St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme builds a strong foundation in the chemical and biological sciences before moving into specialised pharmacology and toxicology topics. Early years typically cover general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, and calculus or statistics.

Core and advanced modules focus on:

• Pharmacology — mechanisms of drug action, receptor pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics.
• Toxicology — principles of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, dose–response relationships, organ-specific toxicity and methods for hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Medicinal chemistry and drug metabolism — structure–activity relationships, biotransformation pathways and factors influencing drug clearance.
• Pharmacokinetics and pharmacometrics — absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, plus modelling approaches used in dose selection.
• Analytical and laboratory techniques — chromatography, mass spectrometry, assay development, bioanalysis and laboratory safety.
• Research methods and statistics — experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.
• Ethics, regulatory science and public health — drug regulation, safety reporting, and the societal context of pharmacology and toxicology.

Students normally complete significant practical work in purpose-built laboratories, participate in a capstone research project or thesis, and have the opportunity to undertake internships or experiential placements with industry, hospitals or regulatory bodies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification with solid achievement in science and mathematics. Typical preparations include high-school biology and chemistry, and coursework in algebra, precalculus or calculus where available. Strong performance in laboratory-based science subjects is advantageous.

Specific entry criteria can vary by applicant type and pathway (first-year, transfer, or mature applicants). St. John’s considers the whole application, including academic transcripts, personal statement, and any relevant extracurricular or laboratory experience. Some applicants may be advised to complete introductory college-level science courses before entry to meet programme prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Common career paths include:

• Research and development roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries.
• Drug safety and toxicology testing in contract research organisations and independent laboratories.
• Regulatory affairs, quality assurance and compliance roles supporting product approval and post-market surveillance.
• Clinical research coordination and data management within hospitals and CROs.
• Positions in government agencies, environmental health, forensic toxicology and occupational safety.

Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study — such as a Master’s in Toxicology or Pharmacology, PhD research, Pharmacy (PharmD), medicine, or related professional programmes — to specialise further or move into senior scientific, clinical or regulatory positions.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s University offers this programme within a college experienced in pharmacy and health sciences education and benefits from its location in the New York metropolitan area, which provides access to hospitals, research institutes and pharmaceutical employers for internships and collaborative projects.

Students gain hands-on laboratory experience in well-equipped facilities, are taught by faculty active in research and industry engagement, and can take part in undergraduate research or community health initiatives. The university’s career services and professional networks support internship placement and graduate employability, while student organisations and seminars provide extra-curricular learning and professional development opportunities.