Graduate

Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD)

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Design and synthesize novel biologically active compounds to address a broad range of social needs.

The PhD Program in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery educates and trains students in the design and synthesis of novel, biologically active compounds and in delineating their mechanisms of action using biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological approaches. 

Research specializations are available in synthetic, biochemical/pharmacological, and biophysical aspects of medicinal chemistry.

Faculty Research

Doctoral research in these specializations will relate to faculty areas of research, which currently include:

  • Substance use disorders and addiction
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Obesity and metabolic disorders
  • Neuropsychiatric disorders (psychoses, ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders)
  • Neurodegenerative diseases

The main goal of the degree is to improve understanding of how the chemical and physical properties of drugs and their dosage forms affect therapeutic performance in healthy and diseased systems.

Students may elect to concentrate on courses focused on novel drug delivery systems; biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics; physical pharmacy and polymeric dosage form development; or drug metabolism.

With a strong focus on nanotechnology-based advanced delivery systems that address contemporary needs, these concentrations also give students the opportunity to study with some of the world’s top researchers.

Students have the option of performing summer industrial internships in some of the most prestigious Boston-area pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Graduates of the program will also be well prepared to enter related PhD programs at the university.

Quick View

Degree type:
– Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD)

Study options:
– On-ground (Boston Campus)

– Fall semester admissions only
– Full-time

Application deadlines:
Dec 6

GRE: Required

F1 Eligible: Yes

Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery (PhD)

Sample Curriculum

Pleas note that the curriculum is subject to change. For the most up-to-date and complete information, please refer to the university’s academic catalog.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have at least two semesters of undergraduate courses (or their equivalent) in each of the following:

Please send all required documents directly to the PharmGrad Application portal.
Here is additional information on how to submit documents.​

Admissions Checklist

A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in biology, chemistry, medical technology, pharmacy, chemical engineering or a related field.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Three letters of recommendation (academic and professional)

Personal statement of goals and expectations.
Please see application for details.

CV/Resumé

TOEFL (International Students)

GRE scores are required

Official transcript from baccalaureate program and all college coursework. Applicants who have degree coursework from institutions outside of the United States must submit a credential evaluation. We require the iCAP WES package (World Education Services, Inc.) that evaluates your transcripts course by course.

Got questions?

If you have any additional questions about the graduate program please contact:

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