University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This master's programme combines core pharmaceutical science topics with administration and applied research. Students choose between thesis (research) and non‑thesis (project or coursework) options, completing a coherent programme of didactic and practical training that prepares them for scientific and managerial roles.

• Core scientific modules — pharmaceutics and drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, medicinal chemistry and drug design, and advanced biopharmaceutics.
• Research and analytical skills — advanced laboratory methods, analytical chemistry, bioanalysis, molecular pharmacology techniques and experimental design.
• Data and statistics — biostatistics, pharmacometrics and quantitative methods used in preclinical and clinical research.
• Regulatory, economic and administrative topics — regulatory affairs and quality systems, pharmaceutical law and ethics, drug safety and pharmacoepidemiology, and aspects of pharmaceutical business and management.
• Professional development — scientific communication, grant writing, project management and practicum or internship options with industry or regulatory bodies.

Depending on the chosen track, students will undertake an independent research thesis culminating in a defence or complete an applied capstone project and advanced coursework. Laboratory rotations and collaborative projects with faculty allow hands‑on experience in areas such as formulation development, drug delivery systems, toxicology, or clinical outcomes research.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor's degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated academic ability in relevant undergraduate coursework, typically evidenced by a competitive GPA; applicants with strong professional experience or research background are also considered.
• Applicants may be asked to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals, and a CV or résumé.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English; specific evidence requirements are provided by the university.
• Some applicants—particularly those without a strong research background—may be asked to complete preparatory coursework or demonstrate laboratory experience. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) are considered on a programme‑by‑programme basis; check current admissions guidance for details.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into a wide range of roles across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Formulation scientist, analytical scientist or process development scientist in pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
• Clinical research associate, clinical project manager or roles in clinical trial operations.
• Regulatory affairs specialist, quality assurance/quality control scientist, and drug safety/pharmacovigilance roles.
• Health outcomes researcher or pharmacoepidemiologist in academic, government or industry settings.
• Pharmaceutical business roles such as product management, medical affairs and consultancy positions that require both scientific and administrative expertise.
• Continuation to doctoral study (PhD) or transition into academic and research careers.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers graduate training within an established health sciences environment that emphasises translational research and collaboration across pharmacy, medicine and allied health. Students benefit from access to research laboratories, interdisciplinary faculty expertise and opportunities for industry or regulatory placements in the region.

The programme is structured to be flexible for recent graduates and working professionals, with options for focused laboratory research or professionally oriented coursework, and mentorship from faculty engaged in formulation science, pharmacokinetics, regulatory science and clinical outcomes. This combination supports both scientific credibility and practical skills valued by employers in the pharmaceutical sector.