Discovering the Future of Drug Therapy

Drug discovery is the multidisciplinary process by which new drugs are discovered. Explore how the application of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, screening science, computational modeling, and a wide range of cutting-edge technologies are used to identify viable clinical candidates.  

What makes the Drug Discovery MS 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 master of science in Pharmacokinetics 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 has connections to industry at all levels and can help you get your foot in the door for a rewarding career.

The Drug Delivery MS experience

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. 

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

Who is this program designed for?

The Drug Delivery MS 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:

  • Upcoming 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
Add the second question here

Add the response to that question here.

Do I have to write a thesis?

Both non-thesis-based and thesis-based MS programs are offered. The non-thesis-based Drug Discovery MS is a highly collaborative program where faculty mentor students throughout their time at Temple, ensuring that each student receives one-on-one training, mentoring and advising. The curriculum includes core courses, elective courses, time in the lab and hands-on experience with cutting-edge research to provide innovative treatment for patients. The thesis-based Drug Discovery MS substitutes six hours of thesis research for elective courses. Openings for the thesis-based MS are limited every year.

Application Information

Apply now to the Drug Discovery master's 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 Pharmacy, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering or a related discipline is required.
  • It is recommended that applicants should have completed a minimum of two years of General Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry; one Analytical Chemistry course; and Mathematics, including at least Introductory Calculus. A course in Physical Chemistry is also advisable.
  • Letters of Reference: Three (3) 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 . 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. 
  • 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