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, 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. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
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.
Program highlights
- Accelerated, hybrid delivery helps you earn your master’s degree in just one year. Two and three-year part-time options are also offered.
- 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, 30-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
- 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
Job outlook
- Clinical Manager
- Clinical Data Manager
- Scientist
- Medical Director
- Process Engineer
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Health Care Services
- Educational Services
- Pfizer
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Bayer Corporation
- Merck & Company
Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2020.
Burning Glass Technologies’ Market Salary is an estimated expected salary. Market Salary uses machine learning algorithms to account for experience, skill, and education among other factors that may impact individual salaries.
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.
