Collage of Pharmaceutical Sciences students in the lab at the Rinker Campus
School of Pharmacy

» Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS)

Earn Your Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chapman University

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) program at Chapman University offers a research-focused approach to education. Join our two-year program to explore a broad range of scientific disciplines critical to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies that impact the world.

Leading the Future of Drug Innovation and Development

Our global health is in the hands of professionals who welcome challenges, value discovery and champion innovation. At Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), we train the next generation of healthcare leaders to do this and more. 

Through collaborative work with faculty advisors, pharmaceutical sciences students probe today’s most pressing questions and illuminate answers that can change the face of the industry. Students can tailor their educational experience through an emphasis in either Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy.

Chapman MSPS Highlights

  • One-on-One Attention From a Faculty Advisor
  • Part-Time Option For Working Professionals
  • Two Years Of Full-Time Study to Earn Your Degree
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Watch Program Highlights

What to Expect in the MSPS Program

Year One

Students’ first year in the pharmaceutical sciences master’s degree program focuses on laying the foundation for advanced studies in year two. During this time, students develop core skills and build fundamental biostatistical knowledge.

Year one is also a great time for students to explore their interests as they prepare for research and internship opportunities.

Year Two

In the second year of the program, students deepen their specialization through advanced elective courses, engagement in research projects and seminar participation. They can also gain practical experience through internships and research undertaken with a faculty advisor and rotations.

The program culminates in a capstone or thesis project, depending on their goals.

MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Emphasis Areas

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emphasis

The Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPS) emphasis is ideal for those with a background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related areas.

Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (PEP)

The Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (PEP) emphasis is a great fit for those with a background in business, general sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, health sciences, economics, data analytics or related areas.

MSPS Research Opportunities

Our students and faculty members have diverse research interests, adding to the rich academic environment at CUSP. We encourage prospective students to explore potential opportunities as they prepare for the MSPS program.

Other Ways to Get Involved at CUSP

Students can participate in national and local pharmacy organizations during their time at CUSP, engaging in opportunities that can help them network and move their pharmacy profession forward. We encourage all MSPS students to enrich their education by taking part in activities that provide ongoing benefits and continuous learning.

Featured Class: Drug Delivery and Development

In Drug Delivery and Development (PHS 602), Dr. Inno creates a link between basic sciences (biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry) and actual drug discovery and development process. This helps students understand why a specific development method used for a particular drug and why scientists take a specific approach in the development process.

"In class, we discuss multiple examples of drug development as a research-driven process – you make a hypothesis and use your knowledge of basic sciences and all available and approved tools to test it.”

Read about the class and learning outcomes here.

Featured Alumnus: Hung Do '16

“My Chapman experience gave me the opportunity to understand the global pharmaceutical regulation and healthcare administrative aspects in order to deliver the most cost-effective care for patients. The university provided an environment where I learned and networked locally with health care and industry leaders," says Do. 

Now, Do combines his passions in research and analytics with soft skills at the Food and Drug Administration as a Drug Safety Officer. Do uses skills used in courses such as Quality Systems for Development and Manufacturing Drugs in his daily work in preventing errors and medical defects.

Read about Hung Do's work here. 

Prerequisites for Admission

The master’s in pharmaceutical sciences degree program consists of 36 credits, including 13 credits of required courses, at least eight credits of electives, a minimum of nine credits of research and six credits of thesis.

Students develop a program of study in consultation with their mentor, which helps ensure students gain expertise in their principal field. Under the supervision of the program advisor, students can tailor their academic program to prepare them for the career path of their choice.

Learn more about the MSPS program, including prerequisites, courses, program outcomes, admissions and more.


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 Career Outlook

What Can You Do With an MSPS Degree?

A master’s in pharmaceutical sciences prepares students for work as researchers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries at universities, government, non-profit agencies and national laboratories such as the National Institutes of Health.

Our graduates also exhibit a broad academic background applicable to research development in future Ph.D. programs such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Recent Alumni

Bella Sharifi, MSPS ’19
Bella Sharifi, MSPS ’19 received the Outstanding Research Award for her platform presentation at the second Chapman University School of Pharmacy Research Day. She is working as associate research scientist at Sartorius Group in Fremont, California, doing assay and product development.
Mahshid Amini, MSPS ’19
Mahshid Amini, MSPS ’19 is a process development research associate at Amgen Biopharmaceutical Company. Mahshid’s responsibilities include supporting drug development and research on attribute impact on biotherapeutic safety and efficacy.
Hung Do, MSPS ’16
Hung Do, MSPS ’16 is a drug safety officer with the FDA. He received a Chapman Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019 and is on the board of Chapman’s Industry Partners Council.

MSPS Program Admission Information

Important Application Dates & Deadlines

PharmGrad will begin accepting applications for the 2025 admission cycle on August 18.

 

Fall Term - Term begins the last Monday of August 

  • Priority Consideration: June 1
  • Regular Deadline: June 30 

*Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Make the Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences the Next Step in Your Career

Join a cohort of Chapman School of Pharmacy students dedicated to excellence — apply today to get started. Or, request information or attend an information session to learn more about the MSPS program.

CONTACT US


Office of Graduate Programs
gradpharmsci@chapman.edu 

Graduate Financial Aid
gradfinaid@chapman.edu
(714) 628-2730

MSPS Students Shine at Chapman University


As MSPS candidates, students are given one on one mentorship opportunities that lead to exceptional success soon after completion of the degree.