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Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Science

Master’s level degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences specializing in one of Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry or Pharmacology with an optional basic research component.

The Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences prepares graduates to contribute skills and mastery of advanced topics in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields in both educational and industry environments. Graduates of the program are trained to develop skills in critical thinking necessary for positions in research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academic, and government institutions. The program is delivered in a student-centric format that develops the skills to interpret basic and clinical research through critical analysis to foster lifelong learning. Students are engaged in an inclusive and collaborative learning environment and are trained in an interdisciplinary environment that provides depth and breadth of knowledge. Opportunities for collaborative research experts in other fields are provided within the structure of the program.

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Degree Type
MS
Area of Interest
Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
30

The Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is offered with concentrations in:

  • Industrial Pharmacy
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacotherapeutics

The program offers two options, both leading to a degree of Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences.  One option involves original research, which culminates with the defense of a thesis (Plan A). The student research is performed under the mentorship of a faculty member with expertise in the student’s chosen concentration.

The second option does not require original research or defense of a thesis (non-thesis option, Plan B) which culminates in a comprehensive subject-specific exam. Within the non-thesis (Plan B) option, there are opportunities for students to participate in research in a voluntary manner outside of their required course load.

Within the Department, there are more than 30 independent research groups lead by faculty with a diverse range of expertise and research interests, including pharmaceutical dosage design, drug discovery, synthesis and production, pre-clinical testing, environmental toxicology, toxic risk assessment, structural and biochemical toxicology, nanotechnology, pharmacogenomics, gene therapy, molecular modeling, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling. Some therapeutic areas of interest include cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, and pulmonary disease.  Students are trained in an interdisciplinary environment that provides depth and breadth of knowledge with the opportunity for collaborative research with individuals with expertise in other fields.

Program Contact

For information regarding the academic program and requirements for the degree, contact the Graduate Program Director, PHS Department.

Woon-Kai Low, Ph.D.

Graduate Program Director, PHS Dept.

Program Information

Summary of application and program requirements.

An applicant must have completed an appropriate baccalaureate degree program. This degree must be in the natural or physical sciences and may include degrees in the pharmaceutical sciences, toxicology, biology or chemistry. Other degree areas are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Committee.

The basic minimum requirements for an applicant with an undergraduate degree include the following:

  • An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better in the sciences
  • Suitable Graduate Record Examination (General Exam) scores
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose

The admissions committee may require that certain deficiencies be remedied during the first year through additional coursework beyond the minimum of the degree.

Thesis option (Plan A)

The program of study consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours (24 credits of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree and a minimum of 6 credits of research PHS 900), exclusive of prerequisites and dissertation research.

The coursework for each student consists of a core curriculum and a specialization curriculum which is determined in consultation with the faculty mentor. In some cases, students may be required to complete more than the minimum number of credits in their area of specialization or a minor field of study to make up for any deficiencies in background experience and education. The final list of coursework, research, and other requirements grows from the advisement process between the student and mentor/advisor and, if necessary, with the PHS Dept. Chair.

The basic research component is completed under the guidance of a faculty mentor who also serves as the student’s academic advisor.  Students do not need to secure mentorship prior to enrollment in the program.

Non-thesis option (Plan B)

The program of study consists of a minimum of 33 credits of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree, exclusive of prerequisites and dissertation research.  Completion of the degree requires successful completion of a terminal written comprehensive exam.  Students may sit for the comprehensive exam in their final semester of coursework if they have nine or less credits remaining and have completed the core curriculum of their concentration.

The course work for each student consists of a core curriculum and a specialization curriculum which is determined in consultation with the faculty advisor that is suitable to their concentration. In some cases, students may be required to complete more than the minimum number of credits in their area of specialization or a minor field of study in order to make up for any deficiencies in background experience and education. The final list of coursework, research and other requirements grows from the advisement process between the student and advisor and, if necessary, with the PHS Dept. Chair.

Credit Load

  • Core 12 credits
  • Elective 12 credits
  • Research (PHS 900) 6 credits
  • Total 30 credits

Core Courses

Course Code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

IPP 265

Introduction to Industrial Pharmacy I

3

IPP 266

Introduction to Industrial Pharmacy II

3

IPP 237

Industrial Pharmacy

3

IPP 241

Advanced Biopharmaceutics

3

PHS 900

Master’s Research

3

PHS 900 must be taken twice.

