UF Pharmaceutical Chemistry M.S. Program

[AnthroMD]

Just wanted to see what people think about the new M.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UF. It's a Distance Learning program, so it's completely online except for a 3 day final review/examination- 1 credit course at the end of the program. It seems pretty interesting, which would give one applying either to M.D., PharmD, or PhD programs an edge on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, with a couple classes on genetics, biochemistry, and drug synthesis.

I'm thinking about this program for postbacc to increase my chances of medical school acceptance, so I hope this is a viable postbacc option. I know USF also has an online Medical Masters in Health Sciences but it takes two fall and spring semesters to complete...

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[MdLilI]

Just wanted to see what people think about the new M.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UF. It's a Distance Learning program, so it's completely online except for a 3 day final review/examination- 1 credit course at the end of the program. It seems pretty interesting, which would give one applying either to M.D., PharmD, or PhD programs an edge on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, with a couple classes on genetics, biochemistry, and drug synthesis.

I'm thinking about this program for postbacc to increase my chances of medical school acceptance, so I hope this is a viable postbacc option. I know USF also has an online Medical Masters in Health Sciences but it takes two fall and spring semesters to complete...

I myself interested in these programs....getting my B.S @ USF end of this year and not sure about which program I want to go....the M.S @ USF on Health Science concentration or the UF Distance program(?!)
Did you find out anything more about these Masters programs? 🙂..the problem is the USF Masters program is that it only starts during the Fall Term. The UF program starts every semester since it is a Distance Learning program..Did you start any of them yet?😕

 

[MasterChief88]

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[deleted248403]

I wouldn't touch an online program unless you've got a very good reason. Online isn't well respected and isn't exactly validated (in the sense, i could take your classes for you and they cant prove otherwise)...

Only time I would do online if you were deployed abroad in the military or at a base where there is no nearby university etc.

For those living in the US, and without a good reason - it is a poor choice and will be looked upon poorly on a resume IMO

 

[AnthroMD]

I haven't started taking any classes yet, but if you are really interested in taking some of the classes they also have a non-degree option (but there's a limit to the maximum number of non-degree credits you can take). They also also have a certificate program. Can't post links but if you do a search at UF's main page for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, you'll find what you're looking for.
I've given a lot of thought to the Pharm Chem at UF and also about the USF programs in anatomy, molecular medicine, and pharmacology. Alas, I have a lot of decisions to make as soon as I graduate. Plus I'm still waiting for my MCAT scores.

I myself interested in these programs....getting my B.S @ USF end of this year and not sure about which program I want to go....the M.S @ USF on Health Science concentration or the UF Distance program(?!)
Did you find out anything more about these Masters programs? 🙂..the problem is the USF Masters program is that it only starts during the Fall Term. The UF program starts every semester since it is a Distance Learning program..Did you start any of them yet?😕

 

[jslo85]

I wouldn't touch an online program unless you've got a very good reason. Online isn't well respected and isn't exactly validated (in the sense, i could take your classes for you and they cant prove otherwise)...

Only time I would do online if you were deployed abroad in the military or at a base where there is no nearby university etc.

For those living in the US, and without a good reason - it is a poor choice and will be looked upon poorly on a resume IMO

👍

 

[TrueChemist]

That's not always true that online degrees are looked on poorly. This particular program at UF is actually quite good. The 3 day oral and written final will determine if you get the degree or not. Also, I think the exams are proctored (at least for the polymer chemistry masters they are proctored). I actually took one of the Forensic Toxicology courses through them, and it was very good. Everything was online. You had to apply what you learned and write extensive papers. The professor (Dr Tebbett) who teaches it is actually a top rated forensic scientist. He was very helpful and available. It was very practical, and really got down to the meat and potatoes of things like HPLC, GC, AA, TLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, etc.

A good example of a great school that does an online pharmacy school and medical school is Creigton University. They are highly rated, and tough to get into. (forgive my spelling).

It all depends on how you learn. Personally, I've been a chemist for 11 years, and I must say that you have to be a self starter, and teach yourself most of the time in the field. You have to want it to really get whats going on. As a working chemist, I'd say that this is a good choice.

Now some programs are not that great...for instance, I wouldn't go to University of Phoenix for a scientific degree.

University of Florida is a great school, and they are highly rated. Online learning is not for everyone, so it just depends on you. Just think about it...if you wanted to learn a new language, don't you think that you are smart enough to learn it on your own with the proper tools and mentoring? You can. People who CLEP out of classes are good candidates for such programs too.

Its funny that people think that online learning is worthless... I actually earned my MBA online and it increased my salary by 15,000 (I was highly paid before the increase!!). It has also given me opportunity for management, because my company is now pushing for me to get into management. They are even paying for my six sigma green belt training. I'm sorry, but a 15,000 increase in salary via distance learning was well worth it for me. Once I'm in management after my nine months of management training, my salary will increase again.

So all I'm saying is this...Just be smart about the school you choose. Learn about the reputation. Contact the professors and ask lots of questions.
Call Dr Tebbett and pick his brain.

Chow