Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry
Information for Prospective Students

• Ph.D. Degree. This is the primary degree program in Medicinal Chemistry for most incoming students. At least 38 hours of course credits (including two credits of Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry and three credits of Independent Research Proposal) and 34 credits of research credits are required. The Independent Research Proposal serves as the student’s comprehensive examination for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. A student selects a research advisor in their first semester of enrollment and completes original research in the following years under his or her direction. The student needs to write and defend a dissertation to complete the degree requirements.
• Pharm.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree. This is designed for highly motivated students already enrolled in the Pharm.D. program at Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. The program enables qualified students to complete requirements for both degrees in a shortened time frame by beginning their Ph.D. coursework and research while still enrolled in the Pharm.D. program. In addition to their Pharm.D. curriculum, qualified students need to complete a Ph.D. curriculum that includes 20 credits of core courses, 12 credits of elective courses, and 40 credits of Research in Medicinal Chemistry. The core courses include two credits of Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry and three credits of Independent Research Proposal. A student needs to select a research advisor soon after admission to the program, complete original research, write and defend a dissertation just like other Ph.D. students.
• M.S. with thesis. For full-time students that wish to obtain entry-level laboratory positions within the pharmaceutical industry. At least 25 hours of course credits are required (including one credit of Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry). A student selects a research adviser and completes an original research project under his or her direction. The student then writes and defends a thesis to complete the degree requirements.
• M.S. without thesis. Intended for both full-time students and students who are already employed and wish to pursue graduate studies part-time while continuing to work. Thirty one hours of course credits are required (including one credit of Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry and three credits of Non-Thesis Masters Programmatic Study in Medicinal Chemistry). An expository or critical essay must also be submitted for the Non-Thesis Masters Programmatic Study.
• Nondegree Study for Academic and Professional Fulfillment. The Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry also welcomes individuals to take our courses without enrolling in a degree program. Individuals can complete a course for professional development, or possibly for transfer into a degree program at a later date. For more details, please follow the link to Non-Matriculated Study.