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 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)
Biostatistics I
Introduction to Epidemiology: Principles and Methods
Pharmacoepidemiology
Ethics and Privacy Issues in Comparative Effectiveness Research
Comparative Effectiveness Research
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.
Principles of Economic Evaluations of Health Care Interventions
Pharmaceutical Policy
Advanced Decision Analysis Techniques I
Biostatistics II
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
Departmental Seminar in Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy
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.