Online Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science in Drug Development
Founded in 2004, UC's Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Drug Development (MSDD) program provides individuals a formal opportunity to further their knowledge in drug development.
Master of Pharmaceutical Science in Drug Development Program Overview
A collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the Master’s in Drug Development provides cross-disciplinary training in drug development’s scientific, regulatory, and business aspects. Graduates are prepared to participate in the multidisciplinary process of translating a therapeutic concept from lab bench to bedside.
Along with our MSDD program, we offer two graduate certificate programs, including Clinical Trials Design & Research and Global Regulatory Affairs in Drug Development. These three options are all online, asynchronous, and available to part-time and full-time students.
Master of Pharmaceutical Science in Drug Development Program Highlights
High Quality Education
The Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Drug Development online program was designed for professionals working in drug development’s scientific, regulatory, or business aspects. The drug development master’s degree provides an in-depth and formal education around drug development’s complex science and processes. Completing the master’s program can help advance careers in all phases of research, from preclinical to clinical and beyond.
Students take this Master’s Degree in Drug Development to deepen their knowledge of various aspects of drug development, including regulatory, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, contract research organizations, contract laboratories, manufacturing, and academic health centers and research institutions. Our MSDD degree can help advance your career in all phases of research, from preclinical to clinical and beyond.
Along with our Master’s in Drug Development program, we offer two graduate certificate programs, including Clinical Trials Design & Research and Global Regulatory Affairs in Drug Development. These options are all online, asynchronous, and available part-time.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- No campus visits required
- Program can be completed in two years
- Students can enroll three times a year in spring, summer, or fall.
- Asynchronous curriculum available 24 hours a day
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences with emphasis on Pharmaceutics/Drug Development online program is designed for individuals working in the scientific, regulatory, or business aspects of drug development.
Pharmacy, medical, nursing, and business graduates already working in drug development will benefit from this online degree program.
Prerequisites
- A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or foreign equivalent
- Some experience in drug development or clinical research
- For international students, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 90 (internet-based) or 235 (computer-based), or a Duolingo English Test of at least 110 is accepted.
- Transcripts must be submitted for evaluation to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluating Services (NACES; www.naces.org).
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Two letters of reference are required.
- References should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. Letters of recommendation from family, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy are not accepted.
A professional and current resume or curriculum vitae.
Provide a few paragraphs on why you plan to pursue this program and how you plan to use this degree in the future.
Students living abroad are eligible to pursue this program, but will not be qualified for F-1 Visa status in this online program
Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website.
Students who are not permanent residents of the United States or earned a degree from an institution where English was not the language of instruction must complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test when applying. The minimum score required for admission is 90 (internet-based test). If you have a bachelor's degree or higher from a United States university, this requirement will be waived. IELTS score of 7 or higher is preferred or a Duolingo score of 110 or higher is also acceptable.
Transcripts must also be submitted for evaluation to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluating Services (NACES; www.naces.org). Reference the Official Transcript Submission Policy for Enrollment for more information.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
April 1, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Your master's degree is only the beginning. Take a look at what UC's online graduates are accomplishing in the field of drug development.
Ana, a 2023 graduate of the online MS Pharm Sci: Drug Development program, and Program Director Dr. Pankaj Desai discuss how the program’s online format helps student stay up-to-date in the ever-changing field.
- Alumni Spotlight: Ana Madani, Drug Development
- Alumni Spotlight: Harit Nandani, Drug Development
- Alumni Spotlight: Caren Welborne, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Samuel K Azeba, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Gloria Chen, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Brad Henderson, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Kimberly Wanick, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Rahaf Hamdan, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
- Alumni Spotlight: Dr Laura Agresta, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
Alumni Spotlight: Chenyu Zou, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate
“The MSDD program is a great learning opportunity for busy professionals looking to increase their knowledge of the drug discovery and approval process. The courses are very practical and applicable to the pharmaceutical industry, and the small classes sizes facilitated in making the seminars adaptive and interactive. My time in the MSDD program was very beneficial and aided in the advancement of my Clinical Research career."
Lydia Y. MSDD Graduate
“The MSDD program has been a turning point in my professional career, which pivots around the CRO industry. It has exposed me to the myriad facets intertwined in the complex, and highly regulated field of clinical research and drug developments. Courses are structured to cover all major topics and functions covering the drug development and are taught by a thoughtful hand-picked mix of industry leaders, working professionals, and competent academicians. This allows for real-world insights into the drug development field.”
Swapnil P. MSDD Graduate
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