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

IPP 101

Special Problems

3

IPP 231 & 231L

Principles of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Lecture & Laboratory

4

IPP 233

Industrial Pharmacy Journal Club

2

IPP 234

Pharmaceutical Materials

3

IPP 235 & 235L

Product Formulation, Lecture & Laboratory

4

IPP 236

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

3

IPP 237

Industrial Pharmacy

3

IPP 247

Special Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 250

Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 255

Biotechnological Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 267

Advanced Physical Pharmacy

3

IPP 271

Degradation and Stability of Pharmaceutical Systems

3

IPP 273

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data Analyses

3

PHS 240 & 240L

Electron Microscopy & Laboratory

4

PHS 250 & 250L

Cell & Tissue Culture and Laboratory

4

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

The 30-credit thesis and 33-credit nonthesis Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences specializing in Industrial Pharmacy prepares you to contribute skills and mastery of advanced topics in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields in both educational and industry environments. You are trained to develop skills in critical thinking necessary for positions in research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and at academic and government institutions. 

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program is designed for working professionals with classes that meet in the evening so you can continue working while you earn your degree

Credit Load

  • Core 12 credits
  • Elective 21 credits
  • Academic Portfolio 0 credits
  • Total 33 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

IPP 265

Introduction to Industrial Pharmacy I

3

IPP 266

Introduction to Industrial Pharmacy II

3

IPP 237

Industrial Pharmacy

3

IPP 241

Advanced Biopharmaceutics

3

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

IPP 101

Special Problems

3

IPP 231 & 231L

Principles of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Lecture & Laboratory

4

IPP 233

Industrial Pharmacy Journal Club

2

IPP 234

Pharmaceutical Materials

3

IPP 235 & 235L

Product Formulation, Lecture & Laboratory

4

IPP 236

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

3

IPP 237

Industrial Pharmacy

3

IPP 247

Special Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 250

Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 255

Biotechnological Drug Delivery Systems

3

IPP 267

Advanced Physical Pharmacy

3

IPP 271

Degradation and Stability of Pharmaceutical Systems

3

IPP 273

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Data Analyses

3

PHS 240 & 240L

Electron Microscopy & Laboratory

4

PHS 250 & 250L

Cell & Tissue Culture and Laboratory

4

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

Credit Load

  • Core 15 credits
  • Elective 9 credits
  • Research PHS 900 6 credits
  • Total 30 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

PHS 212/PHS 259

(select one) PHS 212 Applied Biochemistry I or PHS 259 Cell Signals & Systems

3

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

MCM 225       

Biocatalysis in Drug Discovery                                                                     

3

MCM 265     

Principles of Drug Design I                                                                 

3

MCM 266      

Principles of Drug Design II                                                                      

3

PHS 900

Master’s Research (Plan A only)

3

PHS 900 must be taken twice.

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

MCM 101

Special Problems

3

MCM 207

Peptides and Peptidomimetics

3

MCM 223

Design of Nucleoside Analogs

3

MCM 231

Medicinal Chemistry Journal Club

2

MCM 255

Chemical Aspects of Drug Metabolism

3

MCM 263

Lab in Analysis of Biomacromolecules

3

MCM 267

Computer-Aided Drug Design

3

MCM 269

Advanced Topics in Prodrug Design

3

MCM 270

Medicinal Chemistry of Antiviral and Anticancer Chemotherapeutic Agents

3

PHS 256

Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory                                                                  

3

CHEM 227

Organic Spectroscopy

3

CHEM 121

Advanced Organic Chemistry

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

Credit Load

  • Core 15 credits
  • Elective 18 credits
  • Total 33 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

PHS 212/PHS 259

(select one) PHS 212 Applied Biochemistry I or PHS 259 Cell Signals & Systems

3

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

MCM 225       

Biocatalysis in Drug Discovery                                                                     

3

MCM 265     

Principles of Drug Design I                                                                 

3

MCM 266      

Principles of Drug Design II                                                                     

3

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

MCM 101

Special Problems

3

MCM 207

Peptides and Peptidomimetics

3

MCM 223

Design of Nucleoside Analogs

3

MCM 231

Medicinal Chemistry Journal Club

2

MCM 255

Chemical Aspects of Drug Metabolism

3

MCM 263

Lab in Analysis of Biomacromolecules

3

MCM 267

Computer-Aided Drug Design

3

MCM 269

Advanced Topics in Prodrug Design

3

MCM 270

Medicinal Chemistry of Antiviral and Anticancer Chemotherapeutic Agents

3

PHS 256

Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory                                                                  

3

CHEM 227

Organic Spectroscopy

3

CHEM 121

Advanced Organic Chemistry

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

Credit Load

  • Core 12 credits
  • Elective 12 credits
  • Research (PHS 900) 6 credits 
  • Total 30 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

PHS 212/PHS 259

(select one) PHS 212 Applied Biochemistry I or PHS 259 Cell Signals & Systems

3

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

PHM 201

Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System                                           

3

PHM 211

Biochemical Neuropharmacology                                                                        

3

PHS 900

Master’s Research

3

PHS 900 must be taken twice.

