Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics (PhD)

School of Pharmacy

Location: Boston, Worcester
Start Term: Fall

Build on your master’s-level knowledge of the advanced chemical, biological, technical processes essential to pioneering new medications and drug delivery technologies that improve lives.

Take Your Research Interests to the Forefront of Pharmaceutical Development

In this PhD program at either our Boston and Worcester campuses, you’ll pursue research and elective topics related to the materials and technologies associated with pharmaceutical product development, manufacture, and evaluation. As you study the various dosage forms and the release of drugs with corresponding pharmacokinetics—the process by which a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body—you’ll also have the opportunity to take other courses in a variety of topics, including analytical chemistry, business administration, or drug regulatory affairs. Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside professional experts in some of the world’s most advanced laboratories. The program starts in the fall.

Your Doctoral Journey

Our research-and-development focused curriculum prepares you to contribute to breakthroughs and enhancements in the composition, delivery, and safe usage of life-saving drugs. Approximately two-thirds of your required course credit hours will be devoted to electives to allow for a broader foundation. You will devote the balance of your time to an original research topic.  This program is STEM-designated, qualifying international students for an additional two years of OPT work in the United States.

Breakthroughs that Improve Outcomes

As a pharmaceutical scientist, you’ll work at the frontier of drug analysis, creation, and production.

$85k

average salary

Pharmaceutical scientist compensation reported by HospitalCareers.com in 2022.

#1

in Industry investment

Massachusetts is #1 in Industry investment in R&D per capita.
(Massachusetts Life Sciences Center)

10%

JOB GROWTH

Employment of medical scientists, which includes pharmaceutical scientists, is projected to grow 10% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Developing Future Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduate-level degree programs within the School of Pharmacy at MCPHS are meant for those looking to make a difference in the pharmaceutical industry. See how students advance their knowledge and refine their skills through hands on experiences in state-of-the art laboratories under the guidance of our expert faculty.
Pharmacy students in a lab
220629_MCPHS_SwatiBetharia_12.jpg

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 Pharmaceutics, we offer five additional opportunities for graduate study at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.

Master of Science in Pharmaceutics

Two-year, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.

Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry

Two-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.

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 Medicinal Chemistry

Three-year, full-time program on the Boston campus.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics.