The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is designed to engage students in an advanced degree program that prepares them to obtain employment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, research institutions and regulatory agencies.

The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is now available on-campus and online!

The M.S. curriculum is stackable with the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

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On-Campus and Online options
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Strong Curriculum and Career Focused
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No GRE Required
This program will be a good fit for you if:
  • Have an undergraduate or professional degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology or a related field.
  • Are pursuing a major in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology or bioengineering. 
  • Are curious about drug discovery and development.
  • Enjoy research and scientific experimentation in a multidisciplinary field.
  • Would like to complement the existing degree with knowledge and skills related to pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Are considering going to medical school. 
  • Want an exciting career that makes $60,000-90,000 per year.
  • Are already working in the pharmaceutical industry or a different industry and like to pursue an advanced degree for career growth.
Explore Brookings!
The Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty and staff welcome you to Brookings!
FAQs
When to apply

Unless there is a need, the department generally accepts Ph.D. applications for the Fall semester only.

M.S. admissions are only for the Fall semester.

Receiving your application

The department does not send acknowledgments upon receipt of applications. You will be informed by e-mail by the Graduate School if you are missing required application materials. It is your responsibility to ensure the arrival of all required documents. Please note that your application will not be forwarded to the department by the Graduate School for review until all the required documents have been received by the Graduate School.

Selection criteria

The following basic criteria are used to evaluate applicants:

M.S. Programs: The admission is based on the students cumulative GPA in undergraduate or graduate studies, Relevant Science Coursework, Reference letters, essay, primary research/work experience and interview.

Ph.D. Program: The selection is primarily based on the nature and quality of the student’s research experience and its fit to the available projects, their motivation and commitment to graduate studies as relayed in essay/personal statement and interview and their communication skills.

**All admissions decisions are contingent on confirmation that a US-equivalent bachelor’s is conferred.

Notification of admission

Once a decision has been made by the admissions committee, you’ll receive an e-mail notification from the department or graduate school. Please inform the Graduate School and the department of any changes in your contact information.

Prerequisite coursework

The following prerequisites are the courses required for admission to our graduate program:

  • Two semesters of general chemistry.
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry.
  • One semester of biochemistry.

In some instances, applicants who have not had prerequisites at the undergraduate level may be allowed to enroll and make up such a deficiency during their first year in the program.

**All admissions decisions are contingent on confirmation that a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s is conferred.

Applications to specific professor or research group

In general, applications are made to the department graduate program, not to an individual professor or research group. However, faculty with funding are allowed to select their own students who meet the minimum requirements; the selection needs to be approved by the Pharmaceutical Sciences Admissions Committee.

For more information, contact: