The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (PSGP) is a research-oriented degree program that offers multidisciplinary training in the areas of Drug Design & Discovery (DDD) and Drug Delivery & Clinical Pharmacology (DDCP). Students who fulfill the academic criteria of course work and original research culminating in a thesis or dissertation will earn the Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, respectively. The two areas of specialization are multi-interdisciplinary and on the cutting edge of the ever-advancing field of pharmaceutical sciences, thus providing a state-of-the-art educational experience for the student.

MS/PhD Tracks

The Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on two areas of specialization:

• Drug Design and Discovery (DDD) 
      The DDD track offers students the ability to gain knowledge and conduct research in the areas of drug design 
      and synthesis, biosynthesis of natural products, neuropharmacology and immunology. 
  
• Drug Delivery and Clinical Pharmacology (DDCP) 
      The DDCP track offers the students the ability to gain knowledge and conduct research in the area of drug 
      delivery systems with a focus on the use of nanotechnology in targeted drug delivery.
      The DDCP track also offers the opportunity for students to train in clinical pharmacology 
      by acquiring advanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis skills and through the use of modeling 
      and simulation techniques.
  
  Admission Requirements  
  
  
• BS or MS degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, molecular biology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related area.
• The minimum academic standard for full admission to the Graduate School is a B average, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• GRE minimum scores of 151 verbal, 153 quantitative, and 4.0 for analytical writing.
• Official Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Academic Goals and Research Interests

Career Opportunities and Salary for Graduates

Pharmaceutical Scientists may become professors, researchers, and leaders in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academia, government agencies, and other health-related organizations. Average salaries in 2013 were: academia – $107,200; industry – $138,500; government - $100,100. 

How to Apply

Slots in this high demand program are limited and admission is on a competitive basis. Students are generally accepted for fall admission in odd-numbered years, although highly-qualified students may be admitted at other times. Please contact the Director of the program for details.

All applicants must complete the UMES Graduate School application . A non-refundable application fee must accompany the application to be considered for admission.   Please visit the School of Graduate Studies website for details. 

Contact Us

Dr. Mark Simmons 
Professor and Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program
410-621-2028 
PSGP@umes.edu