Pharmacology
Master's
The Master of Science in Pharmacology program embodies the principles and mechanisms of drug action in biological systems and the principles at the basis of their therapeutic activity.
Program overview
Lead cutting-edge drug discovery
The Master of Science in Pharmacology, offered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, provides a comprehensive knowledge of both the theoretical and applied aspects of pharmacology at all levels of biological organization, from the molecular to the living organism.
Through coursework, seminars, conferences, and off-campus internship experiences, students gain exposure to both classical and recent approaches that have led to the development of current theories of drug action and principles supporting drug discovery. Emphasis is placed on understanding how drug action elicits a therapeutic outcome and the safety and efficacy consequences associated with pharmacotherapeutics. After completion, you’ll also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university. The program is STEM certified.
The Master of Science in Pharmacology, offered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, provides a comprehensive knowledge of both the theoretical and applied aspects of pharmacology at all levels of biological organization, from the molecular to the living organism.
Through coursework, seminars, conferences, and off-campus internship experiences, students gain exposure to both classical and recent approaches that have led to the development of current theories of drug action and principles supporting drug discovery. Emphasis is placed on understanding how drug action elicits a therapeutic outcome and the safety and efficacy consequences associated with pharmacotherapeutics. After completion, you’ll also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university. The program is STEM certified.
- The university is strategically located within the Boston-area biomedical and pharmaceutical/biotech-industry ecosystem.
- The MS program provides opportunities for original research experience in department labs and the option to do a literature- or laboratory-based master’s thesis for credit.
- Northeastern’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is consistently ranked first in NIH funding among all private U.S. schools of pharmacy.
- The program offers opportunities for experiential learning through university and off-campus co-ops and internships.
- Faculty includes industry-practiced scientists in drug discovery and researchers in diverse areas of pharmacology.
- Those already employed in pharmacology positions can take specific courses for advanced training.
Graduates of the program go on to work as researchers, mainly in labs, in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Some graduates from the department have established careers as:
- Industry scientists and administrators (Big Pharma, biotech)
- Clinical laboratory staff
- Academic biomedical researchers
- Science teaching faculty
- Medical liaison specialists
- Pharmaceutical product representatives
- Medical writers
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Application Deadline | |
| International Applications Seeking an F-1 Student Visa: | June 1 |
| Domestic Students: | August 1 |
Application
Application fee
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all institutions attended
Personal statement
Resumé
For those whose native language is not English, the TOEFL or IELTS exam will be required. A minimum score of 100 in the iBT TOEFL is preferred, or a minimum score of 7.5 in the IELTS Academic is preferred. TOEFL Code for the application is 8246
GRE scores are optional
At least one semester of undergraduate courses (or their equivalent) in each of the following:
Biochemistry / Cellular Biology / Molecular Biology
Biology
Organic chemistry
Physics
Calculus
Kira Talent video assessment so you can showcase your communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. (Your link will be emailed after you submit your application.)
Please note: All international applicants will need to provide a WES
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Become a powerful and informed advocate for patients and drug development companies.
Evaluate critical topics of contemporary focus in pharmacology, including current trends and cross-disciplinary knowledge about drugs and their actions in living systems, and produce literature reviews of current topics.
Execute laboratory experiments by using methodology and instrumentation for drug profiling, applying experimental techniques to improve pharmacological knowledge, maintaining and using data.
Identify themes, knowledge gaps, and research problems regarding drug action, profiling, and application and effectively communicate them, and judge social, economic, and ethical impacts, and recognize unsatisfied medical needs.
Advance drug discovery and translational medicine by employing pharmacology principles, specifically practical understanding of drug process and development and where additional information can improve patient care.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
Occupations
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for ZIP code .
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for the postal code .
No companies available.
No skills available.
No job titles available.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
-
$64,218Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidA hub of innovation
Northeastern's first campus builds on Boston's legacy of innovation. Our 37-plus research facilities allow students and faculty to work on groundbreaking research, while our deep ties to the biotech, healthcare, education, and startup industries provide unique opportunities for learning.
#1
Best state to live in
(WalletHub, 2023)
110K+
Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston
#3
Best state for education
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)