Pharmaceutical Science MS | Temple University

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.

Concentrations

You can focus on Pharmaceutical Science or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Medicinal Chemistry

Study the science of pharmaceuticals with a concentration in medicinal chemistry in this interdisciplinary environment. Your electives will mostly be in chemistry, but courses in pharmacology as well as computer and information science are also available. Prepare for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry or government agencies.
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Pharmaceutics

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutics and prepare for a career in a government agency or the pharmaceutical industry. Benefit from an interdisciplinary environment where collaboration is encouraged among faculty and students with diverse interests like pharmacology, organic chemistry and molecular modeling.
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Pharmacodynamics

Launch your career in biomedical research or as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. In a maximum of five years, take courses with faculty who specialize in issues like drug metabolism and pharmaceutical analysis. You’ll benefit from the interdisciplinary approach of the program—collaboration is encouraged in research and coursework amongst faculty and students with diverse interests.
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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 .

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science program offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency and more.

These tuition costs apply to the 2018–2019 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,072.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,358.00 per credit

Learn more about our tuition and fees.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Our Advisors

Students in the School of Pharmacy work with a faculty advisor throughout their program. These advisors help shape your coursework and research activities to align with your academic interests and professional goals.

First-year students will take Survey of Pharmaceutical Sciences and at least two different laboratory courses before choosing an advisor.

To learn more about Temple's Pharmaceutical Sciences program, contact

Daniel J. Canney, associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is the faculty program contact for the Pharmaceutical Sciences MS.
Phone: 215-707-6924
Email: daniel.canney@temple.edu

Sophon Din, administrative assistant in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is a program contact for the Pharmaceutical Sciences MS.
Phone: 215-707-4972
Email: sophon.din@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

The School of Pharmacy offers its students a number of academic and social extracurricular activities. Students are able to participate in a range of groups, including fraternities and honor societies, school chapters of national organizations, and student-led alliances and committees. Some of these clubs and organizations are

the American Pharmacists Association/Academy of Student Pharmacists - Temple University Student Chapter, which provides a forum for students’ opinions on pertinent association activities and policies and strengthens the conversion from student membership to active membership in the association.
Rho Chi, the National Honor Society of Pharmacy that was established in 1922. Its fundamental objective is to promote the advancement of the pharmaceutical sciences and of the profession of pharmacy.
Student Government, the School of Pharmacy’s student elected-body that acts as a liaison between administration, class members and faculty.
Student National Pharmaceutical Association - Temple University Chapter, an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about pharmacy and healthcare-related issues, including poor and minority representation in health-related professions.

Explore the full list of School of Pharmacy student clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

PH-PS-MS