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Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development MS

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Is this program right for you?

Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical employers seek professionals with a scientific background and familiarity with 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 program can be completed in one year, either hybrid or 100% online
  • Develop the practical and professional skills needed across the lifecycle of drug development, manufacturing and ongoing safety management
  • With many courses designed in cooperation with industry experts, this degree prepares you for a variety of roles within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including skills required to work in a regulated environment

Education that works for you

Get advanced training in drug development to prepare for a variety of careers in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

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Degree awarded

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Commitment

12 months – 3 years

Tuition

$1,500 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Hybrid

Mix of on-campus and online courses

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall and spring terms

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

Yes

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Spring 2026

  • Deadline: August 31, 2025

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026

Spring 2027

  • Deadline: August 31, 2026
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

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Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree, PharmD or equivalent from an accredited institution
  • Have a background in physical or biological sciences, engineering, pharmacy or a related field
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

After all application materials have been received, you will be notified by email of next steps, which may include scheduling a virtual interview.

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

October 9, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Graduate Programs Virtual Open House

Hear from enrollment coaches and other staff to gain insight into the application process, and discover the array of services and resources available to graduate students at UW–Madison.

Register now →

October 21, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Program Overview & Career Outlook: Information MS

Join program staff to learn more about the Master of Science in Information program. Topics will include information about the curriculum, concentration areas, tuition and more.

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Results that work for you

Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development MS

Job titles

  • Scientist II
  • QC Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • Senior Research Associate

Top employers

  • Exact Sciences
  • Labcorp
  • Pfizer
  • Catalent

#9

University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked ninth best pharmacy school by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News & World Report, 2024.

What you’ll learn

Launch your career in pharmaceutical development with the Pharmaceutical Science: Applied Drug Development MS program. You’ll gain expertise in the entire drug development journey, from lab discovery to regulatory approval, while using project management skills and advanced lab techniques.

Listed here are the program’s core course requirements.

Visit for complete course requirements →

  • PHM SCI 762 —The Drug Development Process I
  • PHM SCI 763 — The Drug Development Process II
  • PHM SCI 751 — Introduction to Regulatory Practice
  • PHM SCI 752 — GxP (Good Practice): Working in a Regulated Environment
  • PHM SCI 753 — Pharmaceutical Economics and Project Management
  • PHM SCI 759 — Current Trends in Drug Discovery and Development
  • PHM SCI 760 — Summative Research Internship
  • B M I/​STAT 541 — Introduction to Biostatistics

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