FAQ

Q1:I don’t have a background in pharmacology or toxicology. Can I still apply for your master’s or doctoral program?

A: Yes. In fact, our master’s program admits students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Our graduates have come from fields including pharmacy, medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, nursing, public health, medical laboratory science, life sciences, pharmaceutical chemistry, applied chemistry, chemical engineering, occupational safety and health, food and nutrition, health and nutrition biotechnology, veterinary, livestock husbandry and more.

Q2:How can I apply for your master’s or doctoral program?

A: Enroll in a master's program:
Method 1: Recommendation-based admission (no written exam; document review only).
Method 2: Entrance examination (no written exam; document review only).
Method 3: Through the“Guidelines for TCU Undergraduate Students Applying for Master's-Level Courses” during the junior year (available only to current TCU students).(only for current Tzu Chi University students).

Enroll in a doctoral program:
Method 1: Entrance examination (oral interview).
Method 2: Direct admission to the doctoral program (please refer to the regulations on the website of the TCU Office of Academic Affairs - Registration Division for eligibility).

Q3:What are the graduation requirements for the master’s program?

A: (1) Completion of at least 24 credits before graduation (thesis credits not included).
(2) Of the 24 credits, 13 are required courses, including: Pharmacology (3 credits), Toxicology (3 credits), Seminar I, II, III, and IV (4 credits in total), Experimental Toxicology (with lab) (1 credit), and Experimental Design (2 credits). The remaining credits are elective courses.
(3) Participation in and presentation at academic conferences (on or off campus) before graduation.
(4) The maximum study period is 4 years; most students graduate in 2 years.

Q4:What are the graduation requirements for the doctoral program?

A: (1) Completion of at least 18 credits before graduation (thesis credits not included); students directly admitted to the doctoral program must complete at least 30 credits.
(2) Compulsory courses total 9 credits, including “Research Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology” (3 credits), “Current Topics in Pharmacology and Toxicology” (2 credits), and “Seminar (I), (II), (III), and (IV)” (a total of 4 credits). The remaining credits are elective courses.
(3) Passing the doctoral candidacy qualification exam.
(4) Participation in at least one academic conference (on or off campus) and presentation of research findings.
(5) Publication of at least two journal papers, with at least one as first author.
(6) Submission of a GEPT intermediate-level certificate or other equivalent proof of English proficiency.
(7) The maximum study period is 7 years.

Q5:What are the career prospects after graduating from the master’s program?

A: Our graduates have excellent employment outcomes. Alumni have worked in pharmacies (in hospitals, clinics, and drugstores), pharmaceutical companies, schools and research institutions, biotech firms, health centers, the Centers for Disease Control, and in civil service. Job roles include pharmacists, R&D personnel in biotech companies, pharmaceutical sales representatives, PhD students, research assistants, nurses, medical technologists, quality assurance officers in preclinical research centers, clinical research associates, clinical specialists, technicians, and public servants.

Q6:Are scholarships or financial aid available during the program?

A: Yes. Various scholarships and financial aid are available to graduate students. Please refer to the official scholarship website of Tzu Chi University: https://scholarship.tcu.edu.tw/

Q7:Is it true that students at your university must follow a vegetarian diet?

A: That’s a misunderstanding. According to university regulations, only on-campus meals must be vegetarian. Off-campus meals are not restricted.

Q8:I am a university graduate without a background in pharmacy. If I enroll in and complete your master’s or doctoral program, will I be eligible to take the pharmacist license examination?

A: No, you cannot.