Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Become a leader in drug design, delivery, disposition and action with the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy at Temple University. While Pharmacy students study the science of preparing and dispensing drugs to patients, Pharmaceutical Sciences students study how to design and create treatments. The full-time, thesis-based Pharmaceutical Sciences MS graduate degree prepares you to be an integral part of this industry, which is critical to the discovery and distribution of new medicine and contributes to the overall well-being of society. You will focus on one concentration over the five-year course of study, with access to leading-edge research and technology throughout your time in the program.

Pharmaceutical Sciences MS graduates pursue careers in industries such as biotechnology, biomedical, healthcare and pharmaceutical, or in government agencies. They also pursue research or careers in clinical sciences, drug analysis, drug design and development, and drug commercialization. Upon completion of your degree, you may choose to work toward the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD.

Though the curriculum varies depending on the concentration you choose, the coursework is interdisciplinary and incorporates biochemistry, molecular modeling, organic chemistry and pharmacology. You’ll study important processes in advanced pharmaceutical sciences, including chemical synthesis, drug manufacturing, how a drug is transported and its interactions in a living organism. During your final years in the program, you will produce a research-based thesis study.

Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS

Students interested in the Pharmaceutics concentration have the option of pursuing the Non-Thesis Master of Science in Pharmaceutics degree, offered through the School of Pharmacy’s Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance program. This option is ideal if you earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering or pharmacy, and if you want to pursue a post-bachelor’s degree that expands your career opportunities while continuing to work full time.

The Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS is only available on a part-time basis, giving you the flexibility to take classes at night and on the weekends. Some of the coursework draws from the Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance MS, giving you a strong foundation for understanding regulations in pharmaceutical sciences. You will study dosage form and design, drug delivery, manufacturing, pharmaceutical principles and practices, and toxicology. Similar to the thesis-based MS, the non-thesis MS must be completed within five years. Learn more about the Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS.

Students pursuing the Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS can also earn a pre-master’s certificate in Pharmaceutics at the same time. Learn more about earning the Dual Certificate/Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS.

Choosing between a thesis versus non-thesis degree program

Deciding between the thesis-based Pharmaceutical Sciences MS and the Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS may depend on your professional career goals. The thesis-based Pharmaceutical Sciences MS degree is designed for students who wish to pursue research-based careers or a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD. Alternatively, the Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS is designed for working professionals who seek advanced development in their chosen career path.

Classes & Curriculum

Thesis-based MS

Pharmaceutical Sciences MS classes take place at the Health Sciences Center, just north of Main Campus, with some classes at the Fort Washington location.

Students must complete 30 graduate credits of required core courses and approved electives over five years. Six additional required credits are research credits, leading to a final written thesis. The final thesis is a research-based, original, theoretical and/or empirical study that contributes to the field of medicinal chemistry in the pharmaceutical sciences. Learn more about thesis requirements for the Pharmaceutical Sciences MS degree.

Learn more about the thesis-based Pharmaceutical Sciences MS curriculum requirements.

Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS

Students in the Non-Thesis Pharmaceutics MS program must complete 18 core and 18 elective courses over five years. Classes take place at Temple’s location in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Some classes are available online through the RAQA Online Learning Program.

Learn more about the Non-thesis Pharmaceutics MS curriculum requirements.