The Department of Pharmacology offers thesis-based and non-thesis Master of Science degrees. The thesis-based M.S. degree is a course and research based program, with 21 credits in coursework, and 9 credits of research for a total of 30 credits. A thesis is written and there is a defense. Research interests in the Department of Pharmacology are diverse, with special emphasis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pharmacology, physiology, neurovascular coupling, signal transduction, and medicinal chemistry/cancer chemotherapy. However, thesis research can be conducted not only in Pharmacology Department labs, but also in any lab within UVM that offers pharmacology-focused research projects. Pharmacology MS students have done their thesis work in departments as diverse as Neurological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Psychology, Psychiatry and Medicine. A non-thesis M.S. degree requires 30 credits in coursework, but does not require a thesis or thesis defense. A set of required core courses taught by Department of Pharmacology faculty are required. Elective courses can be chosen from a wide range of approved courses offered in departments throughout UVM. Students work with the program director to choose elective courses that best suit their career goals.