Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry

Lead Drug Discovery Innovations in the Lab & Classroom

Doctoral candidates in the Medicinal Chemistry program at MCPHS gain the practical skills and knowledge to develop, design, synthesize, analyze, and test potential new drug compounds. You will evaluate chemical substances on a molecular level to analyze how their properties affect drug kinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. You will also serve as an instructor, working in the classroom to develop fellow scientists.

$98,480

annual salary

Median wages for chemists working in research and development, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

#1

life sciences ecosystem

Massachusetts receives more industry investment for drug research and development per capita than any other state, per the MLSC.

1:1

lab experience

Doctoral candidates work with a graduate advisor in the laboratory for the entirety of the program.

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.

STEM-Designated

This program qualifies international students for an additional 2 years of OPT in the United States.

Explore STEM Education

Industry Connections

The Center for Life Sciences collaborates closely with industry leaders and exposes students to career opportunities.

Experience the Center

Teaching Assistantships

Doctoral candidates gain skills in the laboratory and the classroom as instructors. Graduates are prepared to mentor others in the biotechnology industry and pursue a career in academia.

Discover the School of Pharmacy

Tailored and accelerated professional development

All School of Pharmacy students have access to the same post-graduate opportunities, including the Leadership in Pharmacy Education (LiPhE) Institute, providing support and early exposure to career pathways.

Learn more about the institute

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More Pharmacy Graduate Programs

In addition to the Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry, we offer several other degrees and a graduate certificate to advance your pharmacy career.

Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry

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

Learn about the MS in Medicinal Chemistry

Master of Science in Pharmaceutics

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

Learn about the MS in Pharmaceutics

Master of Science in Clinical Research

Flexible full-time or part-time program on the Boston campus and online.

Learn about the MS in Clinical Research

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research

Flexible three-course program on the Boston campus and online.

Learn about the GC in Clinical Research

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutics

50-credit, full-time program on the Boston and Worcester campuses.

Learn about the PhD in Pharmaceutics

Download a Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry Fact Sheet

Tell us about yourself and we’ll share more information about how the PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at MCPHS can transform your career.

Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry (PhD)