Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology
February 6, 2026
May 11, 2026
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MS Translational Pharmacology Info Session: November 12
11/12/2025 at 6:30 pm
Develop skills in preclinical or clinical trial design, toxicology, safety or clinical pharmacology, or advance your career in research administration.
The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program is designed for recent graduates and clinical professionals with a science, biotech or animal science background interested in advance their career and specializing in clinical trial design or preclinical toxicology and safety pharmacology studies.
The program is offered 100% online in an asynchronous format by the Ohio State College of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology and in collaboration with the Ohio State colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing, designed with you in mind to be flexible and work to fit your needs.
Choose from one of two specializations: Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology or Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Trial Design.
This non lab-based program is 30 – 36 credits and offers coursework in pharmacology, toxicology, and biostatistics, as well as training in the conduct of clinical trials.
Two tracks are offered to specialize your training:
The online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology offers two distinct specialization tracks, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
This track emphasizes the application of pharmacological science in clinical research, bridging the gap between bench science and patient care. Students gain expertise in studying biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenetics; designing and evaluating clinical trials; and analyzing adverse drug reactions and interactions.
Graduates may pursue clinical research careers as clinical trial administrators, project managers, quality assurance specialists, or roles in pharmaceutical sales. Those who already hold a doctoral degree may advance as clinical investigators, research scientists, clinical pharmacologists, or medical affairs specialists across the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations, and academic medical centers.
Upon completion of this specialization, students will have achieved core competencies as defined by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency.
This track focuses on enhancing the safe development of biologically active compounds. Students study the identification, monitoring, and characterization of potential adverse effects through preclinical testing. They learn to plan, conduct, and interpret in vivo and in vitro drug safety studies, including assessments of cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous system function.
Career pathways for graduates include entry- and mid-level roles such as study coordinators or directors, quality assurance specialists, laboratory animal resource managers, and project or program managers. Doctoral-level professionals may use this degree to move into advanced research roles in organizations involved in preclinical drug testing.
Students completing this track will demonstrate competencies aligned with standards from the American Board of Toxicology and the Safety Pharmacology Society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers we hope you find helpful. Please know that our team of Academic Enrollment Advisors are always ready to connect and answer any questions that are specific to your unique needs.
The online MS in Translational Pharmacology from The Ohio State University offers a unique, career-focused path for professionals looking to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. Designed for working professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical research, and regulatory industries, this program delivers specialized training in drug development, regulatory affairs, and translational science—all 100% online.
Key advantages of choosing Ohio State’s program include:
- 🎓 Top-ranked, research-driven education from one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers and a leader in pharmacological sciences.
- 💻 Flexible, fully online format designed to fit the schedules of working professionals and adult learners.
- 💡 Curriculum focused on real-world application, including pharmacology, toxicology, clinical trial design, and regulatory strategy.
- 📈 Career-relevant outcomes, preparing graduates for roles in drug discovery, clinical development, FDA compliance, and more.
- 🤝 Access to world-class faculty actively engaged in translational research and regulatory innovation.
- 🧪 Interdisciplinary approach ideal for those with backgrounds in pharmacy, biology, biomedical sciences, nursing, or healthcare.
Whether you’re aiming to advance your current role or pivot into a new area of the drug development pipeline, Ohio State’s online MS in Translational Pharmacology provides the skills, knowledge, and network to move your career forward.
The online MS in Translational Pharmacology from The Ohio State University offers a unique, career-focused path for professionals looking to bridge the gap between This program is appropriate for pharmacists, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, other healthcare practitioners, as well as those having completed a B.S. or graduate degree in the pharmaceutical sciences or other bioscience-related field.
The online MS in Translational Pharmacology is designed for professionals who want to advance or transition into roles across the drug development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and biomedical science industries. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about translating scientific discoveries into real-world therapies.
You should apply if you are:
- ✅ A clinical research professional, regulatory specialist, or laboratory scientist seeking advanced knowledge in pharmacology and drug development.
- ✅ A healthcare or life sciences graduate (biology, chemistry, pharmacy, nursing, or biomedical engineering) looking to enter the pharmaceutical or biotech industries.
- ✅ A professional in regulatory affairs, toxicology, or drug safety seeking a master’s degree to support career advancement or meet continuing education goals.
- ✅ A working professional looking for a fully online, flexible graduate program that offers real-world, interdisciplinary training in translational science.
