Senior Scientist
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research
Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry (MS)
School of Pharmacy
Location: Boston | Start Term: Fall
Advance your knowledge and understanding of chemical substances with medicinal applications to discover and synthesize the next generation of therapeutics.
Extensive Training in the Drug Discovery Process
Students in the Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry program at MCPHS work alongside globally respected faculty in modern laboratories to learn how to design, synthesize, analyze, and test new potential drug compounds. You’ll study chemical substances at a molecular level to understand how their properties affect drug kinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Graduates from this program are prepared for careers across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
#1
in New EnglandCollege Factual ranked MCPHS the best pharmacy school in the region and fourth best in the country.
$98,480
annual salaryMedian wages for chemists working in research and development, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3,000
new jobsThe biopharma workforce in Massachusetts is growing, accounting for 17% of the state’s total employment growth in 2023, per MassBio.
Bridge the gap between science and medicine to change lives
Step inside the medicinal chemistry program to see how our students build skills and confidence to analyze chemical compounds in the hopes of discovering novel drugs.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Pathways
Students can customize their degree by applying for an optional thesis. Those who are accepted for the thesis track will collaborate with a faculty mentor developing pharmaceutical advancements. Non-thesis students will seek opportunities to participate in summer internships at some of the most prestigious pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the Boston area.
STEM-Designated
This program qualifies international students for an additional 2 years of OPT in the United States.
Industry Connections
The Center for Life Sciences collaborates closely with industry leaders and exposes students to career opportunities.
Developing the life sciences workforce
For three consecutive years, MCPHS has received major grants from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center under the direction of Ronny Priefer, PhD. These funds have enhanced life sciences education and training across the University.
Careers in Action: MCPHS School of Pharmacy Alumni Making Their Mark
Discover the types of roles and organizations where MCPHS graduates from the School of Pharmacy are making their impact.
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Associate Scientist
Sanofi
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Director of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
GSK
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Senior Analytical Chemist
L'Oréal
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Research Assistant
Beth Israel Lahey Health
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Associate Principal Scientist
Nitto Avecia
Latest News from the School of Pharmacy
More Pharmacy Graduate Programs
In addition to the Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry, we offer several other degrees and graduate certificates to advance your pharmacy career.
Master of Science in Pharmaceutics
Two-year, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.
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.
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics
50-credit, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.