Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry (MS)

School of Pharmacy

Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall

Gain extensive knowledge of the behavior of chemical substances at the molecular level and learn to put that knowledge to use in the development of the next generation of drugs.

An Unparalleled Exploration of Drug Design and its Profound Impact on Healthcare

In this two- to three-year program at our Boston campus, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professional experts in modern laboratories and learn how to design, synthesize, analyze, and test potential new drug compounds. You’ll study how chemical substances behave at a molecular level and how the chemical properties affect drug kinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. You’ll also participate in research directed toward a fuller understanding of pharmacological actions that leads to improved drug design. In addition, you’ll have the option of enrolling in our non-thesis Master of Medicinal Chemistry. This four-semester program will provide you with the in-depth knowledge you need in the areas of drug design and discovery. Both programs start in the fall.

Your Two- to Three-Year Journey

Our research-and-development focused curriculum prepares you for roles at the frontier of drug discovery and enhancement in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll work side-by-side with globally respected faculty working on novel drug targets and diseases.. This program is STEM-designated, qualifying international students for an additional two years of OPT work in the United States.

First-Year Experience

  • learn the principles of pharmaceutical sciences
  • study medicinal, organic, and bio-organic chemistry and spectroscopic analysis
  • participate in related laboratory rotations and graduate seminars

Second-Year Experience

  • study heterocyclic chemistry and the chemistry of macromolecules
  • focus on your research in a desired area of specialization
  • continue to participate in related graduate seminars

Dream Jobs that Help Humanity

As a medicinal chemist, you’ll work with some of the most dynamic technologies and life-saving breakthroughs in healthcare.

Working at the frontier of therapeutics

Jose Mauricio Paredes Quiroz, MS ’22, pursues his calling as a drug hunter working on RNA-based therapeutics at Dicerna Pharmaceuticals. Read Quiroz’s story.

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$99k average salary

Medicinal Chemist compensation reported by Payscale.com in 2022.

MCPHS: A healthcare think tank

Learning health sciences at a university dedicated to the advancement of healthcare means that you are surrounded by peers who share your commitment to making a healthier world. Watch students talk about their MCPHS experience.

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Developing Future Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduate-level degree programs within the School of Pharmacy at MCPHS are meant for those looking to make a difference in the pharmaceutical industry. See how students advance their knowledge and refine their skills through hands on experiences in state-of-the art laboratories under the guidance of our expert faculty.
Two students working together in the lab
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Students Publish with Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor

Professor Swati Betharia, PhD in Pharmacology ’11, led a research team of undergraduate and graduate students to a key finding on neuroprotection against metal toxicity.

Graduate Degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences

As well as the MS in Medicinal Chemistry, we offer five additional opportunities for graduate study at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. 

Master of Science in Pharmaceutics

Two-year, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.

Master of Science in Clinical Research

Flexible full-time or part-time program on the Boston campus and online.

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research

Flexible three-course program on the Boston campus and online.

Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry

Three-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics

50-credit, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.