Application instructions can be found in the Prospective Students section of our website.

We accept new students in the Fall and Spring terms.

Students need to meet a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are required, however, there is no set minimum. If a student has a GPA of 3.8 or higher, the GRE will be waived.

No, we do not require a standardize test for admission. If you have taken a standarize test you may include the scores in your application to become more competitive.

We advise students to begin one of our graduate certificate programs to see if the field of nanotechnology is a good fit. Grades earned within a graduate certificate program of a “B” or better may be transferred into a Graduate Degree Program, with approval from the Program Director. *Up to 12 credit hours may be transferrable.

Check out the list of Graduate Certificates offered at the Taneja College of Pharmacy

Yes, just set up an appointment with the Graduate Programs Recruiter. Appointments can be conducted in-person or by phone.

Yes, the fee is $30.

Please visit our Admissions Criteria for domestic and international applicant deadlines.

The MSPN program is designed to train students in the skills they will need to understand the burgeoning technological advances in science at the nanoscale level. In addition, teaching students how new nanomaterials and processes can be applied to drug delivery, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, tissue regeneration, personalized medicine, and more.

32 credit hours

Depending on the concentration pursued, this program may be completed within 1 year and offers students the flexibility of completing it 100% online or face to face. Research concentrations typically can be completed in 1.5 years.

Yes! The MS in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology is a designated STEM major.

Online courses are not self-paced. Online courses require students to view lectures and complete assignments throughout the semester.

Nanomedicine Specialization - Provides a foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and nanotechnology for students planning to enter a professional program. 

Biomedical Engineering Concentration - Provides a foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and nanotechnology from an engineering perspective, ideal for those wishing to work in academia, industry, or pursue advanced degrees.

Complementary & Integrative Pharmacy Concentration - Provides the opportunity to learn new applications of nanotechnology in pharmacy and medicine as the need for nontraditional approaches in alternative pharmacy continually increases. Intended for students planning to enter the workforce or advance their education in a professional degree.

Drug Discovery, Development, Delivery & Manufacturing (D4M) Concentration - Provides students an opportunity to do original research in D4M areas, ideal for those wishing to work in academia, industry, or pursue advanced degrees.

Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutics Concentration - Provides the opportunity to complete an internship in the field for students seeking work in industry. Prior research experience is preferred mandatory.

Translational & Clinical Research Concentration - Provides students an opportunity to do original research, ideal for those wishing to enter academia or pursue advanced degrees.

At this time, only the Drug Discovery, Development, Delivery & Manufacturing and Translational & Clinical Research Concentrations requires written completion and presentation of an original thesis. All other concentrations complete and present an e-portfolio in lieu of a thesis.

Students can go on to pursue their PhD in a variety of fields such as Biomedical Sciences or Engineering or may pursue a professional program such as Medical School, Pharmacy School, Dental School, or even Veterinary School.

Students can enter the public health service sector, perform federal research, become a faculty member, work with biomedical devices, or enter the pharmaceutical industry.

Students will complete courses within the following topics: Nanomaterials in Medicine, Risk Management, Scientific Writing, Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems, Pharmacogenomics, Regenerative Medicine, and Pharmacy Practice Management.

Biotechnology revolves around biology, whereas nanotechnology is at the nanoscale and provides a greater understanding of the most advanced technology. By combining the interest of the two fields, also known as nanobio, the two content areas overlap and can provide a student with a better understanding and research foundation for gene technology at the nanoscale level.

Some examples include but are not limited to stain repelling fabric, nanofilms for water resistant cell phones, increased battery capacity, antibacterial bandages, improving sunscreen, and even in concrete.

Graduate Assistantships are not appointed to students within their first semester of study. In addition, GA ships are available based on Department funds, resources, and availability of faculty and research projects.

Yes, completing the master’s degree program can enhance your academic credentials when applying to a professional program. Students who complete the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology will be guaranteed an interview for the USF Taneja College of Pharmacy PharmD program.

