Master of Science in Pharmacology

The Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology is a flexible, full-time graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, drug development, and translational science. Students may choose between the Capstone track (32 units; completed in 12 months) or the Thesis track (36 units; completed in 2 academic years), depending on their professional goals.

The curriculum integrates foundational coursework in pharmacology with hands-on training in modern research methods, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Career development is embedded into the program through resume workshops, mock interviews, and structured networking events with faculty and industry professionals.

Topics of study include pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), physiological basis of disease and drug targets, drug discovery, biologic-based therapeutics, omics technologies, and machine learning. Students gain technical skills with tools such as chromatography, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), and others, as well as state-of-the-art data processing platforms.

Weekly research seminars featuring academic and industry experts foster a collaborative scientific environment.

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, clinical trial management, regulatory affairs, or to pursue advanced degrees such as PhD or MD/PhD programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply core principles of pharmacology and physiology to evaluate drug actions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels to address potential clinical implications.
• Conduct experimental design and implement pharmacological research using modern laboratory techniques.
• Perform analysis and critical evaluation of experimental and clinical data using state-of-the-art statistical and computational tools, including innovative machine learning models.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature and assess emerging therapeutic strategies.
• Communicate scientific findings and their implications effectively through both written and oral formats, demonstrating professional competency.

Requirements

Capstone Track: a total of 32 units, completed in 12 months

Thesis Track: a total of 36 units, completed in 2 academic years

Fall Term (13–18 units)

• GMS PM 610 Professionalism and Skills for Success (2 units)
• GMS PM 620 Foundations in Life Sciences (3 units)
• GMS PM 630 Introduction to Drug Discovery (3 units)
• GMS PM 640 Modern Research Methods (3 units)
• Seminar in Pharmacology & Physiology Research
• Electives (2–5 units)

Spring Term (12–15 units)

• GMS PM 650 Human Systems Physiology and Pharmacology (4 units)
• GMS MS 700 Elementary Biostatistics for the Biomedical Sciences or MS 750 Biostatistics (2 units)
• GMS PM 702 Molecular Neurobiology and Pharmacology (2 units)
• GMS PM 670 Innovations in Pharmacology (2 units)
• GMS PM 680 Pharmacology Capstone Seminar (2 units)
• Seminar in Pharmacology & Physiology Research
• Electives (2–3 units)

Capstone Track: Summer Term (4–12 units)

• GMS PM 931 Research in Pharmacology (2 units)
• GMS PM 932 Research in Pharmacology (2 units)
• Seminar in Pharmacology & Physiology Research
• Students must meet University deadlines for Capstone submission
• Electives, as needed

Thesis Track: Second-Year Fall Term (6 units)

• GMS PM 931 Research in Pharmacology (6 units)
• Seminar in Pharmacology & Physiology Research
• Students may choose to take additional electives

Thesis Track: Second-Year Spring Term (2 units)

• GMS PM 932 Research in Pharmacology (2 units)
• Students must meet University deadlines for Thesis submission

Additional Information

• Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
• Program start date: fall (September); spring (January) start date may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
• Virtual and hybrid seminar options are available; course instruction is in person.
• Professional development is fully integrated into the core curriculum.
• Designed to prepare students for both academic and industry roles.
• Designed for both recent graduates and working professionals seeking career advancement.

Admissions Information

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant undergraduate coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, or physiology is recommended.

Required application materials:

• Online application and fee
• Official transcripts
• CV or Resume
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE is not required

For details, please visit the Graduate Medical Sciences admissions page.