Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

How many students have completed the program?

More than 500 students have completed the program since its inception in 2006.

How many students are currently enrolled in the program?

About 125 students are currently enrolled in the program.

When can I start the program?

Students can start the program in Fall (August) or Spring (January).

How much does it cost?

For the M.S. degree, tuition totals $24,750.  University-assessed fees of approximately $1,000 – $1,500 also apply. The cost of textbooks and course supplies totals approximately $1,000.

For the graduate certificate, tuition totals $11,250.  University-assessed fees of approximately $500 – $750 also apply. The cost of textbooks and course supplies totals approximately $500. 

More on tuition costs and financial aid options

How often do I have to be on campus?

The program can be completed 100% online. There is no longer an on-campus requirement for the M.S. program or any of the Graduate Certificate programs.

Do I have to go straight through, or can I take a break and spread out my studies??

The M.S. degree can be completed in less than 2 years.  However, students have the option to take half-semesters or full semesters off when needed, and may take as long as 7 years to complete the degree.

The graduate certificate program can be completed in 3-4 semesters (1 year – 16 months).  Students have the option to take half-semesters or full semesters off, and may take as long as 7 years to complete the certificate. 

What kind of jobs do program alums get after graduation?

The answer depends on the specialty track, as well as on the individual student’s educational and professional background.  Please refer to the Career Outcomes section of our Website for track-specific information

Visit the Career Outcomes page for more information about career paths and the types of professionals who benefit most from this program.

Do the diploma or transcript show that I completed the classes online?

No. The degree earned is the same as on-campus students earn, and neither the diploma, nor the transcript say that the program was completed online.

Is the program accredited?

The program is fully accredited because it is a graduate program offered through the University of Florida. As such, the program must meet the same set of standards as all other graduate programs at UF, whether online or on campus. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.The College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), which is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education. ACPE accreditation standards apply only to professional programs that train students to become pharmacists; it does not offer any accreditation standards for graduate pharmacy programs like the online M.S. in Pharmacy program.

What degrees and credentials will I earn if I complete the M.S. program?

The degree is a Master of Science in Pharmacy, Major in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concentration in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy. Provided that you complete all required courses in your chosen focus area, you will also earn a graduate certificate in that area. Your official UF transcript will show both of these credentials.

What is the average class size?

Class size varies a great deal in the program. The initial class that most students take, called POP Foundations, will likely be the largest class that you will take, since virtually all starting students begin there. There can be as many as 50 or 60 students in that virtual classroom. After completion of Foundations, class sizes are much smaller, since students are branching out and completing classes in whichever order they’d like. Some classes have enrollments as small as 8 or 10 students.