Shenandoah University and Inova have partnered to offer a master’s degree in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine for students in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program interested in exploring this fascinating field of study and applying knowledge of the human genome to clinical practice. This degree prepares you for career opportunities in biologic technology, at genetic testing laboratories, or within the pharmaceutical industry. It also provides you with the skill set needed to pursue specialized fields in health care that are poised for growth.

Pharmacogenomics uses a patient’s genetic makeup to create individualized drug treatments. We were one of the first pharmacy schools to integrate pharmacogenomics into our curriculum, beginning with an introduction in the first professional year and culminating with application-based practices in the therapeutic sequence.

Some of the areas covered include:

• Genetic predictors of disease
• Applying genetic principles to guide therapeutic decisions
• Mastering genetic interpretation tools
• Ethical, legal and social implications of the human genome

Both programs integrate graduate-level critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, scientific inquiry, self-directed learning and the effective use of modern technology for professional practice that includes elements of research, leadership, education and continued enhancement of the pharmacy and public health profession. The dual program offers individuals interested in pursuing pharmacy and pharmacogenomics a unique opportunity to complete both degree programs in less than five years, saving time and money.

First Year – Fall I credits

PHAR 500 Introduction to Pharmacy Profession 1.5
PHAR 508 Pharmaceutics I (Calculations) 2
PHAR 516 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience I 2
PHAR 519 Introduction to Physical Assessment 1
PHAR 521 Biomedical Sciences I 2
PHAR 522 Biomedical Sciences I 3
PHAR 533 Communications in Pharmacy Practice 2.5
PHAR 549 Nonprescription Products 3
PHAR 550 Outpatient Pharmacy Practice Lab 1
Total 18

First Year – Spring I

PHAR 512 Pharmaceutics II 4
PHAR 513 Pharmaceutics and Compounding
(Nonsterile and Sterile) Laboratory 1
PHAR 517 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience II 2
PHAR 520 Physical Assessment Lab 1
PHAR 534 Essentials of Pharmacogenomics 2
PHAR 537 Integrated Pathophysiology I 3
PHAR 538 Integrated Pathophysiology II 3
PHAR 552 Drug Information Skills 2
PHAR 539 Pharmacy Professional Dev Lab I 0.5
Total 18.5

Second Year- Fall II

PHAR 600 Pharmacokinetic Principles 3
PHAR 681 ICare: General Med I 3
PHAR 668 Pharmacology 4
PHAR 662 Drug Literature Analysis & Interpretation 3
PHAR 663 Drug Literature Analysis & Interpretation Lab 1
PHAR 679 Federal and State Pharmacy Law 2
PHAR 682 Introduction to Patient Centered Care 1.5
PHAR 667 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience III 1
Total 18.5

Second Year-Spring II

PHAR 608 ICare: Renal 2
PHAR 619 ICare: Cardiovascular 4
PHAR 632 Applied PK and PGx I 1
PHAR 671 Toxicology 2
PHAR 669 Health Information Tech & Practice Mgmt. 3
PHAR 678 Patient Centered Care I 2
PHAR 680 Pharmacy Professional Dev Lab II 0.5
PHAR 670 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience IV 1
Elective (PGPM 502 Genomic Data Science and Pharmacometrics) 3
Total 18.5

Summer (P2 to P3)

PGPM 501 Genetic Foundations for Personalized Medicine 3
Total 3

Third Year- Fall III

PHAR 746 ICare: Endocrine 2
PHAR 709 ICare: Hematology/Oncology 3
PHAR 742 ICare: Infectious Disease 4
PHAR 723 Patient Centered Care II 2
PHAR 733 Applied PK and PGx II 1
PHAR 736 Pharmacy Administration I 2
PHAR 744 Essentials of Research Design 1
Elective (PGPM 602 Pharmacogenomic Literature Evaluation) 2
Total 17

Third Year- Spring III

PHAR 747 ICare: General Med II 2
PHAR 748 ICare: Special Populations 2
PHAR 720 ICare: Neuro/Psychiatry 3
PHAR 724 Patient Centered Care III 2
PHAR 734 Applied PK and PGx III 1
PHAR 737 Pharmacy Administration II 3
PHAR 738 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience V 1
PHAR 745 Pharmacy Professional Dev Lab III 0.5
Elective (PGPM 603 Ethics in Genomic Science) 1
Total 15.5

Fourth Year-Summer IV

PHAR 811 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp I 5
PHAR 812 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp II 5
PHAR 813 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp III 5
PGPM 604 Analytical Techniques in Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacogenomics 2
Total 17

Fourth Year-Fall IV

PHAR 814 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp IV 5
PHAR 815 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp V 5
PGPM 601 Clinical Applications in Pharmacogenomics I 2
Total 12

Fourth Year-Spring IV

PHAR 816 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp VI 5
PHAR 817 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp VII 5
PHAR 818 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Exp VIII 5
PGPM 605 Clinical Applications in Pharmacogenomics II 2
Total 17

Fifth Year- Summer V

PGPM 606 Therapeutic Antibodies 3
PGPM 607 Epigenetics 2
Total 5

Grand Total 160

Current PharmD students should apply no later than the spring semester of their first year. Admitted PharmD students can apply prior to beginning their first year in the PharmD program, but will not begin PGPM coursework until their second year in the PharmD program.

Students should follow all application requirements outlined on the Graduate Public Health Admissions site.

 

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, the student will meet the following qualifications:

1. A student in good standing matriculated in the Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Bernard J Dunn School of Pharmacy
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale