What Can You Do With A Master's In Pharmaceutical Science?

Two pharmacy students practice dispensing chemicals in the pharmacy lab.

A Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science can unlock careers with high salaries, consistent job demand and opportunities for advancement, all while leveraging your passions to help improve the lives of others through essential healthcare research.

Gain invaluable experience in the clinic and the research lab with a joint PharmD and MS in Pharmaceutical Science degree at Pacific! Apply today and graduate with two advanced degrees in just four years!

Innovations in the pharmaceutical industry have led to life-changing developments in everything from DNA sequencing to vaccine creation to cancer treatment.

The next big breakthrough? It’s just around the corner, and you could help make it happen.

Pharmaceutical science provides a rewarding career driven by transformation and new opportunities to create treatments proven to improve the lives of those in need.

Entry-level jobs in the pharmaceutical industry are available immediately after graduation with training from an accredited Masters of Pharmaceutical Sciences program.

Working closely alongside chemists, biologists and other healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical scientists combine research, experimentation and compassion to help treat disease and improve the quality of life for countless people. 

Discover pharmaceutical scientist salaries, necessary skills and more, to start turning your passion into purpose.

EXPLORE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Pharmaceutical Scientist?

Like most healthcare disciplines, beginning a career in pharmaceutical science requires a combination of science education and research training.

A master’s degree in pharmaceutical science uses a robust foundation of biology, chemistry and public health to support an apprenticeship model of education that allows you to build your  skills.

Jobs in the pharmaceutical industry require this mixture of technique and knowledge, with special emphasis on:

  • Scientific communication. Especially useful in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, the ability to present the methodology and impact of your research is key.

    Pacific’s Master’s in Pharmaceutical Science offers two courses solely dedicated to science communication that prepares students with skills essential to advancement in a pharmaceutical science career.

  • Lab experience. Supplemented by the in-class study, real world training in research settings is fundamental in pharmaceutical science degree paths. Pacific's degree program concludes with a heavily-researched thesis.

    This training empowers students to graduate with a track record of hands-on experience that they can transform into pharmaceutical science roles right after graduation.

  • Specialization. Whether working in areas like drug discovery and development, biotechnology, or pharmacology, the breadth of pharmaceutical specializations allows you to pursue what interests you.

    Employers are looking for those with specific passions to help them create the next breakthrough in medical science.

Is a Master’s Degree What I Need to Secure an Entry-Level Pharmaceutical Industry Job?

A bachelor’s degree in fields such as biology, chemistry, or various pre-med pathways is enough to begin a career in pharmaceutical sciences.

However, only having an undergraduate degree will not enable you to perform independent research right after graduation, as you will most likely lack the experience and training needed to do so.

For many, this means that a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences will provide you with what you need to begin a career that offers greater freedom in choosing projects and research opportunities.

Master-level degrees in pharmaceutical and medical science also come with close mentorship with faculty members — who are experts in the specializations that are important to you — something not always available at the undergraduate level. 

BACHELOR'S DEGREE

MASTER'S DEGREE

PHD OR PHARMD

Entry-level roles include medical and pharmaceutical science technicians, as well as roles in sales and marketing. 

Entry-level roles include research associate positions with opportunities to perform new research with advancement as well as expansive roles in science communication.

Entry-level roles include senior researcher and team leadership positions, with more clinical settings for those with a PharmD and more research lab settings for those with a PhD. 

A two-year Master’s in Pharmaceutical Science can also give you a competitive edge when applying to medical schools, PhD, PharmD, or other healthcare professional programs due to its advanced training.

Can You Get a Pharmacy Degree (PharmD) and Pharmaceutical Sciences Degree (MS) at the Same Time?

You can!

Pacific offers a unique joint pathway that awards both a PharmD and MS in Pharmaceutical Science degree, which can be completed in just four years with our accelerated PharmD option.

While a traditional PharmD degree will result in a large amount of clinical experience, pairing it with an advanced curriculum in pharmaceutical science enables you to lead research initiatives as well.

Experience on both sides of the pharmaceutical industry is easier to get than it may seem, with financial aid and interdisciplinary coursework designed to help you start a rewarding lifelong career.

What is the Average Pharmaceutical Scientist Salary? 

A pharmacy student uses a pipet in the campus pharmacy lab.

The average salary of a pharmaceutical scientist varies, but those with at least a master’s degree can expect to earn between $75,000 and $120,000, depending on experience.

With greater education comes more earning potential, and those with PhD or PharmD degree can earn in excess of $130,000, with more available upon securing leadership roles.

Due to the rigorous training and education standards set by the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical scientists have high earning potential, with frequent opportunities for advancement.

And this high pay is complimented by high demand. Jobs in medical and pharmaceutical science are expected to grow 10% over the next decade, meaning that, after graduation, the potential to grow in your career is strong.

What are Some Common Pharmaceutical Science Careers?  

The wide array of specializations in pharmaceutical science has resulted in a diverse range of careers for those interested in exploring new ways to create and promote life-changing medical treatments.

With their advanced training and hands-on experience, pharmaceutical scientists should have no trouble finding rewarding careers in:

  • Medical research. Working alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical scientists can use their skills to help discover new ways to solve medical problems and improve care.

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing. Whether developing new prescription drugs or overseeing their successful rollout, pharmaceutical scientists play an integral role in the future of medicine through a career in pharmaceutical product development.

  • Sales and marketing. Pharmaceutical scientists have the unique ability to talk about the potential of the drugs they help create, giving them unparalleled insight into scientific communications.

  • Public health. Government agencies (such as the NIH, USDA, and FDA) frequently hire pharmaceutical scientists and those with public health experience when testing, researching, or launching new initiatives relating to medical science.

  • Academia. A good choice  for those who want to be part of preparing the next generation of healthcare innovators, roles in academia still allow for research opportunities in fields that interest you.

Browse academic prerequisites and begin your application to Pacific’s MS in Pharmaceutical Science today! 

GRADUATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS