Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design

The Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design provides advanced training in basic, translational, and clinical research within the pharmaceutical sciences and prepares students for career opportunities in academia, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and governmental agencies. It is one of five programs coordinated through the Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Umbrella.

The Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design program is aimed at designing effective new drug therapies while minimizing adverse effects. Research in the program includes a diverse range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular, dermatological, immune-mediated, neurological, and psychiatric diseases. Students receive didactic and laboratory training in the design and development of pharmacological compounds including the disciplines of molecular and cellular pharmacology (drug target and biomarker discovery), medicinal chemistry (drug design and synthesis), pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), pharmaceutics (drug delivery and formulation), pharmacogenomics (genetic basis for drug response) and toxicology (drug-induced toxicity). A unique feature of the PSDD program a focus on health equity for rural and underserved populations.

A competitive application will have a GPA of 3.1 or better (on a 4.0 scale). If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.1, additional graduate level courses can be taken as evidence of academic ability. Three letters are required. Letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and research capabilities are strongly encouraged. For applicants whose native language is not English, the applicant must have a minimum TOEFL IBT (IBT Home Edition also accepted) 80, IELTS - 6.5