Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry (PhD)
School of Pharmacy
Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall
Either build on your master’s-level knowledge or start directly on your PhD examining the behavior of chemical substances at the molecular level and conducting research related to the development of new drugs and novel targets.
Research Drug Design and Synthesis in Some of the World’s Most Advanced Laboratories
Your Doctoral 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 (following completion of your MS degree)
- deepen your grasp of pharmaceutical science principles
- study medicinal, organic, and bio-organic chemistry and spectroscopic analysis
- participate in related laboratory rotations and graduate seminars
Second-Year Experience
- engage in research in your desired area of specialization
- continue to participate in related graduate seminars
Third-Year Experience
- develop a thorough understanding of drug metabolism
- continue to participate in related graduate seminars
- extend your research in a desired area of specialization and create a grant proposal
99K
average SalaryMedicinal Chemist compensation reported by Payscale.com in 2022.
6%
Projected Job GrowthThe projected professional growth between 2022 and 2032 is 6%, faster than average. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
#1
IN INDUSTRY INVESTMENTMassachusetts is #1 in Industry investment in R&D per capita.
(Massachusetts Life Sciences Center)
Developing Future Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Sciences
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.
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 PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, we offer five additional opportunities for graduate study at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.
Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry
Two-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.
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 Pharmaceutics
50-credit, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.
Download a Program Fact Sheet
Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry.