Catalog : Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Degree Pathways

Degree Pathways for student entering:

• Fall 2023 and Beyond
• Before Fall 2023

Program Description

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is designed for recent graduates and professionals. The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences equips students with the technical expertise to support roles in research and production settings that:

• Discover and develop drugs to treat human disease
• Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies
• Adhere to quality and regulatory requirements

Degree Requirements

The M.S. curriculum will consist of a minimum of 32 credits of coursework. Coursework will generally be scheduled in the fall and spring semesters. Full-time students may finish in as little as 12 months by taking courses during the summer term. Students who attend part-time should finish within five years. 

The Program Coordinator and advisers in the program will guide M.S. students through a part-time or full-time program of study. Full-time study is equivalent to 9 credits or more per semester.

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a course-based degree and there is no option for a thesis. Students may complete a graduate research project.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants to the M.S. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences must have a B.S. degree from an accredited institution or be in the last semester of their baccalaureate program. 
• Upon admission or through the successful completion of prerequisite courses, students will be expected to have successfully demonstrated undergraduate level knowledge in the following areas (C or better):
  • Calculus
  • General chemistry
  • Organic chemistry 
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology or anatomy and physiology
  • No more than two pre-requisite courses may be missing at the time of application
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
• Prerequisite Science GPA of 2.70 or greater.
• Two letters of recommendation. 
• Official transcripts from all institutions where pre-requisite courses are completed or degrees are earned.
• A resume that summarizes educational and professional experience, and any other related honors, special skills, or certifications.
• Written statement of purpose (1-2 pages) outlining interest in the program and goals upon completion.
• Completed application and fees.
• Note - GRE scores are not required

International Applicants

• English proficiency testing including one of the following:
  • TOEFL minimum 79
  • IELTS minimum 6.5
  • Duolingo minimum 105

• Transcripts from colleges outside the United States may need to be certified by a credentialing agency such as World Education Services (WES) or the Center for Educational Documentation (CED).

Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits of graduate work of appropriate course work with a grade of B or better can be transferred into the UMass Lowell MS Pharmaceutical Science programs. The courses must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator and meet the transfer credit requirements.

Admission

Admission is competitive and only completed applications will be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check all admission requirements have been completed and received. 

The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences has rolling admission, so there are no strict deadlines for applying. 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 for priority scholarship consideration.

Updated 8/7/26