Our goal is to provide graduates with an affordable degree that makes them highly competitive in job markets both here and abroad. The tuition rate for the online masters program is $590.00 per credit hour, plus standard University fees and taxes. The exception is for PHM 895 On-campus Labs course which necessitates significant fees (PHM 895 info) Students under the Lifelong Education status can take graduate level courses at the standard Lifelong Education rate plus an additional fee of $150.00 per credit hour. You can learn more about University fees at the Controller's Office web site.

 

The Online Science Masters degree was designed specifically for busy working adults. There are no requirements for how many courses or credits to take per semester or per year. However, the University requires students to complete their Masters program within 5 years. This is very possible taking a few classes each year. The online format makes it easy for you to juggle your other responsibilities. Class material can be accessed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Generally, classes have weekly reading assignments, but many also accessing material several times per week.

MSU strongly recommends that you use browsers of the Mozilla family. These include the latest versions of Netscape, Mozilla, and Firefox. However, ANGEL is tested with and fully supports the following browsers:

Windows Operating System: Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Netscape Navigator 7.1 and above

Macintosh Operating System: Mozilla 1.4 and above (which uses the same engine as Netscape 7.1).

Macintosh users should avoid using Internet Explorer, which is no longer supported for the Apple Macintosh operating system. The Mozilla family of browsers can be added to your computer for free by going to http://www.mozilla.org

ANGEL relies upon javascript and cookies. Go to the bottom of http://help.angel.msu.edu/ to check your system and its settings. For more information, go to: http://help.angel.msu.edu/students/

Additionally, the Online Masters in Integrative Pharmacology makes use of FLASH animations (download plug-in), audio (must have working computer speakers and/or headphones) and video clips (links to free plug-ins are provided).

Sound overwhelming? Don't worry. We'll help you get everything set-up before your first class. Likely you already have equipment and system settings that meet most or all of the requirements. You'll have a chance to move around in the ANGEL system and check out a typical course to see what it is like.

MSU has plenty of non-traditional students who are successfully working towards advanced degrees. You may feel a bit rusty because you have been out of school for awhile, but you may find that you've also gained knowlege and skills while working that give you considerable advantage over the less-experienced student.

Your admissions counsellor can best help you decide whether you're are ready to dive into the program based upon your background and at what level of commitment (full-time, part-time, or intermittent). We can also point you to some review materials and online practices that will make you feel more comfortable.

Masters level courses assume a higher level of responsibility than undergraduate courses. Because courses are online without strict attendance requirements, much of your success will depend upon your personal self-discipline.

Ask yourself: How well do I manage my time? Does my home and/or work environment offer a time & place to conduct my studies (online work, independent reading, uninterrupted test-taking)?Review the following FAQ to make sure you understand the time commitment required for success.

An online class can provide much more flexibility than traditional classes for people who travel frequently IF you are able to regularly connect to the course instructor and online materials. Most instructors do not make exceptions for late assignments or missed exams because of planned trips. You'll have to decide for yourself whether the locations and activities during your travels will hinder you from studying and actively participating.

The Online Professional Masters degree is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. To complete all course requirements, the program will take a minimum of 1 1/2 years, but most people will need at least two years including the summer labs course and their capstone research project. MSU Graduate School requires students to complete their program within 5 years, although exceptions can be made for various reasons.

The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology consulted with many scientists and industry employers prior to initiating the Professional Science Masters in Integrative Pharmacology. Although technical science knowledge and traditional research skills are important, it has become increasingly clear that highly productive team members have broader capabilities. To succeed in the fast-paced world of biomedical research and pharmaceutical development, employers are looking for people who understand global business markets and management principles, have well-developed communication skill, and the ability to take the lead when necessary.

MSU allows up to 9 credits from other institutions to be transferred into a program providing those courses support the educational objectives of the program. The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is strongly committed to maintaining the integrity of the Integrative Pharmacology program. However, alternative courses will be considered for transfer credit on a case-by-case basis by your Department Advisor.

The Integrative Pharmacology Program Director is Dr. Bill Jackson. You may contact him with specific questions at jacks783@msu.edu. The Education Programs Coordinator, Candace Winslow is also available at winslow8@msu.edu or by calling 517-884-0409.

You should contact the Program Director, Dr. Jackson for guidance on what courses you should take to prepare you for the Integrative Pharmacology program. It is possible that some courses may fall within the Program requirements or that you can prepare through independent study.

PHM 832 prepares students for conducting specific laboratory techniques for studying the effects of substances on a very wide range of organ systems - more techniques and organ systems practice than most work environments provide. Students learn through online materials and then move to hands-on practice. In addition to taking away important resource materials, PHM 832 will give you an opportunity to connect personally with both classmates and academic leaders and top researchers. The Department ensures the reputation of the PSM program in part through the breadth of student observations and skills assessments during PHM 832 (experimental design, surgical skills, teamwork, organ systems,...). However, in the a rare case where it appears that an applicant has all of the competencies to meet PHM 832 learning objectives, alternative assessments may be offered to essentially test-out of PHM 832. Please talk to your department advisor if you do not want to participate in PHM 832 prior to completion of your first 15 credits.

The Integrative Pharmacology Program has one on-campus requirement (PHM 832) which is recommended midway through your coursework. This on-campus lab experience is conducted over the period of 1 week and is a very essential part of the Integrative Pharmacology Program.

Of course, if you live close enough, you are welcome to take your required and elective courses on-campus. If you are traveling through the mid-Michigan area, we encourage you to contact us for a tour.

YES! Students may enroll in individual courses for the program under the Lifelong Education status. The online application can be accessed at http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.asp . Feel free to call our office for assistance.

Following acceptance as a Lifelong Education student, non-Pharmacology/Toxicology students must first receive a Departmental override to register for courses by providing the following information to Diane Hummel via email at hummeld@msu.edu or by phone at (517) 353-7146 – (Name, PID number, course title(s).

Note: Lifelong Education students are not guaranteed acceptance into the Masters program. However, successful completion of required and elective courses will be considered.

You can request to have an application information packet mailed to you by contacting our Education Programs Coordinator at winslow8@msu.edu or by calling (517) 884-0409. You can also access the application online through The Graduate School web site. The program code for the Online Masters Program in Integrative Pharmacology is 4216.

 

Currently there are no assistantship positions available for Online Masters students. However, we are very willing to work with employers who offer tuition reimbursement or other education benefits to their employees. You should also consider applying for government education grants and loans and perhaps private loans. Start at the MSU Office of Financial Aid website where you can begin by completing the FAFSA application.

Strictly speaking, no. But you must have easy access to a computer with reliable internet access throughout the semester. You can access computers on campus in several locations (such as the Learning Resource Center and computer labs, for example). Some students complete online classes from work (having arranged this beforehand with their employer, of course), public libraries, or friends’ houses.

Online classes are different from face-to-face classes in that you do not sit in the same room at the same time with your classmates and instructor. Instead, you participate in online discussions or other written communication. Your instructor will make course materials and assignments available using web pages, the bulletin boards, and announcements.

You may feel frustrated or limited by primarily written communication. Or you may actually enjoy having time to thoughtfully consider a question before responding. Some people actually feel more comfortable asking questions, giving their opinions in writing, and building online relationships.

You may struggle to find time to do your class assignments because you don't have anyone to directly work alongside. Or you may feel relieved with all the time you save by not having to struggle with traffic, find a babysitter, or leave work early for class.

Most people who are entering a new program, particularly using a new format such as online learning, can expect to experience an uncomfortable transition period. It can take a few weeks to learn how the course works and each course is a little different.

Your instructor will give you instructions, assignments, and feedback posted on webpages on the ANGEL course management system or occasionally through emails.