- ✅ Interested in preparing for careers in clinical trial design, FDA regulatory strategy, preclinical research, or pharmacology-based innovation.
Whether you’re entering the field or upskilling to lead, Ohio State’s online MS in Translational Pharmacology provides the scientific foundation, regulatory insight, and career versatility needed to make an impact in the drug development pipeline.
Applicants not holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in a clinical, health science or bioscience field must have completed coursework in biology and chemistry; introductory courses in biochemistry and physiology are recommended but not required. Students who have not previously completed coursework in general pharmacology (graduate level) and pathophysiology (any level) will be required to complete these courses in the program.
Graduates with this master’s degree may find rewarding clinical research career opportunities as clinical trials administers, project managers, quality assurance specialists, and in pharmaceutical sales. In organizations conducting preclinical drug studies, graduates may find entry- and mid-level opportunities as study coordinators and directors, quality assurance specialists, laboratory animal resource managers, and project/program managers. Graduates already holding a doctorate degree may leverage this master’s degree to advance their careers as clinical investigators, research scientists, clinical pharmacologists, or medical affairs specialists in the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations, clinical research organizations, and academic medical centers.
Most of our Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology online classes will be limited to a maximum of 35 students to ensure instructors provide plenty of attention to each student.
Yes – You may take classes as a “Graduate Non-Degree” (GND) student. This application process is separate from the MS Translational Pharmacology application. You can find more information at the Graduate Non-Degree website. You may transfer up to nine credit hours of coursework (taken as a GND student) after you have applied, are accepted to, and have enrolled in the graduate program. This equates to three classes, as MS Translational Pharmacology classes are typically three-credit courses. If you are interested in taking 1-3 courses before entering one of the graduate programs, contact the program manager for a recommendation of courses in which to enroll.
The MS in Translational Pharmacology program is appropriate for healthcare practitioners as well as those having completed a B.S. or graduate degree in the pharmaceutical sciences or other bioscience-related field.
The classes use a variety of technologies and are run through Carmen (carmen.osu.edu), Ohio State’s learning management system. For each of the classes in which you enroll, the information will be posted in Carmen, including a syllabus. The deadline for assignments, readings, discussion posts, etc. is typically Sunday at midnight. We recommend you login daily to ensure you’re keeping up with classes.
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“The pharmacology master’s program took my clinical research efforts to the next level through a better understanding of pharmacology, study design, and identifying outcomes that will help us determine the best treatment options for our patients”
Lynn Wardlow, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCIDP, AAHIVP Specialty Practice Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases -
“The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology taught me the fundamentals and showed me a lot of the sides of being in a clinical research trial. You don’t get that everywhere.”
Omar Kalash, MS, CCRA Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology Graduate -
“I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized.”
Demi MacLennan, MS, CCRA, ACRP-PM Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology Graduate -
“The MS Translational Pharmacology program prepares graduates for careers in drug development. The program has a translational pharmacology focus – bridging across “the discovery, development, regulation and use of pharmacologic agents to improve clinical outcome and inform optimal use of therapeutics in patients.”
American Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics www.ascpt.org -
#4 Ranked Pharmacy School in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report The Ohio State University – College of Pharmacy
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Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program.
Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program.
Admission Criteria
Degree Requirements: For application to the MS Translational Pharmacology program, a clinical, health science or bioscience bachelors degree is preferred.
If an applicant has attended more than one university, all GPAs will be combined. Official GPAs are calculated by the university’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office.
Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants to the MS Translational Pharmacology program not holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in a clinical, health science or bioscience field are encouraged to complete coursework in biology, chemistry and physiology before entry to the program.
Application Materials
Students must complete an online application at the Graduate and Professional Admissions Application website. The materials listed below must be uploaded to the online application.
Note: students who have taken classes in or completed a graduate-level (degree-granting) program at Ohio State should complete the online application for previously enrolled students. Contact Ashley Sherf (sherf.3@osu.edu) with any questions.
Students must submit current resume or CV which should highlight relevant experience.
Compose an essay describing your purpose for undertaking study in this graduate program, including a narrative discussion of your professional experience and career trajectory. This statement should not exceed two single-spaced pages. The purpose and goals statement is an opportunity to address each of the questions listed below, and also to demonstrate your writing skills. Consideration will be given to both the quality of your writing sample and the congruence between your stated goals and the master’s degree program.
- What specifically are your academic and career goals?
- What are your motivations for seeking advanced education in your designated specialty area?
- How did you come to your decision to seek graduate education in this specialty area?
