Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery
Master's
The Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery integrates aspects of contemporary medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, emphasizing topics most relevant to therapeutics design, discovery, and action.
Program overview
Lead the next evolution in drug discovery
The Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery offered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences develops your knowledge in the design, synthesis, and mechanisms of action of novel biologically active compounds using modern biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological approaches.
The core curriculum focuses on a combination of synthetic organic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmacology courses. Through in-depth elective courses, the program offers you the opportunity to develop medicinal chemistry expertise that can be applied to a practice-oriented career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Graduates of the program will also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university. The program is STEM certified.
The Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery offered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences develops your knowledge in the design, synthesis, and mechanisms of action of novel biologically active compounds using modern biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological approaches.
The core curriculum focuses on a combination of synthetic organic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmacology courses. Through in-depth elective courses, the program offers you the opportunity to develop medicinal chemistry expertise that can be applied to a practice-oriented career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Graduates of the program will 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
- The interdisciplinary and comprehensive program is structured with core and elective courses using laboratory and computer-based technologies
- 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 multiple opportunities for experiential learning through departmental and off-campus internships and co-ops
- Program faculty includes industry-practiced scientists in drug discovery
- Those already employed in pharmaceutical/biotechnology careers can take specific courses for advanced training
Graduates of the Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery program often work in chemistry labs synthesizing new chemical matter as potential drugs. Some graduates from the department have established careers as independent:
- 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 Applicants Seeking an F-1 Student Visa: | June 1 |
| Domestic Student: | 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
Physics
Calculus
Two semesters of organic chemistry
Please note: All international applicants will need to provide a WES
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Upon completion of the MS in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery program, students will be able to evaluate critical topics, synthesize novel chemical matter, and identify major themes, knowledge gaps, and research problems.
Evaluate critical topics of contemporary focus in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, including how to explain current trends in organic synthesis and produce literature reviews encompassing retrieval, critical analysis, assessment, and written/oral presentations
Synthesize novel chemical matter as potential probes/drugs, specifically how to use organic-synthesis methodology and instrumentation in drug discovery. You’ll learn to ethically apply experimental techniques and use data, records, and documentation.
Identify major themes, knowledge gaps, and research problems related to drug design, profiling, and clinical application. This includes clear oral and written communications.
Advance drug discovery and translational medicine by utilizing modern approaches in chemical synthesis, including predicting future trends, applying organic chemistry to advance drug discovery and development, and determine unmet medical needs.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$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.
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