School of Pharmacy-Boston Division of Graduate Studies

MCPHS University–Boston School of Pharmacy–Boston Graduate Programs Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Pharmaceutical Business and Administrative Sciences

Professors Acquaah-Mensah, Belmonte (Emeritus), Camiel, Campbell, Chuong, Cohen (Emeritus), D’Souza, Eguale, Friel, Kerr, Kosegarten (Emeritus), , Mehanna, Migliore, Priefer, Rittenhouse, Williams (Emeritus), Zaghloul; Associate Professors Andey, Betharia, Frankhauser, Gayakwad, , Kaplita, Kelley, Kiel, Landry, Maher (Emeritus) Metcalf, Mekary,, Pino-Figueroa, Sharma, Smith, Sridhar, Tataronis, Yan, Zhang; Assistant Professors Murimi-Worstell, Train

Degree Programs

Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy* Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology Master of Science in Clinical Research* Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research* Graduate Certificate in Health Policy* Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs* One-year Master of Science in Clinical Research for MCPHS University Undergraduates

*Boston and Online programs

The Division of Graduate Studies is dedicated to the education of advanced students in the pharmaceutical sciences and health sciences. Each graduate program deepens students’ understanding in specialized fields of knowledge to prepare them for leadership roles in higher education, industry, government, and healthcare practice.

Graduate education is highly individualized with respect to both coursework and research requirements as relevant to the individual programs. MCPHS University requires specific courses relevant to the discipline that enable the student to develop the requisite conceptual and technical competencies needed to initiate meaningful research towards discovery learning. Students also must develop the communication skills required to disseminate professional and scientific information. Finally, and most important, graduate students are expected to demonstrate an ever-increasing ability to independently identify and resolve significant problems in their areas of specialization.

Participation in Research

Research, the experimental portion of graduate education, is the major focus of the course of study in many graduate programs and prepares students for their future careers. For certain programs, the advanced degree is awarded only after the timely completion of a written thesis or dissertation on the student’s research. This research must be an original work of a quality that merits publication following critical peer review. Experienced faculty mentors work closely with students to guide them in their research and other educational endeavors.

Participation in Research

Research, the experimental portion of graduate education, is the major focus of the course of study in many graduate programs and prepares students for their future careers. The advanced degree is awarded after completion of the approved program, which in some programs, includes a written thesis or dissertation on the student’s research. This research must be an original work of a quality that merits publication following critical peer review. Experienced faculty mentors work closely with students to guide them in their research and other educational endeavors.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science

The Master of Science (MS) degree is conferred upon graduate students who have mastered the advanced scientific knowledge and basic research methodology in their area of specialization and fulfilled the following basic requirements: • Successful completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of credit at the graduate level, including 3 credit hours of research, a capstone course, or a case study thesis. PEP students must complete 36 hours. • Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all coursework taken at the University. Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of the GPA. • Presentation of an acceptable thesis embodying the results of original research which has been openly defended and approved by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee or dissemination of a case study in the field of study based upon programmatic requirements. • Passing a general oral examination covering the major field and the thesis in those programs that require the same. • Spending a minimum of one but no more than three continuous academic years in residence at the University conducting the student’s thesis research. All graduate students involved in research continue to register for Graduate Study Extension (PSB 895) until their research is completed and thesis defended. • Completion of all requirements for the Master of Science degree within a period of four years NOTE: Additional requirements may be established by the individual graduate programs that are included in the program descriptions. The student’s individual program of study is planned jointly with his or her Graduate Advisory Committee, which includes at least three graduate faculty members. Specific program requirements supersede general graduate requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy

