Graduate Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research

The widespread use of medications in society has created a demand for individuals skilled in the evaluation of pharmaceutical services and interventions. The PhD in PHSR program trains strong researchers in a variety of important areas, including comparative effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes research, pharmaceutical policy, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacoepidemiology. The program provides graduates with the theory, practical experience, and decision-making skills they will need to address a wide range of pharmacy related problems.

PhD in Palliative Care

The PhD in Palliative Care builds on an advanced degree in palliative care or another pertinent field. An interprofessional program designed for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, administrators, chaplains, researchers, and others, the PhD in Palliative Care aims to develop outstanding researchers in palliative care, while concurrently honing skills in leadership, education, and engagement in the profession and the palliative care community.

MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics

The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program provides students with the knowledge they need to support patients and the medical cannabis industry, add to existing research, and develop well-informed medical cannabis policy. The two-year program based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences to prepare graduates to respond to the increasing demand for medical cannabis with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the cannabis plant.

MS in Palliative Care

The MS in Palliative Care meets the educational needs of individuals who are currently working or wish to work in hospice and palliative care and want to gain a deeper understanding of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of patients and families affected by serious illness. Learners are also able to earn two graduate certificates while completing the master's degree.

MS in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research

Adapted from the top-tier PhD in PHSR program, the MS in PHSR is geared towards experienced professionals. Core courses are identical to those in the PhD in PHSR program, and are taken alongside doctoral students. While the doctoral students go on to take additional courses, students in the MS in PHSR program can complete their courses in as little as two years.

MS in Pharmacometrics

The MS in Pharmacometrics program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to plan, perform, and interpret pharmacometric analyses, with the goal of influencing key drug development, regulatory, and therapeutic decisions.

Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy

The Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy consists of the first four courses of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program, for a total of 12 credits. It can be completed in one year, and it provides a foundation in cannabis pharmacology and clinical science, historical context, and current policy landscape.

Graduate Certificates in Palliative Care

Several Graduate Certificates in Palliative Care are available, including the introductory Principles and Practice of Hospice and Palliative Care and advanced certificates in Clinical Aspects of Hospice and Palliative Care, Leadership and Administration in Hospice and Palliative Care, and Psychosocial/Spiritual Aspects of Hospice and Palliative Care.

Residency and Fellowship Programs

Residency and fellowship programs are available in a wide array of specialties. The University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, in collaboration, offer programs which are 12 or 24 months in duration and are tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of trainees.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Policy and Health Economics Research

This fellowship provides the trainee with a multidisciplinary research and training environment and the opportunity to collaborate with local and state policymakers, preparing fellows for positions in academia, pharmaceutical or insurance industries, consulting, and government. The position will be primarily for one year, with possible extension.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR)

The PCOR fellow will work within the Patient-Centered Values in Healthcare Evaluation (PAVE) Center to support community outreach, ongoing research, and programmatic operations of the center. Fellows will work closely with academic and state stakeholder partners to address a range of research questions on medication safety and outcomes, health disparities, and value assessment.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Pharmacoepidemiology & Outcomes Research (PEPI)

The PEPI fellow will engage in quantitative analytic research funded by federal, state of Maryland, and corporate agencies. Fellows will work closely with academic and state stakeholder partners to address a range of research questions on medication safety, health disparities, and social determinants of health. The fellow will apply advanced methodological and statistical methods to address confounding and bias as well as longitudinal and multi-level analyses.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

This fellow should have a background in large data analysis (e.g. longitudinal analysis, structural equation modeling). Having some experience working with vulnerable communities and stakeholder engagement will be a plus. The selected candidate will work directly with Dr. Ester Villalonga-Olives and Dr. Wendy Camelo Castillo on health inequalities, patient-centered outcomes research, and pharmacoepidemiology research.

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Health Economics Outcomes Research

The fellowship provides multidisciplinary, advanced training to researchers, and prepares fellows for positions in academia, government, pharmaceutical industry, and consulting. Training includes mentored research, grant-writing, publication, presentation, and teaching experiences.