Leigh Plant
PhD
Assistant Professor; Director of BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmaceutical Sciences
YOU ARE BOUVÉ
Northeastern’s BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences prepares students for careers in drug discovery, biotechnology, and translational medicine through a rigorous scientific curriculum and hands-on experience. Students engage in lab rotations, conduct research with world-renowned faculty, and gain real-world training through co-op placements at leading biopharma companies, hospitals, and academic research centers.
The program provides comprehensive and rigorous preparation for students on the pre-medical track, delivering a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and offering direct clinical and research experiences that significantly enhance medical school applications. Through the PlusOne program, students can earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in just five years, enhancing their qualifications for medical school, graduate study, or immediate careers in the life sciences industry.
As a tier one research university, Northeastern’s educational model immerses students in undergraduate research from the earliest stages of their academic journey. The BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a STEM-designated, research-intensive program designed for students interested in biomedical research, drug development, biotechnology, and AI-enabled pharmaceutical innovation.
Degree type:
– Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Study options:
– Boston, MA
– 4 years with 1 co-op
Contact: [email protected]
How to Apply:
Learn about our application process.
Northeastern University’s educational approach is built on an innovative, experiential model that immerses students in undergraduate research from the earliest stages of their academic journey. Through this model, students don’t just learn science; they practice it in real-world settings alongside leading researchers and clinicians.
Our department is also ranked #1 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among private universities, reflecting both the caliber of our faculty and our national leadership in cutting-edge biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
Located in Boston — one of the world’s top biotech hubs — Northeastern offers unmatched access to innovation at the intersection of science, medicine, technology and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Logothetis is a renowned voice in the fields of Physiology and Biophysics, specializing in the action of pharmaceuticals and naturally occurring substances. His research targets membrane proteins with the goal of stimulating an environment in which powerful health solutions can be achieved.
faculty spotlight
Please view the university’s academic catalog for full course details.
The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art education that prepares students to lead in the rapidly evolving fields of drug discovery, development, delivery, and evaluation. This program integrates rigorous scientific training with personalized faculty mentorship and hands-on experience in active research laboratories—starting early in the undergraduate journey.
Designed to reflect the demands of today’s biopharmaceutical landscape, the curriculum combines intensive coursework with experiential learning in areas such as biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational research. Students benefit from close engagement with world-class faculty, access to industry-grade facilities, and opportunities to specialize in areas aligned with their career goals, including AI-enabled drug discovery, nanomedicine, and personalized therapeutics.
With its strong research emphasis and deep industry integration, this program equips students with the tools and mindset needed to innovate at the intersection of science, medicine, and technology.
Our curriculum equips students with a robust scientific foundation that supports emerging careers in biomedical research, immunotherapy, AI-driven drug discovery, and pre-medical pathways.
All students take courses in:
This comprehensive foundation prepares students to think critically across disciplines—bridging molecular science, therapeutic innovation, and patient-centered applications — while offering early exposure to hands-on research in cutting-edge labs.
Pharmaceutical Sciences is an inherently interdisciplinary field at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine. Our students can explore specialized areas aligned with today’s most innovative and in-demand disciplines, including:
These focus areas reflect a broad spectrum of emerging health science disciplines that prepare students for careers in biotech, pharma, medical research, and pre-medical or health professional training.
This BS program embraces an innovative, research-centered model that immerses students in high-impact, laboratory-based research starting in their first year.
Students begin with Introduction to Biotech and Pharm Science Research, a foundational course that builds skills in interpreting scientific literature, generating hypotheses, and applying the scientific method to real-world biomedical challenges.
The course also introduces students to active faculty researchers — both within Northeastern and through affiliated institutions — aiming to connect students early with faculty research mentors.
Our program provides early and sustained exposure to research, with opportunities spanning:
Students may engage in research through faculty-led labs in the:
In addition, research-focused co-ops offer placement with Boston-area pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic medical centers, further deepening students’ real-world scientific experience and preparing them for graduate study, medical school, or careers in the life sciences.
Experiential education is a cornerstone of both the University and the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and it plays a defining role in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program.
We promote experiential learning within an intensive scientific curriculum that also offers specialized educational opportunities in areas such as drug discovery, biotechnology, immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation. This hands-on approach not only strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but also prepares students for medical school, graduate programs, or immediate entry into the life sciences industry.
Through Northeastern’s signature co-op program, students gain direct, real-world experience with leading organizations across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. Co-ops are typically a six-month long paid work experience where students are not taking classes and not paying tuition. Students are supported in the search and hiring process by our professional co-op faculty. Our students have completed co-ops and research placements at top-tier institutions including:
See the FAQs for more information.
Pharmaceutical Sciences students are actively involved on campus and in the community. Our student groups provide the opportunity to build upon your education, enhance your experience, and get to know other students both within and outside the Pharmaceutical Sciences major.
PhD
Assistant Professor; Director of BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmaceutical Sciences
Whether the focus is developing new therapeutics or tackling problems in translational medicine, a PlusOne in pharmaceutical sciences readies our students for a successful career in the drug discovery and biotech industries. Graduates are poised to succeed at:
Students work with their co-op faculty to identify positions that align with their future career goals. These immersive experiences are integrated with the academic curriculum, allowing students to apply their scientific knowledge in cutting-edge laboratory environments, clinical settings, and industry-leading biotech companies. Examples include:
All BSPS students are paired with a faculty member and given the opportunity to participate in their research program. Our students gain invaluable experiential skills and knowledge from working side by side with experienced mentors on cutting edge science.
Yes, the BS Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program is a pre-med major at Northeastern University. A major in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides rigorous academics in prerequisite coursework as well as first-hand research experience. Students interested in pre-med will work with the PreHealth Advising office as well as their academic advisors to make sure they are on track to apply.
Yes!! All students can have a global experience, regardless of their major. There are many options for students, including Dialogues of Civilizations, a short-term summer program that is a unique and popular choice for Northeastern students. Mobility is a key component of the Northeastern student experience, and opportunities are available at Northeastern’s global campuses.