We encourage students to seek out their own internship placement, however, the College can assist and place students if needed. If a student secures their own internship, site approval will be needed from the Program Director.

The College has affiliation agreements with a variety of local industries in and surrounding the Tampa Bay area. If a student wishes to pursue their internship out of State, prior approval will be needed from the Program Director.

Internships are assigned for 1 academic semester. The Fall & Spring terms are 15 weeks and the Summer is 10 weeks.

Companies such as CoreRx and Catalent Pharma Solutions have hired our recent graduates.

Students must select a major professor and committee for their master thesis requirement. In order to accomplish this, we encourage students to shadow in a variety of labs to find their interest. Some research areas include; genetic engineering, magnetic nanomaterials, nanomedicine and drug resistance bacteria, cancer therapy, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, drug development and discovery, pharmacogenomics, and many more.

We encourage students to visit our Graduate Programs site.

In addition, please visit the Center for Research & Education in Nanobioengineering website to find faculty members with associated research interests.

Students who obtain their MS in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology in conjunction with their PharmD degree become more competitive when seeking employment post-graduation. The M.S. degree will provide students a solid foundation, at the nano level, of how drugs interact, work, and target a variety of diseases in the human body. Students will learn about personalized medicine and be able to apply these concepts in the real world. In addition, students who complete the M.S. degree can obtain research experience and learn basic concepts in the lab or pharmaceutical industry.

Yes. The College offers a limited number of merit based scholarships to newly admitted students only. All students who are accepted for the program will receive an email with more details.

The program is 32 credit hours. Graduate tuition and fees cost information can be found at USF's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology bridges the gap between medicine and pharmacy while using the application of emerging technologies. This degree is the only one of its kind in the nation, creating a unique niche for you to stand out as you enter the application cycle.

This program is not simply just a GPA booster. If you are looking to enhance your application to medical school by showcasing your ability to complete graduate level coursework while expanding your knowledge in an innovative field, this is the program for you. This program will prepare you with the foundational knowledge that is needed to enter the next century of healthcare. In comparison to other master’s programs, this program provides numerous opportunities for students that will enrich their experiences and enhance their marketability both as you apply to medical school and when it comes time to complete residency.

Due to the flexibility of the MSPN curriculum, the program provides many different career paths. Graduates have received acceptance into medical school, pharmacy school, and Ph.D. programs. In addition, a large number of students have entered the workforce within a nanotechnology industry directly after graduating.

No, we do not guarantee an automatic interview for medical school.

Yes, but your graduate GPA will be listed separately from your undergraduate GPA. AMCAS will count all of the science courses in your graduate science GPA. Any other course, non-science related, will be counted in your graduate overall GPA.

Yes, we offer a wide range of courses as core and elective course options.

Yes. You can declare a concentration if you wish to pursue multiple semesters of research activity. With this option, a thesis is required. Students have also pursued a non-thesis concentration and volunteered in research labs to receive hands-on experience.

There is not a set minimum standardized test score requirement. USF requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Admissions Committee reviews each application holistically, and will review your CV, Letters of Recommendation, and Personal Statement. The Department can admit under a 3.0 if your application is competitive in other areas.

The MSPN program can be completed in as fast as 1 year. This timeline works well for students who have a gap year or for those who just started their application to medical school for the next entry cycle. The flexibility of the curriculum allows enough time to focus on areas of improvement for your medical school application.

Yes. If you are admitted into medical school while still in the MSPN program you have a few options for completing the degree. One option is completing the remaining MSPN courses online, while in your first semester of medical school. Some students will elect to take a short leave of absence and finish the MSPN courses during the first summer after year 1 of medical school. Make sure you check with the medical school admissions staff to ensure there is no contingency on completing the master’s program prior to entry.

Yes. Faculty can provide letters of recommendation upon request. USF does not provide committee letters.