Drug Discovery MS | Temple University

Master of Science in Drug Discovery

Drive the identification and development of new medicines to effectively treat diseases with the Master of Science in Drug Discovery in the School of Pharmacy at Temple University. This highly specialized master’s program prepares students with a direct path to employment in pharmaceutical research through full-time experience in the laboratory and an emphasis on faculty mentorships.

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. 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.

Questions

For more information about the Drug Discovery MS, please email tuspgrad@temple.edu.

Drug Discovery

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.

Drug Discovery MS Learning Outcomes

By completing the program, you will

learn the techniques required for pursuing the process of drug discovery;
develop a systematic understanding of how drugs and medicines are discovered;
become a highly marketable professional;
expand and advance in your career; and
gain a professional network and a competitive advantage through Temple faculty and alumni contacts.

What sets apart the Drug Discovery MS at Temple’s School of Pharmacy?

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 Drug Discovery MS at Temple provides graduates with a direct path to careers in pharmaceutical science research, including positions in academia, industry, government, and other research and development environments.
Location: The School of Pharmacy is in Philadelphia, a hub for pharmaceutical sciences across industry and academia.

Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy

The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is led by world-class researchers and academics in drug discovery, development, delivery, action, efficacy, safety and manufacturing. Pharmaceutical sciences draws from multiple disciplines including pharmacology, chemistry, biology and engineering.

Research topics spearheaded by the program include cancer; central nervous system disorders; metabolic, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease; formulations; microbes; and infectious disorders. The School of Pharmacy focuses on a patient-centered approach to advancing care and improving lives. Learn more about pharmaceutical sciences at the School of Pharmacy.

Drug Discovery MS Applicants

The following students may be interested in applying to the Drug Discovery MS.

Expected or recent college graduates in chemistry, biology or other life sciences
Professional students (e.g., PharmD students)
International students (Should be English language proficient)

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $830.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,100.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Thesis-based Curriculum

The thesis-based MS curriculum emphasizes experience in labs. In place of electives, students take nine credit hours of thesis research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students also have opportunities to present research topics, contribute to and author publications and obtain internships in the field. 

Placement into the thesis-based MS program is highly competitive with a limited number of students admitted every year.

No financial aid is available for thesis-based MS students.

Advising

Program Contact

Student Organizations

Pharmaceutical sciences graduate students are active in Temple’s student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. They travel together to national organization meetings and conferences, host their own chapter activities (e.g., GRADSCAN, an annual graduate research symposium and career networking event), and have access to resources provided and organized by the national organization.

PH-DRDI-MS

Additional Program Information

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