You will often be able to get information and answers to your questions directly from the ANGEL site (i.e. grades are available online, announcementes are made withing the course website or by email). You can also call or email your instructor. Just as with face-to-face classes, you will be able to connect with classmates to improve your study effectiveness, but instead of meeting over coffee, you might talk through email, chat, telephone, or discussion forums.

The format of homework assignments will vary depending upon the instructor's style and the subject matter. You might be asked to e-mail or upload your work such as a paper or problem set, answer questions in an online quiz, read an online publication for from your textbook, or participate in a web-based discussion.

You will be given instructions on how to purchase any hardcopy textbooks prior to class. You will do research online using MSU's online library system and/or through your local library. Some students prefer to print most of their online reading. Be advised however, that some materials are not well-suited to printing.

Online exams can take the form of multiple-choice, True/False, short-answer, and essay questions. You'll be given an opportunity to "practice" an online assessment when you enroll in the PSM program.

In short, you should plan to spend at least the same amount of time you would spend for a face-to-face class. Each course is different and each student has a different background and different educational goals which will affect how much time is required.

You should plan to spend at least 3 hours every week per credit hour. For a 2 credit masters level course, you could reasonably expect to spend 6-10 hours per week reading, writing a paper, practicing problem sets, taking a quiz, discussing assigned topics with classmates through an online discussion forum, chat, or email, etc. You may find some classes do not require as much time. Remember, you will not be spending time listening to an instructor in the classroom. Instead, you will be responsible for actively accessing course content during the semester. As an Online Masters student, you are equally responsible for your learning. A good rule of thumb is to remember that you get out of a class what you put into it.

Not typically, although there may be an occasion where a topic requires live group discussion. It may be offered as a voluntary activity or extra credit. You will have deadlines for posting your assignments, quizzes, etc., but how you schedule your time to meet the deadlines is up to you. You would be well-advised to set up a daily schedule to avoid being overwhelmed at the end of the week.

Your teacher will do all the things a teacher does in a traditional class. You can expect:

• A syllabus and course schedule
• Assignments with clear instructions, objectives, and timely feedback
• Prompt responses to questions
• Clear guidelines about how long it will take to get homework and quiz scores.

You should NOT expect:

• 24/7 support. It may take a few working days to get responses to questions
• Help with prerequisite skills
• Help troubleshooting technical problems - that is provided by the ANGEL Helpdesk.

Like face-to-face students, you will be expected to participate in the class with courtesy and consideration for others even though communications will be through E-mails and web postings. You will be expected to adhere to academic standards regarding work quality, honesty, and plagiarism, particularly as this is a graduate program. Do not submit work from another class or recycle material. Do your own work, whether it is a written paper or an online exam. It is a violation of college policy to plagiarize or to recycle work. Do not incorporate other people's materials into your own without proper citations.

Keep up with the class and make it a top priority. The biggest problem online students have is gradually falling behind.

Schedule time several days a week to focus on each class. Studies have shown that small amounts of studying are more effective than single cram sessions. Without a scheduled face-to-face meeting time, online students can be easily distracted by parenting responsibilities, hobbies, work deadlines, and household cleaning and maintenance. Write session times in your calendar just as you would for an on-campus class, and make sure you have a quiet place to work.
Do assignments BEFORE the due date. It may take a few days to get help.

Procrastinating with an online class is riskier than a face-to-face class because you must expect technical glitches such as power outages, computer hardware & software mishaps, lost disks & corrupted files, slow or entirely broken Internet connection.

Have a back-up plan in case of technical problems. Ask yourself, "Where will I work if my home computer breaks and it takes me a few days to get back online?"

Communicate! We expect you to bring a bit of your own experience and expertise to the program. Ask questions! Your teacher can't see if you are engaged and "getting it." You must be willing to speak up. Ask if you are not clear about instructions, due dates, or your progress. Work with a small group, either in person or via phone or e-mail.