Information for Prospective Students

The Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees with the following options:

• Ph.D. Degree. This is the primary degree program in Medicinal Chemistry for most incoming students. The Ph.D. degree requires 29 course credits taken during the first two years of study.  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.  Prior to the start of their third year, students will take an oral qualifying exam, which serves as their admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.  The student needs to write and defend a dissertation to complete the degree requirements.  More information is available.
• 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 26 course credits. 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. Pharm.D./Ph.D. similarly take a qualifying exam at the end of their first Ph.D. year.
• M.S. with thesis. For full-time students that wish to obtain entry-level laboratory positions within the pharmaceutical industry. M.Sc. with thesis. At least 22 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. Students must complete Rotations in Medicinal Chemistry in a satisfactory manner for a M.S. with thesis.
• 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. 31 course credits are required (including one credit of Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry and three credits in Non-Thesis Masters Programmatic Study in Medicinal Chemistry (16:663:620)). In the Non-Thesis Masters Programmatic Study in Medicinal Chemistry (16:663:620), students are required to write a literature review or conduct a small research project that has been approved by an advisor culminating with a final written critical essay. The literature review or the critical essay must be submitted and defended before your committee.
• 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.