- What are your primary personal attributes and what is the relationship of these attributes to your potential as a clinical/preclinical research professional?
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic ability, work experience, contributions to clinical and preclinical research (if any), and potential to succeed in the program. Each recommendation should include a letter signed by your recommender and written on academic or business letterhead stationery. Recommendations should be requested from professors who are able to comment on your qualifications for graduate study. Recommendations from non-academic professionals are acceptable if you have extensive work experience with that individual and/or you have been away from academic institutions for some time.
Submit an official transcript or a scan of an official transcript from every college and university you attended, whether or not a degree was earned. Ohio State University transcripts need not be submitted. Visit the Graduate and Professional Admissions Transcripts webpage for detailed instructions.
Only if required
There is a $60 Non-refundable Application Fee (paid at time of application submission)
*Fee waiver available for current Graduate Non-Degree students and current OSU Doctor of Pharmacy students wishing to complete the combined PharmD and MS in Translational Pharmacology programs. Email Ashley Sherf (sherf.3@osu.edu) for details if this applies to you. Waiver requests must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the application deadline.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Graduates with this master’s degree may find rewarding clinical research career opportunities as clinical trials administers, project managers, quality assurance specialists, and in pharmaceutical sales. In organizations conducting preclinical drug studies, graduates may find entry- and mid-level opportunities as study coordinators and directors, quality assurance specialists, laboratory animal resource managers, and project/program managers. Graduates already holding a doctorate degree may leverage this master’s degree to advance their careers as clinical investigators, research scientists, clinical pharmacologists, or medical affairs specialists in the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations, clinical research organizations, and academic medical centers.
Students pursuing their master’s in pharmacology complete a culminating experience through a practicum or research study with a partnering clinical research site. Graduates holding a doctorate (MD, DO, PharmD, PhD, etc.) may seek careers as clinical investigators, research scientists, or medical affairs specialists in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organizations, or academic medical centers. Graduates at the master’s level may find rewarding clinical research career opportunities in clinical trials administration, project management, quality assurance, and pharmaceutical sales.
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Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Curriculum
The credits required for the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology range from 30-36 with two tracks to specialize some of the coursework:
Track #1 – Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Trial Design Track
Track #2 – Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology Track
The curriculum is organized into three curricular areas:
#1 – Based on the specialized track – either clinical pharmacology and clinical trial design coursework or toxicology and safety pharmacology coursework.
#2 – The conducting of clinical trials or preclinical studies coursework.
#3 – The program’s culminating project which is the development of clinical trial or preclinical study protocol and manuscript.
Note: The online MS Translational Pharmacology degree is not a lab-based program.
Required Core Course: Introductory course emphasizing the general principles of pharmacology using a systems-based and mechanism-based approach. The course provides a simple overview of the subject.
Required Core Course: This course provides a fundamental overview of human pathophysiology by comparing dysfunctional body processes to normal physiological function. Case studies will be applied to pathophysiological phenomena.
Required Core Course: The broad intent of this course is to highlight the importance of ethics in biomedical research and to explore how critical ethical thinking can be used to analyze personal decision-making, public regulation, and the law concerning advanced biomedical sciences/technologies and their clinical applications.
Required Core Course: Principles of toxicology, physiology and pharmacology as they relate to adverse and unanticipated drug effects. Emphasis on cardiovascular, nervous, pulmonary, liver, and kidney systems. Open to students in MS Pharmacology program. Other students, including advanced undergraduate students, may enroll with permission of instructor. Completion of a basic pharmacology class useful but not required.
Required Core Course: Introduction to basic and advanced concepts in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacology for clinical investigators and other research professionals participating in the conduct of clinical trials. Prior coursework in pharmacology recommended.
- PUBHBIO 6210: Applied Biostatistics I
- PUBHBIO 6211: Applied Biostatistics II
- BIOPHRM/Nursing/Pharmacy 7560: Clinical Trials I: Design and Regulation
- BIOPHRM/Nursing/Pharmacy 7561: Clinical Trials II: Management and Leadership
- Pharmacy 5700: Introduction to Personalized Therapeutics and Pharmacogenomics
- BIOPHRM 7550: Research Applications of Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacy 7784: Data Analysis and Interpretation for Clinical and Preclinical Research (biostatistics)
- Pharmacy 7562: Design and Management of Preclinical Studies
- Pharmacy 7583: Advanced Organ System Toxicology and Risk Assessment
- Pharmacy 7588: Toxic Substances
- Pharmacy 7580: Principles of Safety Pharmacology
- Pharmacy 7586: Integrative In Vivo Modeling for Drug Development: Application for Safety and Clinical Pharmacology
| BIOPRHM 7598: Scientific Writing: Clinical Trial Protocol and Manuscript Development | Pharmacy 7597: Scientific Writing: Preclinical Study Protocol and Manuscript Development |
*General pharmacology may be waived for clinicians (MD, DO, PharmD, NP, PA, etc.) and other students who have completed a graduate-level general pharmacology course (grade B or better).
