Pharmaceutical Engineering

• The program is non-thesis-based.
• Students have the opportunity to gain advanced interdisciplinary training in chemical engineering and pharmaceutical sciences with core and elective classes in both.
• Students may choose to focus on either engineering or pharmaceutical sciences courses or on such areas as regulatory issues to balance current strengths and design their own career paths.
• Students gain hands-on experience in modern experimental techniques, including bioreactor operation, downstream purification, and cell culture.
• With Northeastern’s top-ranked co-op program, students may gain up to eight months of full-time work experience as part of the academic curriculum, allowing them to build their resume, develop a professional network, and gain a competitive edge upon graduation.
• A premier location in Boston-a hub of high-tech and biotech-and its industry collaborations create innovative co-op opportunities for pharmaceutical engineering students.
• One of only a few master’s programs nationwide combining engineering and pharmaceutical sciences.

There is a growing need for engineers with advanced skills in state-of-the-art pharmaceutical design, manufacturing processes, and regulatory and quality aspects, including cross-functional pharmaceutical engineering knowledge in clinical development, manufacturing, and rigorous quantitative approaches.

This program is one of only a few nationwide that combine engineering and pharmaceutical sciences to address this market need. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for in-demand roles in bio-manufacturing, validation/regulatory compliance, quality control, and more.

Along with California, Massachusetts offers the nation’s strongest market for careers in pharmaceuticals, especially biopharmaceuticals.

As part of the MS program, you’ll gain real-world experience in modern experimental techniques, including bioreactor operation, downstream purification, and cell culture.

Through our signature co-op program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation. The College of Engineering has over 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepares students for the co-op experience through resume building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• BS degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or equivalent experience

• Differential equations or equivalent mathematics coursework

• Completed online application form

• Two letters of recommendation

• Transcripts from all institutions attended

• GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years

• Statement of purpose

• Resumé

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

• The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.