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

PHM 101

Special Problems

3

PHM 102

Principles of Pharmacology I

3

PHM 103

Principles of Pharmacology II

3

PHM 202

Advanced Pharmacology                                                                                      

3

PHM 203

Research Methods in Pharmacology

3

PHM 209

Pharmacological Aspects of Respiratory Disease

3

PHM 216

Advanced Psychopharmacology

3

PHM 221

Clinical Pharmacology

3

PHM 232

Pharmacology Journal Club

2

PHM 240

Pharmacology of Anticancer Drugs

3

PHM 246

Pharmacology of Drugs Abuse

3

PHM 247

Reproductive Pharmacology

3

PHM 249

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

3

MCM 223

Design of Nucleoside Analogs

3

PHS 213

Applied Biochemistry II 

3

PHS 250 & 250L

Cell & Tissue Culture and Laboratory

4

PHS 256

Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory                                                                  

3

PHS 257

Gene Technology in the Pharmaceutical & Health Science

3

PHM 101

Special Problems

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

Credit Load

  • Core 12 credits
  • Electives 21 credits
  • Total 33 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

PHS 212/PHS 259

(select one) PHS 212 Applied Biochemistry I or PHS 259 Cell Signals & Systems

3

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

PHM 201

Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System                                           

3

PHM 211

Biochemical Neuropharmacology                                                                        

3

Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

PHM 101

Special Problems

3

PHM 102

Principles of Pharmacology I

3

PHM 103

Principles of Pharmacology II

3

PHM 202

Advanced Pharmacology                                                                                      

3

PHM 203

Research Methods in Pharmacology

3

PHM 209

Pharmacological Aspects of Respiratory Disease

3

PHM 216

Advanced Psychopharmacology

3

PHM 221

Clinical Pharmacology

3

PHM 232

Pharmacology Journal Club

2

PHM 240

Pharmacology of Anticancer Drugs

3

PHM 246

Pharmacology of Drugs Abuse

3

PHM 247

Reproductive Pharmacology

3

PHM 249

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

3

MCM 223

Design of Nucleoside Analogs

3

PHS 213

Applied Biochemistry II 

3

PHS 250 & 250L

Cell & Tissue Culture and Laboratory

4

PHS 256

Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory                                                                  

3

PHS 257

Gene Technology in the Pharmaceutical & Health Science

3

PHM 101

Special Problems

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

Credit Load

  • Core 12 credits
  • Elective (ANY 4 PHARMACOLOGY COURSES) 12 credits
  • Elective (ANY 3 PHS COURSES IN CONSULTATION WITH ADVISOR) 9 credits
  • Total 33 credits

Core Courses

Course code

Course title

Contribution to minimum credit requirements

PHM 221

Clinical Pharmacology                                                                                           

3

TOX 218

Pathophysiology of Organ System                                                                     

3

TOX 222

Cellular Pathophysiology                                                                                     

3

PAS 252

Biostatistics

3

Pharmacology Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

PHM 201

Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System                                          

3

PHM 202

Advanced Pharmacology                                                                                       

3

PHM 209

Pharmacological Aspects of Respiratory Disease

3

PHM 211

Biochemical Neuropharmacology

3

PHM 216

Advanced Psychopharmacology

3

PHM 246

Pharmacology of Drugs Abuse

3

PHM 247

Reproductive Pharmacology

3

PHM 249

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

3

PHS Electives

Course code

Course title

Credits

PHS 212

Applied Biochemistry I

3

PHS 213

Applied Biochemistry II 

3

PHS 239

Neuroanatomy & Neuropathology

3

PHS 240 & 240L

Electron Microscopy & Laboratory

4

PHS 250 & 250L

Cell & Tissue Culture & Laboratory

4

PHS 256

Pharmaceutical Analysis Lab

3

PHS 257

Gene Technology in the Pharmaceutical & Health Science

3

PHS 259

Cell Signals & Regulatory Systems

3

PHS 261

Laboratory in Gene Technology for the Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Professions

1

PHS 270

Introduction to Biotechnology

3

PHS 271

Oxidants, Antioxidants & Free Radicals

3

PHS 278

Human Physiology

3

Notes for Elective Courses

Registration for courses should be performed after consultation with your academic advisor/research mentor.  Students may choose any of the courses listed above when offered after consultation with their academic advisor/research mentor.

Any course offered by the PHS department in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the graduate level will satisfy the elective requirements.  However, courses not listed above can only be taken as electives after approval from their academic advisor/research mentor and the Chair of the PHS department.

Courses offered by different departments within the College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences or by other departments or other academic units of the University can only be used to satisfy the program elective requirements after approval from the academic advisor/research mentor and PHS Dept. Chair.  Students should also keep in mind that permission from the other departments or academic units is also typically required for registration.

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