Pharmaceutical Studies MS Statement of Purpose
Catalyst
Describe the experience(s) that sparked your interest in seriously pursuing this field.
List and describe the academic steps you have taken to grow your knowledge, in chronological order (e.g. relevant high-level coursework; research; conferences, mentorships, etc).
Practical Experiences
What relevant practical experiences have you had during or after your Bachelor’s degree?
Answer the following questions:
Which projects did you undertake, what technical aspects were put to use, and what did you learn from them?
Discuss all conferences, seminars, workshops you have attended or participated in? What did you learn?
Have you prepared, presented or published any research papers? Give details.
Discuss all your internships and industrial trainings (if any) in detail. Give details like where, what, when, how etc. What did you learn from each of them?
Have you undertaken any independent research? If so, give details.
Work Experience
List and describe the professional steps you have taken to grow your knowledge, in chronological order (e.g. jobs held; professional development).
List and describe any supplemental and/or independent learning related to your chosen field, in chronological order.
In 1-2 sentences, describe why you are prepared for this course of study, and what you hope to get out of the program.
Answer all required questions and at least 3 total questions.
What motivates you to pursue your degree?
What do you plan to specialize in within your course of study?
How would you summarize your research interest as a question, problem statement, or theme?
What are your research goals?
Describe why this degree is the next logical step in your intellectual and professional journey.
What are your goals immediately after graduation?
What do you hope to have achieved 5 years after earning your degree? How about 20 years?
How will your values, skills, and traits impact your future classmates?
Define what you hope to study in graduate school, and why you want to study it.
What do you plan to specialize in within your course of study?
List at least 2-3 required classes that align with your academic interests.
What other classes, clubs, or opportunities within this specialization does the school offer?
List at least 2-3 supplementary courses that best align with your interests, goals and/or prior experience.
Does the school offer unique or specialized coursework that is not typically offered in similar programs? How does this coursework directly align with your experiences and interests?
Which classes, faculty members, or other opportunities will help you address this interest?
What additional research or hands-on opportunities does this program offer? How will these opportunities help you build your understanding of your research interest?
Which classes, faculty members, or other opportunities will help you address this interest?
What are your research goals?
List 2-3 faculty members you are excited to work with and explain why.
CULTURE
Next, discuss the school’s culture.
How does this program foster networking opportunities with peers, grads, and professionals? How will you take advantage of this?
Does the department have any traditions that seem exciting to you?
What is the culture within the department? (i.e. competitive, collaborative, etc). How does this culture align with what you’re hoping to get out of a program?
How does the school differentiate itself in its marketing materials? What appeals to you about these unique factors?
Research the typical class size and teaching style in the department. How do these factors align with the way you learn?
What industry/line of work do grads from the school come from and go to? Is this atypical?
How do you see yourself contributing to the department’s culture, traditions, and classroom environment?
