MS in Pharmacology

Prepare for a career in drug discovery, translational research, and regulatory science through rigorous coursework, hands-on lab training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates will understand the molecular foundation of drug actions, have experience in state-of-the-art instrumentation and machine learning, and be prepared to translate discoveries from bench to bedside.

Start: September 2, 2026  •  12-month Capstone Track  •  2-Year Thesis Track  •  Part-time Options Available

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A Program Built For Success

🔬 World-Class Faculty
Active researchers and clinician-scientists bridging theory and translational medicine.

 📚 Research-Driven Curriculum
Core pharmacology courses plus electives for specialization.
🧪 Hands-On Laboratory Training
Access to Cryo-EM, Genomics, Proteomics, Imaging, and Machine Learning infrastructure.

 🤝 Interdisciplinary Focus
Collaborate across industry, medicine, public health, and biomedical engineering.
🏙️ Boston Biotech Ecosystem
Strong ties to one of the world’s top biotech and pharma hubs.

 🎓 Career Readiness
Professional development and networking with pharma industry partners built in.

Choose Your Track

We offer two distinct tracks to help you reach your specific career goals.

Accelerated

12-Month Capstone Track

32 Units  •  Full Time

 Research-Intensive

2-Year Thesis Track

36 Units  •  Full Time
Career-ready quickly through coursework and mentored research. Ideal for a professional launch in pharmaceutical or biotech industries.

  • Fall & Spring: core courses and electives
  • Summer mentored capstone research project
  • Laboratory or literature-based capstone options
  • Career networking and individualized mentorship
 The same solid coursework foundation with an extended research experience for those seeking to contribute original findings and develop advanced experimental skills.

  • Year 1: Fall & Spring core courses and electives
  • Year 2: Fall & Spring thesis research
  • Original experimental findings required
  • One-on-one research mentorship

💡 Part-time options are available for both tracks to provide the flexibility you need.

Curriculum Overview

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the M.S. in Pharmacology will be able to:

  1. Apply core principles of pharmacology and physiology to evaluate drug actions at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels and address potential clinical implications.
  2. Conduct experimental design and implement pharmacological research using modern laboratory techniques.
  3. Perform analysis and critical evaluation of experimental and clinical data using state-of-the-art statistical and computational tools, including innovative machine learning models.
  4. Critically evaluate scientific literature and assess emerging therapeutic strategies.
  5. Communicate scientific findings and their implications effectively through both written and oral formats, demonstrating professional competency.

Admissions

Now Enrolling for Fall 2026

Classes begin September 2, 2026
Check the GMS website for current application deadlines and important dates.
View application deadlines →

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Dedicated Support & Mentorship

You will not navigate this journey alone. Every student receives:

🗺️ Individualized Advising

Personalized guidance to help you map your academic and career trajectory from day one.
🔍 Research Mentorship

Direct, expert one-on-one guidance for your capstone or thesis project, tailored to your interests.
🌐 Career Networking 

Continuous access to professional development and connections with clinicians and industry partners.
✍️ BU Support Services

Career counseling, grant-writing workshops, and scientific communication training throughout the program.

Your Career Trajectory

Outcomes with an MS in Pharmacology include:

  • Research and Development
  • Clinical Regulatory
  • Science Communication
  • Medical School

Advanced degree pathways include:

  • Science Communication
  • Medical School
  • MBA
  • Medical School (MD/DO)
  • Law School (JD)

Alumni benefit from ongoing mentorship, internship opportunities, and strong connections to Boston’s active biomedical research community — one of the most vibrant in the world.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

MS in Pharmacology — Graduate Medical Sciences

PharmMS@bu.edu  |  617.358.2075

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