The granting of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is based on evidence of general proficiency and distinctive attainments in a specialized field, particularly on the demonstrated ability to conduct independent and original investigation. For the PhD degree, the student must complete the following basic requirements: • A minimum of 50 credit hours at the graduate level and no less than 4 nor more than 10 credit hours (excluding summers) of doctoral research. A minimum of 8 credit hours within the minor also may be required. A student who has earned a Master of Science degree from another institution must complete a minimum of 40 credit hours at MCPHS in addition to the other requirements of the PhD program. • Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all coursework taken at the University. Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of the GPA. • Successful completion of qualifying examinations, both written and oral, in the major and minor disciplines (areas of concentration) prior to the defense of a dissertation proposal. A student has no more than 2 attempts in each of the written and oral qualifying examinations. . The comprehensive qualifying examinations are determined and conducted twice per year. • Presentation of a dissertation that is a contribution to knowledge in the major discipline and that has been openly defended and approved by the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee • Completion of no less than one but no more than five continuous academic years of residence at the University conducting dissertation research. All graduate students involved in research continue to register for Graduate Study Extension (PSB 895) until their research is completed and dissertation defended. • From the date of matriculation into the PhD program, completion of all requirements for the PhD must be done within six years. For students transferring credits from a MS degree in the same area, the completion of all requirements for the PhD must be done within four years from date of matriculation. NOTE: Additional requirements for students who pursue the PhD directly and bypass the MS, may be required to demonstrate a competency in an area related to the major or minor. Individual programs of study are jointly determined by the student and his or her Graduate Advisory Committee, and specify such requirements. Specific program requirements supersede general graduate requirements.

Graduate Advisory Committee

For those programs requiring a thesis or dissertation, the Graduate Advisory Committee shall consist of at least three graduate faculty members, two from the major discipline and one from a different discipline. The Graduate Advisory Committee is recommended by the graduate student and their graduate advisor with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT Form). While graduate faculty are the core of graduate research, the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies can appoint other University faculty or adjunct faculty with

unique specialization to serve on Graduate Advisory Committees to provide enrichment to the dissertation research. The advisor is responsible for coordinating the activity of the Graduate Advisory Committee and ensuring compliance with Graduate Studies regulations. The Graduate Advisory Committee should be appointed after a student has chosen their field of specialization (discipline), but no later than 18 months after the student matriculates.

The student must meet at least once per semester with and provide written progress reports to their Graduate Advisory Committee from the time of appointment of the committee until completion of the requirements for the degree. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies shall be notified in writing of these meetings by the graduate advisor, as well as being provided with copies of the progress reports. More frequent meetings of the Graduate Advisory Committee and the student are encouraged in order to facilitate student-committee interaction. Meetings may be called at the discretion of the student, the advisor, or if two or more members of the Graduate Advisory Committee request such a meeting.

Academic advising

Graduate Advisory Committee Graduate faculty have responsibility for ensuring that the standards of graduate academic performance are maintained; and to stimulate the development of creative inquiry, professional integrity, and intellectual honesty. Graduate faculty possess the appropriate terminal degree in their discipline; are actively involved in research and scholarly or creative endeavors appropriate to their discipline; maintain their activities in their graduate discipline by consistently offering graduate coursework and the mentoring of graduate students in their thesis research. While graduate faculty are the core of graduate research, the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies can appoint other University faculty or adjunct faculty with unique specialization to serve on Graduate Advisory Committees to provide enrichment to the thesis research.

Full-time Master of Science Graduate Students The Graduate Advisory Committee consists of at least three graduate faculty members, two from the major discipline and one from a different discipline. The Graduate Advisory Committee is recommended by the graduate student and their graduate advisor with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT Form). The Graduate Advisory Committee should be appointed after a student has chosen their field of specialization (discipline), but no later than 18 months after the student matriculates. In the interim, the student is advised by an interim graduate faculty advisor from the student’s major discipline. The student must meet at least once per semester with their Graduate Advisory Committee from the time of appointment of the Graduate Advisory Committee until completion of the requirements for the Master of Science degree. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies is notified in writing of these meetings by the graduate advisor. More frequent meetings of the Graduate Advisory Committee and the student are encouraged in order to facilitate student-committee interaction. Meetings may be called at the discretion of the student, the advisor, or if two or more members of the Graduate Advisory Committee request such a meeting.

