Skills
Drug Development
Veterinary Products
Good Clinical Practice Regulations for Drugs, Biologic Products, and Medical Devices
European Pharmaceutical and Biologics Regulatory Sciences
Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls
Latin American Pharmaceutical and Biologics Regulatory Sciences

Thesis Track (6 semester hours)

The master's thesis is either a basic or applied research project conducted by the student and supervised by the student's advisory committee. A final oral examination is required.
PHRM 7000 Masters Research (3 sem hrs)
PHRM 7300 Masters Thesis (3 sem hrs)

Non-thesis Track (9 semester hours)

Students pursuing the non‐thesis track must complete and receive committee approval of a focused area of study/exploration and pass a comprehensive written examination, administered by the student’s graduate advisory committee.
Additional elective(s) or other appropriate courses related to the student’s career objective (3 sem hrs).

Applied project and/or internship related to the student’s career objective (3 hrs)
PHAR 6800 Applied Project in Regulatory Affairs
AND/OR
PHAR 6900 Internship in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs
Masters Seminar in Regulatory Affairs (3 sem hrs)

Student Handbook

Contact Information

Contact the online International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.

Email us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7948

Testimonials

Testimonials

"I chose UGA because of its phenomenal pharmacy program. We are ranked amongst the top 25 schools in the nation. I am loving how this program has really opened my mind to the breadth of work that regulatory affairs professionals do and how their diligence truly protects the American public health every day." - Tiffany Somereville, '20

"Being able to work on my degree online has been a major factor that has allowed me to enroll in this program since I work full time. The online learning system is easy to use and I really appreciate the different tools available for lectures and online class meetings.  Being able to effectively work independently and manage my time has been key in getting the most out of the online program." - Cassie Alexander, '19