Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This master's integrates core pharmaceutical science topics with administration and regulatory perspectives. Typical modules cover pharmaceutical chemistry and formulation, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, advanced pharmaceutics and drug delivery systems, biostatistics and research methods, clinical trials and pharmacovigilance, and regulatory affairs and quality assurance.

Students also study complementary subjects in healthcare policy, pharmaceutical marketing and management, ethics in biomedical research, and data analysis for drug development. The programme normally offers a choice between a research thesis or a capstone/practicum project, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience in laboratories, clinical research settings or industry placements.

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Design
• Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Biostatistics and Research Methods
• Clinical Trials, Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety
• Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
• Pharmaceutical Management, Marketing and Ethics
• Capstone Project or Thesis with laboratory/industry placement

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a closely related science discipline. Typical academic expectations include a strong undergraduate record and foundational coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and calculus or statistics.

Application materials usually include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining career goals, one or more academic or professional letters of recommendation, and a current CV or résumé. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. The admissions committee may also request an interview for selected applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Common career pathways include formulation and development scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, quality assurance/quality control analyst, clinical research associate, pharmacovigilance/drug safety officer, medical affairs or product manager, and roles in pharmaceutical policy or consulting.

The programme also prepares students for continued academic study at the doctoral level or for professional progression into leadership and operational roles within industry and regulatory bodies. Practical placements and project work support employability by building lab skills, regulatory familiarity and project management experience.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic and industry experience in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare. The university’s campuses are located within a major pharmaceutical and healthcare corridor, facilitating industry connections, internships and guest lectures from practitioners.

Students benefit from access to laboratory facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences programmes, and flexible study options that accommodate working professionals. The curriculum emphasises applied skills, regulatory literacy and professional development to help graduates transition into technical or managerial roles in the pharmaceutical sector.