The Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) School of Pharmacy has initiated a new academic program for Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS). The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program trains and develops students interested in drug discovery, drug action or drug delivery, enabling students to disseminate new knowledge in pharmaceutical research. Areas of concentration include pharmaceutics, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry during the second year of the Master's curriculum, when students choose their track of interest.

The NDMU School of Pharmacy was the first and continues to be the only pharmacy school at a private institution in Maryland. It will be the second school in the state to offer a Master’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology.

The pharmaceutical industry in Maryland, including the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, seeks well-trained professionals for roles in research and process development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and quality control. The state's proximity to major biotech hubs and federal agencies contributes to sustained demand for skilled graduates in pharmaceutical sciences to drive innovation, address evolving healthcare challenges and meet staffing needs.

The key objectives of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program include:

  • Addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in the state
  • Fostering regional expertise and encouraging collaboration between academia and local pharmaceutical companies
  • Contributing to the state's economic development by attracting and retaining talent in this crucial sector
  • Promoting advancements in healthcare and research

The Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences at NDMU aligns closely with the institution's mission: NDMU educates leaders to transform the world. Embracing the vision of the founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the University promotes the advancement of women and provides a liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition.

Notre Dame challenges women and men to:

  • strive for intellectual and professional excellence,
  • build inclusive communities,
  • engage in service to others, and
  • promote social responsibility.

NDMU’s commitment to educating leaders who strive for academic and professional excellence and who are deeply rooted in service, social justice, and ethical decision-making resonates with the core objectives of a graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences.

Why become of Pharmaceutical Scientists?
  • Demand of Pharmaceutical Scientists ranks as one of the highest levels of employment with an annual mean wage of 108K in Maryland.
  • Annual Job growth in the range of 9-11% with projected openings of 9000 per year
  • Ideal location as Maryland being the hub of pharmaceutical and biotech industries, NIH, FDA, USP and other major pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations.
Why NDMU-SOP?
  • It is the 2nd school in the state to offer a Master’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology.
  • Only non-thesis Master’s Program in Maryland, with a time-bound, structured and focused Capstone project to demonstrate their mastery of core concepts and skills in pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Hands-On Learning, equipping students with the practical skills needed for the pharmaceutical industry, such as drug formulation, regulatory affairs, quality control, or clinical trials.
  • Provides flexibility and ideal for students already in the workforce or interested in joining the workforce right after graduation.
  • Faculty to student ratio of 1:2 providing academic advising, advanced training, mentorship and practical experience.
  • Diverse student and faculty body.
  • Talented Faculty with extensive experiences in teaching, research and scholarship, and industry and healthcare connections.
Admission- Graduate Application

Admissions College/Degree Requirements:  Completion of a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology or related biological sciences preferred. Other degrees must complete the following perquisites.

Prerequisites:

Biochemistry
Calculus
General Chemistry I & II
Organic Chemistry I & II
Physics I & II
Statistics
Anatomy and Physiology, I and II

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in Bachelor's degree

International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency, minimum requirements are TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent.  GRE not required.

Letters of Recommendations: 2

 

$825 per credit hour
$195 per semester Registration/Technology Fee

Maryland Resident eligible for grants

 

Apply Now: Notre Dame of Maryland University Graduate

 

Application Process

Summary of Deadlines:  July 1 for Fall applications, rolling admissions

Timeline for Admissions review and decision: 2 - 4 weeks

Applications should accompany official transcripts and letters of recommendations.  An initial evaluation will determine which applicants are eligible for remote interview (Zoom or Teams), followed by a final evaluation for acceptance to the program.

Given the competitive admissions environment, multiple criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates. Grade point averages, letters of reference, professional preparedness and motivation, personal qualities, communication skills, ability to be a team player and decision-making will all be considered when reviewing an applicant’s file.  Candidates accepted in the program will be informed by email.

Curriculum

Total Program Credits: 39

YR 1 Fall semester (11 Credits)

  • Ethics in Research (1)
  • Experimental Methods in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2)
  • Principles of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry I (3)
  • Research Orientation I (1)
  • Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (3)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club I (1)

Total Credits: 11

 

YR 1 Spring Semester (11 Credits)

  • Scientific Writing (1)
  • Principles of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics (3)
  • Principles of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry II (3)
  • Research Orientation II (1)
  • Biostatistics (2)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club II (1)

Total credits: 11


YR 1 Summer (0 Credits)

  • Optional (recommended): Industry Project/Internship (OPT or CPT never involved any credits for industrial internships), students will seek the appropriate opportunity (0)

Total credits: 0

 

YR 2 Fall Semester (8 Credits)

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal Club III (1)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Research (pathway dependent) (2)
  • Topics in Pharmacology (3), OR Topics in Medicinal Chemistry (3), OR Topics in Pharmaceutics (3) (pathway dependent)
  • Elective (2), (pathway-dependent elective)

Total credits: 8

 

YR 2 Spring Semester (9 Credits)

  • Elective (2), (pathway-dependent elective or any offered at School of Pharmacy)
  • Graduate Seminar in the Pharmaceutical Sciences (1)
  • Capstone Project (6)

Total credits: 9

Tuition and Fees:

All Tuition and fees are listed with our business office.

Contact Us:

Norah Moturi
Director of Admissions
410-532-5597 
nmoturi@ndm.edu

Program Director: Profesor and Chair, Dr. Asish Dutta, Chair and Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences