Aid in the discovery and development of drugs that treat human disease with the Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Advance Drug Discovery With a Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Prepare to shape the future of medicine with UMass Lowell’s Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Designed for recent graduates and working professionals, this STEM-designated program combines pharmaceutical science, biology, chemistry, laboratory training and data analysis to help you develop and evaluate therapies that improve human health. 

Learn from nationally recognized faculty, build expertise for careers in biopharmaceutical research, clinical trials, drug manufacturing and regulatory affairs and complete your degree in as little as 12 months full-time. UMass Lowell’s affordable tuition, flexible full- and part-time options and strong pathway to Ph.D. study make this program a smart investment in your future.

Program Quick Facts

  • GRE Not Required
  • Available Part-Time and Full-Time
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • Complete in 12-15 Months

Why Earn Your Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UMass Lowell?

Two people look at a laptop and tablet together.

Learn from Nationally Recognized Faculty

Active researchers working in emerging areas of pharmaceutical sciences, our faculty members have decades of experience teaching and conducting clinical research. Learn more about faculty expertise.

headshot of Katie McGourty in a lab

Benefit From Affordable Tuition

UMass Lowell is committed to affordability. Graduate scholarships and financial aid are available, and tuition and fees total about one-half of those at comparable private institutions. 

research1

STEM-Designated Degree Program

International students may be eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
A woman wearing a business suit holds a bottle of pills and speaks with a pharmacist in a pharmacy

Advance in Industry or Continue to a Ph.D.

UMass Lowell graduates are very competitive in the job market, landing roles in clinical research and trials, analytical and laboratory sciences, manufacturing and production and regulatory affairs and compliance. 

You may also continue into our Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences to pursue careers in academia and research. 

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Christianto Putra poses in a lab at UMass Lowell
Christianto Putra '16, '21
Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Christianto Putra conducted research on titanium dioxide, a common food additive, for his dissertation and published the results in the Journal of Nutrition.

UMass Lowell offered me a place to learn about nutritional sciences, experience the campus culture and conduct research.

Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences Career Outlook

  • +9.6%

    Projected job growth for Pharmaceutical Sciences majors (2026–2035)

    (Lightcast, 2026)

  • $139K

    Median advertised salary for master's degree holders in New England

    (Lightcast, 2026)

Where Our Graduates Work

UMass Lowell alumni have pursued careers in:

  • Drug development and design
  • Quality control
  • Research technology
  • Regulatory policy
  • Clinical trials 
  • Academic research

Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences Curriculum

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a 32-credit degree program. Full-time students could finish the program in 12 to 15 months. Students who attend part-time could finish in as little as two years and well within five years. 

Chemistry Core (choose 1)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Related course upon Graduate Coordinator's approval3
CHEM.5500Biochemistry I3
CHEM.5620Biopharmaceutical Development3
CHEM.6310Principles of Medicinal Chemistry I3
Credits required = 3

Molecular/Cellular Biology Core (choose 1)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Related course upon Graduate Coordinator's approval3
BIOL.5420Advanced Cell Biology3
BIOL.5670Molecular Biology3
BIOL.5760Cell Culture*3
CHEN.5350Cell and Microbe Cultivation3
MLSC.5600Molecular Pathology3
Credits required = 3

Pathophysiology Core (choose 1)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
HSCI.5510Clinical Pathophysiology3
Credits required = 3

Statistics Core (choose 1)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PUBH.5770Biostatistics for Health Data3
Credits required = 3

Pharmaceutical Science Core (4 courses required)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHRM.6100Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences3
PHRM.6400Pharmaceutical Analysis3
PHRM.6410Drug Delivery3
PHRM.6600Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism3
Total credits required = 12

Laboratory Core (choose 2)

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Related course upon Graduate Coordinator's approval1
PHRM.6120Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory1
PHRM.6420Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory1
BIOL.5760Cell Culture Laboratory* 1
Credits required = 2

Electives (6 credits required)

Chemistry Core

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxPharmaceutical Sciences Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPharmaceutical Sciences Elective3
Electives total credits required = 6

Program Total = 32 credits.

Pharmaceutical Sciences Elective include (but are not limited to):

Updated 6/6/2023

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Resume: All programs require a resume except for the following: Doctor of Physical Therapy and all Master of Public Health programs
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
    • Public Health (Doctor of Science)
    • Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add supporting documents, please log in to your application and select "Program Materials."

International Applicants

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+

Rolling Admission

The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences has rolling admission, so there are no strict application deadlines. Applicants should apply early enough for application materials to be received and evaluated and to make any necessary travel and visa arrangements. International students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa processing and priority scholarship consideration.

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Start your online application today!

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Find Graduate Resources

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu