University of Wisconsin-Madison Announces Master’s Program in Psychedelic Science

The University of Wisconsin-Madison on Tuesday announced the launch of a master’s training program in psychedelic science. The program, which will be delivered fully online, is the first of its kind in the U.S.

“The scope of the psychedelic research ‘renaissance’ is rapidly expanding beyond academic research,” Cody Wenthur, director of the Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation program, said in a release published by the university. “We see ongoing progress in active healthcare delivery settings, evolving opportunities in governmental, regulatory and legal organizations, and substantial new investments in the pharmaceutical industry.

“This master’s program was designed in collaboration with external partners to ensure that graduates will leave the program with real-world knowledge and in-demand job skills.”

The master’s program will mix scientific training with humanities content, and is designed to educate students on the development and application of therapies to treat psychiatric illnesses including anxiety, depression and PTSD.

The university is accepting applications until July 31 for fall enrollment or Oct. 31 for enrollment starting in the spring of 2022. The program can be completed in two years, with an accelerated one-year option coming in fall 2022. A Capstone Certificate in Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation, a non-degree alternative to the master’s program, will also be offered.