The Master of Science (MS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy provides advanced education and cutting-edge training to prepare students for high-level research and leadership positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and in the federal government.

The 16-month, full-time program available at both Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses integrates basic and applied pharmaceutical sciences with hands-on laboratory research experience.

Completion of a biopharmaceutical research internship and capstone project are hallmarks of the program. Students will work with an assigned faculty advisor to help tailor these experiences to meet their unique career goals. A thesis is not required for this program.

About the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Watch this three-minute video to learn more about the benefits of pursuing your MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

The MS in PSC is ideal for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering-related field, and are looking to obtain research positions in industry and government.

The program is also well-suited for students who would like to "‘test the waters" towards completing a doctorate-level degree (PhD).

MS or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Which Program is Right for You?

View this short animation to see how the MS in PSC stacks up against the PhD in PSC at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and which program might be the best choice for you.

The MS in PSC builds on the School of Pharmacy's more than 175-year reputation of advancing scientific knowledge across the spectrum of drug discovery and development.

Students enrolled in the MS in PSC will be able to:

  • Get on the Fast Track to Employment: The biopharmaceutical internship provides students with direct access to potential future employers in industry and government agencies, while coursework prepares students to conduct the latest research in translational sciences and equips them with the skills needed to manage others in research positions. Students also have opportunities to participate in special events that allow them to network with alumni from the School of Pharmacy who have established careers with government agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as participate in a variety of career exploration activities through visits to industry and government laboratories.
  • Study at a Prime Location: Maryland is a thriving center for scientific innovation. The state is home to numerous institutions that are leading advancements across the fields of drug discovery and drug development. Whether you choose to study at our Baltimore or Shady Grove campus, you will be just a short drive from premier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research labs, and federal agencies that offer potential biopharmaceutical research internships for students.
  • Be Mentored by Leaders in the Field: The MS in PSC program is student/mentor driven. Students work closely with a renowned faculty mentor to tailor their biopharmaceutical internship project to meet their unique research interests. At their internship placement, students are also assigned a secondary mentor with whom they interact one-on-one to determine their project design, project implementation, and capstone project. The experience helps students gain skills in teamwork and management to complement their technical science research expertise.
  • Access State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students conducting research at the School of Pharmacy can take advantage of our cutting-edge centers and facilities, including the Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Mass Spectrometry Center, Bio- and Nano-Technology Center, the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation, and more.

Students enrolled in the MS in PSC program will complete a biopharmaceutical research internship and capstone project under the guidance of researchers and scientists in academia, industry, or government.

The knowledge and skills that graduates gain during their time in the MS in PSC program will help prepare them for careers planning experiments, conducting investigations, performing quality assurance, and a variety of other operational roles at pharmaceutical companies and in the government.

Pharmaceutical Sciences Department Seminar 2021

This short video recaps the second annual Pharmaceutical Sciences Department Seminar, at which graduate students present research from their capstone projects and biopharmaceutical research internships.

Do you have questions about the MS in PSC at the School of Pharmacy? Would you like to learn more about the program?

Contact us at pscgraduate@rx.umaryland.edu with any questions you have about our program. We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and address your concerns.