Temple University cherry "T" logo

Temple University

Search Keywords
20170901_SchoolOfPharmacyPY1Lab_055-High%20Res%20JPEG%20300%20DPI_16.jpg

Drug Discovery MS

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 .

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. 

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 2025–2026 academic year.

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

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

Benjamin Blass, PhD, associate professor
Website: pharmacy.temple.edu/benjaminblass
Email: 

Program Contact

Wayne Childers, PhD, director of graduate studies
Phone: 215-707-1079
Email:  
Graduate office email: 

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. 

Additional Program Information