F.A.Q.'s

Please note that this page contains frequently asked questions with respect to all of our programs.  Please scroll down to read information on your specific question.

What kind of grades and test scores will I need to attain admission to the graduate programs in Pharmacy Administration?

Grades and test scores are not the only criteria for admission; applicants are evaluated based on additional factors as GPA (3.0 or above preferred), some work experience, and an aptitude for higher education. 

Applicants must take either the GRE (preferred) or the GMAT exam.  Applicants are advised to take the GRE exam at least two months before the application deadline of February 1, so that the applicant's scores arrive on time. Applicants who already have taken the GMAT exam can submit the GMAT exam scores.  The computerized GRE Exam now can be taken almost daily at exam sites across the U.S.  To find a site near you, please visit the GRE website. Applicants are expected to achieve a minimum score of 1,000 on the combined verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE exam to be eligible for the program(s).  Please note: This is a minimum requirement and admission and/or aid will depend on the number of applications received and the quality of these applicants. Preparation for the exams is strongly encouraged.   

International students must take the TOEFL exam.  International applicants must submit official TOEFL test scores and meet the minimum University requirements (minimum 550 paper-based, minimum 213 computer-based, and minimum 79 Internet-based). Students are exempt from the TOEFL if they have completed their degree from Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, The British Isles, English-speaking Canadian provinces, the Fiji Islands, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Trinidad, the United States, the Virgin Islands, the West Indies or Zimbabwe. Individuals lacking fluency in speaking English will be requested to take English language courses.

What code do I use when I submit the scores to the University?

When completing test applications, use campus code 6870 to have scores sent to the University of Houston Main Campus. The college or department code should be left blank.

Who do you suggest I use for my recommendation letters?

It depends on the applicant's situation.  It's a good idea for recent graduates to use professors from courses they have taken as well as work supervisors.  For those who have been working for several years, it is best to use work supervisors and/or professional leaders.   When requesting a letter of recommendation, applicant's should provide a copy of their latest CV or resume to the individual writing the recommendation letter.  Letters of recommendation may also be written in the format provided below:

1. Address the letter to the Director of Graduate Studies;
2. Describe qualifications on the person providing the recommendation;
3. Describe the capacity in which the recommender knows the student;
4. Provide details on how the student is capable of being involved in the specific program for which he or she is applying;
5. Provide details on student's past performance and interaction by rating the student in the respective class or course taken; and
6. Conclude by identifying the positive skills possessed by the student as well as deficiencies that need to be overcome for the student to be a successful graduate student.

What is the advantage of enrolling in the M.S. program in Pharmacy Administration instead of an MBA or M.P.H. program?

This program is specifically designed for health professionals who want to combine their clinical expertise with an education in business and health policy to advance their careers as researchers, administrators and professional leaders.  The curriculum is very flexible to cater to individual needs and provides for courses in business administration and health care administration as well as courses specifically directed toward pharmacy administration and health services research.  In addition, it allows students to pursue a higher degree such as a Ph.D. and conduct research.

What is the cost for the program?

The cost of the program is based on the number of semester credits for which you are enrolled.

Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Texas Legislature and/or university action.

For example: For Fall 2011, 9 credits of graduate tuition for Texas residents was $3,365.10. With all student fees added, the total charge for residents taking 9 credits was $4,364.99. For nonresidents, including international students, the tuition cost was $6,175.80 and the total charges with fees were $7,165.89.

This information, along with a detailed breakdown of fees, is provided at the following university website.

Does the program provide financial support for students?

Financial support is based on availability.  It is provided to students in the form of scholarships, teaching or research assistantships, or fellowships. Based on availability, the department may offer teaching or research assistantships to qualified students.  You do not need a separate application to apply for these departmental teaching or research assistantships.  All applicants are considered for these opportunities, based on availability.  Fellowships and scholarships are offered when funds are available from external sources.  In addition, some of the institutions in the Texas Medical Center provide tuition support and release time to employees enrolled in this program. 

What will be my opportunities for advancement once I complete the program?

This program is structured to provide an educational program aligned with the current needs of pharmacy administrators.  There is greater focus on pharmacist's role in management of drug use and the development and supervision of clinical activities. 

Additionally, the M.S. program offers more flexibility than other programs available.  Students may opt to pursue an elective track that prepares them for the pharmaceutical industry, whether it is in marketing, management, or outcomes research. Students who graduate from the M.S. program typically follow the following two career paths, higher education (enroll in a Ph.D. program) or seek a job in the health (specifically pharmaceutical) industry. 

Students who complete a Ph.D. program typically have a choice of selecting a path toward either academia or the pharmaceutical industry. The demand for both these paths has been high and will remain so due to the shortage in supply.

How does this program differ from other program offered by Colleges of Pharmacy in Texas?

There are only two such programs offered in Texas: one by the University of Houston (UH) and the other by the University of Texas (UT).  The UH program is not an executive program like the U.T. Option 2 program.  It is not offered only through set blocks of time scheduled on specific weekends.  The UH program can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, with most courses offered during the evening.  It incorporates a cross section of courses from regular MBA, MPH, and MHCA programs.  For Texas Medical Center employees, it is convenient because the courses are in Houston and many are in TMC facilities.

If you have questions regarding how to apply for this program or wish to check your application status, please contact Graduate Advising Assistant Christen Gould at 832-842-8327 or send an email to pharmad@uh.edu.