Drug discovery involves the research process that identifies new therapies and brings them to market. The process comprises multiple stages including target identification, hit identification, lead optimization and preclinical testing. Multiple scientific disciplines such as molecular biology, genetics, chemistry and bioinformatics are employed to advance novel therapies capable of improving patient outcomes.
What makes the Drug Discovery graduate certificate at Temple’s School of Pharmacy unique?
- Faculty mentorships: Students work side-by-side with the school’s renowned pharmaceutical sciences faculty, learning directly from experts in the field
- Verified path to pharmaceutical science research: The graduate certificate in Drug Discovery at Temple provides a direct path for graduates to fulfilling careers in pharmaceutical science research, including positions in academia, industry, government, and other research and development environments.
- Location: The Temple School of Pharmacy is located in Philadelphia, a hub for pharmaceutical sciences across industry and academia.
- Industry relationships: As a leader in pharmaceutical education, the Temple School of Pharmacy as connections to industry at all levels and can help you get your foot in the door for a rewarding career.
The Drug Discovery graduate certificate experience
The Graduate Certificate in Drug Discovery in the School of Pharmacy at Temple University provides current pharmaceutical professionals and pharmacy students the opportunity to enhance their credentials and skills in drug discovery. Industry employers actively seek candidates who have an understanding of the processes involved in drug discovery.
Students in the Drug Discovery program can take advantage of this 12-credit, stackable graduate certificate, offered with asynchronous and synchronous online courses. Successfully completed credits from the program can be transferred to the master's in Drug Discovery.
By completing our program, you will:
- learn the techniques required for pursuing the process of drug discovery
- develop a systematic understanding of how drugs and medicines are discovered
- broaden your understanding of the drug delivery clinical, medical, and regulatory environment
Get more from your education
Our dedicated team of student support specialists, long list of student-run organizations, and renowned faculty make the Temple School of Pharmacy about more than just academics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQs below. If you do not see an answer to your question, contact us directly at [click-for-email].
When are courses offered?
The 12-credit graduate certificate in Drug Discovery is offered fully online with asynchronous and synchronous components. Students can start in the fall and the spring.
How much does the Drug Discovery certificate cost?
Tuition for the graduate certificate in Drug Discovery is competitive with lots of opportunities for financial support. Tuition rates are set annual by the university and depend on different factors. View more detailed information.
What kind of jobs can I get with this certificate?
Our program will prepare you for the many job opportunities related to drug discovery with employers such as:
- Pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic and nutritional companies
- Consulting
- Contract research organizations (CROs)
- Intellectual property/law firms
- Not-for-profit research institutions
- Regulatory agencies
- Research foundations
- Academia
It is also a great place to start if you plan to enroll in the Drug Discovery master's program.
Who is this program designed for?
The Drug Discovery graduate certificate program is designed for students interested in careers in pharmaceutical research in academia, industry, government, and other research and development environments. Ideal candidates for the pharmacokinetics program include:
- Expected or recent college graduates in biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or other life sciences
- Current graduate students
- International students (must be English language proficient)
- Professional students (e.g. PharmD students)
- Pharmaceutical professionals looking to advance their careers
Can I transfer my credits?
Yes. Credits earned in the Drug Discovery graduate certificate program can be applied to many master's and professional degree programs, including:
- Pharmacokinetics MS
- Drug Delivery MS
- Drug Discovery MS
- PharmD
Please contact [click-for-email] for more details.
Application Information
Apply now to the Drug Discovery graduate certificate program. Set up an account on our Graduate Application Portal. Once you complete the form, you will receive an email to complete your set up.
Application Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Math, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline is required, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Letters of Reference: Two (2) letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence and or from professionals in a supervisory position.
- Transcripts: Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended may be sent electronically to [click-for-email]. Alternately, unopened official transcripts bearing the school's seal must be sent directly from the Registrar at each institution to the School of Pharmacy's Office of Graduate Studies.
- Applicants who earned a degree at a non-U.S. institution must submit an equivalency evaluation of their transcript(s) through a third-party provider, either World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
- Resume: Current resume or CV is required whether applying for the Thesis Option or the Non-Thesis Option.
- Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, applicants should state their specific interest in Temple's program, research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements.
- Standardized Test Scores: Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master's degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:
- TOEFL iBT: 85
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 58
Once all documents have been received, your application will be submitted to our review panel for evaluation. A faculty member will be in touch within a week of submitting your application with a timeline for an admissions decision.
Questions?
Reach out to learn more about this program, discuss admissions criteria, or schedule a time to meet with a faculty member.
Graduate Studies Admissions in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Office of Graduate Studies, Suite 528
3307 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-707-4972
tuspgrad@temple.edu