Full-time PhD Students The Graduate Advisory Committee shall consist of at least three graduate faculty members, two from the major discipline and one from a different discipline. The Graduate Advisory Committee is recommended by the graduate student and their research advisor with the approval of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT FORM). The advisor is responsible for coordinating the activity of the Graduate Advisory Committee and ensuring compliance with Graduate Studies regulations. The Graduate Advisory Committee should be appointed after a student has chosen their field of specialization (discipline), but no later than 18 months after the student matriculates.

The student must meet at least once per semester with and provide written progress reports to their Graduate Advisory Committee from the time of appointment of the committee until completion of the requirements for the degree. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies shall be notified in writing of these meetings by the research advisor, as well as being provided with copies of the progress reports. More frequent meetings of the Graduate Advisory Committee and the student are encouraged in order to facilitate student-committee interaction. Meetings may be called at the discretion of the student, the research advisor, or if two or more members of the Graduate Advisory Committee request such a meeting.

Admission to Degree Candidacy

Formal admission to candidacy occurs when the student with full graduate status actually becomes a candidate for the Master of Science or PhD degree as regulated by the Graduate Council. Such admission requires approval of the student's Advisory Committee, through formal application (Petition to Graduate in Graduate Studies form) on or before the dates stipulated by the current University regulations on file with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. Admission to candidacy depends, among other requirements, upon the maintenance of an overall "B" average or higher, and all grades of "I" must be removed. The graduate student seeking candidacy for the doctoral degree may do so following the successful completion of the qualifying examinations. The degree requirements for the PhD degree program should be satisfied within two years of satisfactorily completing the qualifying examination and within maximum time limits delineated under Degree Requirements.

Change of Program

Graduate students should work carefully with their major professors and advisory committees in designing their degree programs. If a change in the degree program is deemed appropriate, it must be approved by the major advisor, the Graduate Advisory Committee, and the Graduate Council, with recommendation to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. Only grades of B or higher may be transferred and used towards total credit count. A change of Program form must be completed. Students are not generally allowed to change programs until completion of at least one academic year (two semesters).

Probation and Dismissal

Probation Policy The Graduate Academic Standing Committee will recommend a student be placed on probation in his/her graduate program for unsatisfactory performance in either the classroom or laboratory. Reasons for being placed on probation will include: Failure to achieve a minimum passing grade in either a required or elective course all as specified in the student’s program. Failure to achieve and maintain the minimum cumulative GPA as specified in the student’s program. Failure to achieve a satisfactory grade in seminar, lab-rotation, and/or research. NOTE: For students that are on probation but are unable to repeat a required course due to the course being closed or not available in the immediate succeeding term, the student will continue on probation but this will not be considered another violation. Thus, the probation period is extended up to the next available course offering. This is not deemed as lack of demonstrating improvement at the end of the first probationary period. Probationary status is not subject to appeal. Students are expected to complete the corrective action and return to good standing during the next regular semester (i.e. Fall or Spring).

Dismissal Policy A graduate student may be dismissed form his/her graduate program in the following ways: • The Graduate Academic Standing Committee recommends dismissal to the Dean of the School of Pharmacy because: • the student failed to return to good standing after being placed on probation for two consecutive terms or; • the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee recommends to the Graduate Academic Standing Committee that the student be dismissed because i) the student failed to meet the continuation or progression standards (eg PhD student has failed two attempts at either of the oral or written qualifying exams) or; ii) two-thirds of the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee members formally vote that the student has not made satisfactory research progress in the program or; iii) the student was unsuccessful in defending his/her thesis or dissertation. • If the Dean of the School of Pharmacy accepts the recommendation of the Graduate Academic Standing Committee, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy shall notify the student of the decision.

2. The Dean of Students may dismiss a student from the graduate program for other situations listed in the Student Handbook. A student whose conduct (see Student Code of Conduct in Student Handbook) is unsatisfactory may be dismissed from the University at any time. In such a case, tuition fees paid for the current academic term will not be refunded.

In all cases, the dismissed student will receive written notice of dismissal which will include procedures for appeal, and notice of loss of housing, financial aid, and registration. Written notices will also outline any conditions the student should meet in an effort to gain readmission (e.g., taking a specific course and achieving a specific grade).

Appeal of a Dismissal Decision based upon recommendation of the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee The student may appeal in writing to the Dean of the School of Pharmacy who will convene a Faculty Panel to review the appeal and make a recommendation as to the student’s appeal to the Dean of the School of Pharmacy. This review should include copies of prior documents of the appeals process. The student has the right to directly address the Faculty Panel; the Faculty Panel may conduct any enquiry necessary for the review process. The Faculty Panel’s recommendation shall be prepared in writing and submitted to the Dean of the School. The recommendation and all documentation is to be retained in the student's file. A negative decision by the Dean may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, whose decision is final.

Repeating Courses

A student’s Graduate Advisory Committee may permit the student to repeat a course as long as the successful completion of the course would allow the student to meet the minimum requirement of the program including cumulative GPA and progression. Credit hours from courses that were repeated are counted only once. A student is not allowed to attempt a course more than twice.

Simultaneous Enrollment in another Degree Program

Any student currently enrolled in the master's or doctoral degree in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Business and Administrative Sciences programs at MCPHS may not enroll simultaneously in another undergraduate or graduate degree program at MCPHS or another University or university unless permitted by the Graduate Council.

Student Participation in Proprietary Research

When the Faculty of the University are involved in research, some of which may be of a proprietary nature, particular care must be taken to ensure that the need for graduate students to publicly present and publicly defend the results of their thesis or dissertation research is not compromised. Graduate student advisors, and graduate students themselves, therefore, share in the responsibility to ensure that graduate students do not become involved in thesis or dissertation research that is, or has the potential to become, proprietary if participation in that research delays completion of their degree requirements or negatively affects their productivity or future employability.

The policy of the Division of Graduate Studies and the University is that a faculty member or a graduate student cannot enter into an agreement that prevents or significantly delays the presentation or publication of research results. Journal publication delays not exceeding a year are acceptable, but publication of PhD dissertation materials through ProQuest is a requirement of the Division of Graduate Studies and, thus, cannot be delayed. In instances where, despite good faith efforts on the part of the research advisor, and the graduate student, the graduate student's thesis or dissertation research is later found to be of a proprietary nature, the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies will be notified immediately. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, in turn, immediately convenes a meeting of the graduate student, the research advisor, and members of the student's thesis or dissertation committee. This group, in consultation with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies resolves the problem. If the situation cannot be resolved through the efforts of this group, a ruling is made by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

Thesis

A thesis contributing new knowledge is required on a topic in the major discipline. Prior to a student being certified as a candidate for the thesis track MS degree, s/he submits a research proposal on the proposed topic. Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy and Master of Science in Clinical Research students seeking to enroll in DRA 810 Case Study Thesis must submit a one-page proposal letter for approval by the program director or course faculty. The proposal must comply with the Handbook for the Preparation of Graduate Theses and Dissertations and/or MCPHS University School of Pharmacy Division of Graduate Studies Handbook for the Preparation of Graduate Theses and Dissertations as amended from time to time. This proposal should show evidence of creative integration of course material, superimposed on a sound understanding of the pertinent literature.

Upon approval of the research proposal by the research advisor, Graduate Advisory Committee, school dean or department chair, and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, the latter with regard to availability and utilization of resources, the student is certified as a candidate for the thesis track Master of Science degree. The Graduate Advisory Committee critically reviews the written proposal. The student should understand that the proposal is acceptable only if it is imaginative and provides a scientifically rigorous test of a meaningful hypothesis. The proposal may be strengthened with data from preliminary experiments. Within two weeks of the submission of the written proposal to the committee, the student presents and defends the research proposal orally before the committee. The student is questioned on those methodologies and background areas needed to complete successfully the proposed research. Such admission to candidacy must occur at least three months prior to completing requirements for the degree. The Division of Graduate Studies recognizes that the student's research may deviate substantially from that originally proposed. The student should be encouraged to pursue promising leads; however, long-term changes in the direction of the student’s research should be in consultation with the Graduate Advisory Committee.