**Pathophysiology may be waived for clinicians and other students who have completed any college-level pathophysiology course (graduate or undergraduate, grade B or better).Department abbreviations:
- BIOPHRM = Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology
- CBG = Cancer Biology and Genetics
- HTHRHSC = Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- PUBHBIO = Public Health Biostatistics
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
The Mission of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is to advance the pharmacy profession and patient-centered care across Ohio and around the globe through innovative teaching and practice, groundbreaking research, and transformative outreach and engagement.
Meet some of the faculty that support our mission every single day through the work they do.
Jen Plahovinsak, MS, DABT
Director MS Translational Pharmacology Program | Assistant Professor – Clinical
Professor Jennifer (Jen) Plahovinsak is the Director of the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program. Jen’ s research focuses on the design and development of technology-enhanced learning environments for science education, graphic and instructional design to support learning, key learner characteristics for graduate students, curricular development for online toxicology courses, and quality strategies for online program success. Additionally, her interests include the development of relevant preclinical models to support medical countermeasure research programs. Jen has been certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology since 2015.
Mitch A. Phelps, PhD
Director of the Pharmacoanalytical Shared Resource, OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center
Brian Roche, PhD, DSP, DABT
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Frederick Villamena, PhD
Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Dept. of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what MSTP alumni are saying about Ohio State Online’s Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what MSTP alumni are saying about Ohio State Online’s Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program.
“The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology taught me the fundamentals and showed me a lot of the sides of being in a clinical research trial. You don’t get that everywhere.”
“The pharmacology master’s program took my clinical research efforts to the next level through a better understanding of pharmacology, study design, and identifying outcomes that will help us determine the best treatment options for our patients.”
I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized.”
“Ohio State sits at the center of pharmacy practice change and drug discovery and development”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Actual costs may vary. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time undergraduate student (or 8 credit hours for graduate programs), or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time student.
The range of credit hours for the MS in Translational Pharmacology program is 30-36 but for calculation purposes, the tuition calculator reflects 33 credit hours so individual’s totals may be more or less depending on their total credits needed for completion. If you have transfer credits that are reviewed and approved, your total cost may also vary.
| Tuition and Fees | Part-Time – (per credit hour) | Full-Time – (per semester, based on approx. 8 credit hours/semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $6,638.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $261.00 |
| Course Textbooks / Course Materials | $750-$900 (total) | $750-$900 (total) |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 (per semester) |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The MSTP program has a range of 30-36 credit hours, the tuition calculator is calculating off an average of 33 credit hours. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
Other Expenses to be aware of:
- Application Fee: $60 for U.S. residents/$70 for international residents
- Textbook estimate: $900 (total)
Tuition is calculated on a per-credit hour basis. Master’s courses are three credit hours per course. This program credits ranges from 30-36 to complete, the tuition calculator is calculating off an average of 33 credit hours.
| Description: | Cost: |
|---|---|
| Full-time (8 or more credits) Ohio Resident per semester: | $6,999.00 |
| Full-time (8 or more credits) non-Ohio Resident per semester: | $7,199.00 |
| Part-time (3-6 credits) Ohio Resident per semester: | $2,687.14 – $5,274.28 |
| Part-time (3-6 credits) non-Ohio Resident per semester: | $2,887.14 – $5,474.28 |
Full-time students can expect to complete the MS program in three semesters. Part-time students can expect a completion in 6-12 semesters.
*Tuition is capped at 8 credit hours a semester. Students enrolled in 8 or more credit hours a semester will pay one flat fee.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Due to the size of our program, we do not offer program-specific scholarships, funding, or grants.
Financial aid is available through FAFSA. For specific scholarships or funding, we recommend visiting the Office of International Affairs website for scholarships available. You may also wish to explore ScholarshipUniverse or contact your employer to see if they offer tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Should you have any specific questions regarding cost and financial counsel, please reach out to the Student Financial Aid Office for assistance.
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