MS in Comparative Effectiveness Research

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field Bachelor's or health professional degree.
  • Recommended Background Experience in the healthcare industry and college-level algebra.
  • Grade Point Average Minimum of 2.75/4.00.
  • Transcripts Applicants must submit transcripts from the institution where the most recent degree was earned.

  • English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:

    • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
      TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) 4.5 4 4 4.5 4.5
      TOEFL iBT (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026) 80 19 17 20 21
      IELTS Academic 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
      PTE Academic 54 51 47 53 56
  • Personal Statement Required. Statement should explain why applicant is interested in the program.
  • Resume or CV Required.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
  • Coursework
Required Courses (20 semester hours)
BSTT 400
Biostatistics I
EPID 403
Introduction to Epidemiology: Principles and Methods
EPID/PSOP 526
Pharmacoepidemiology
PSOP 400
Ethics and Privacy Issues in Comparative Effectiveness Research
PSOP 516
Comparative Effectiveness Research
PSOP 592
Comparative Effectiveness Research Project
Elective Courses (12 semester hours)
Select 12 hours from the following courses, or as approved by the department. Must take at least 6 hours of 500-level electives, excluding PSOP 595 and PSOP 596.
PSOP 573
Principles of Economic Evaluations of Health Care Interventions
PSOP 535
Pharmaceutical Policy
PSOP 580
Advanced Decision Analysis Techniques I
BSTT 401
Biostatistics II
PSOP 484
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
PSOP 595
Departmental Seminar in Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy
PSOP 596
Independent Study
  • Students must have a 3.00/4.00 average or higher across all required and elective courses in the program.
  • Students must pass a 6-semester-hour comparative effectiveness research project course (PSOP 592), for which they must conduct a CER-related project or research, write a report, and present findings in a public forum. Department faculty will serve as project advisors.