Applied Drug Development
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Get advanced training in drug development to prepare for a variety of careers in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.
Is this program right for you?
A growing number of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical employers have identified a need for professionals with a scientific background and who already are familiar with the basics of drug development. Our Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development is designed to prepare you for the job market and give you a competitive edge in a rapidly growing industry.
This hybrid, accelerated program focuses on developing practical and professional skills needed across the lifecycle of drug development, manufacturing, and ongoing safety management. It also blends online and in-person learning, so you benefit from a flexible schedule while interacting and learning from instructors and peers.
With many courses designed in cooperation with industry experts, this degree prepares you for a variety of roles within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. In particular, you’ll gain the skills required to work in a regulated environment as well as drug action, statistical, and data analysis skills. You’ll also spend time in the lab, learning highly sought-after skills — putting you at the top of the applicant pool.
Is this program right for you?
A growing number of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical employers have identified a need for professionals with a scientific background and who already are familiar with the basics of drug development. Our Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development is designed to prepare you for the job market and give you a competitive edge in a rapidly growing industry.
This hybrid, accelerated program focuses on developing practical and professional skills needed across the lifecycle of drug development, manufacturing, and ongoing safety management. It also blends online and in-person learning, so you benefit from a flexible schedule while interacting and learning from instructors and peers.
With many courses designed in cooperation with industry experts, this degree prepares you for a variety of roles within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. In particular, you’ll gain the skills required to work in a regulated environment as well as drug action, statistical, and data analysis skills. You’ll also spend time in the lab, learning highly sought-after skills — putting you at the top of the applicant pool.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an international degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Have a background in physical or biological sciences, engineering, pharmacy or a related field.
- Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL (minimum score of 92), the MELAB (minimum score of 82), or IELTS (minimum score of 7.0) exam. This requirement is waived for students who have studied for at least 2 semesters in the US or if English was the language of instruction for their undergraduate degree. For score reporting, use UW–Madison institution code 1846.
To apply:
- Complete an online graduate school application
- Provide unofficial transcripts from any previously completed undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Submit a statement of purpose including background, career aspirations, and reason for applying to the program.
- Send two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
Connect with us
Program Overview: Applied Drug Development
September 30
12:30-1 p.m.
Join program manager Lindy Stoll to get more information about the Applied Drug Development graduate programs including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Register for Applied Drug Development Program Overview
Application Assistance: MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development
October 21
12:30-1 p.m.
Join enrollment coach Pat Walsh to learn ways to make your MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development application stand out.
Register for Applied Drug Development Application Assistance
Program highlights
- Accelerated, hybrid delivery helps you earn your master’s degree in just one year.
- This degree allows you to enter the workforce at a higher level and be more competitive in your career progression.
- This program was designed with industry input to meet the needs of businesses by creating a new class of professionals between entry-level bachelor’s degree holders and PhD scientists.
University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked #7 best pharmacy school by U.S. News & World Report.
How you'll learn
- One-year, 31-credit curriculum with some part-time options available.
- Hybrid program with some online courses and some face-to-face.
- Face-to-face courses are held on the UW–Madison campus.
- Six courses in fall, with 3 online and 3 on-campus. Four courses in spring, with 2 online and 2 on-campus. Complete an internship/capstone in the summer.
Sample curriculum
Fall
- Introduction to the Drug Development Process*
- The Regulatory Process*
- Pharmacokinetics or Toxicology
- Ethics
- Introduction to Statistical Methods
Current Trends in Drug Discovery and Development*
Spring
- Working in a Regulated Environment*
- Project Management for Applied Drug Development*
- Laboratory and Instrumentation Methods
- Molecular and Cellular Principles in Pharmacology
Summer
- Internship/Capstone
Ready to learn more about Applied Drug Development?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Verify credit transfers
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events
