Pharmacokinetics MS | Temple University

Master of Science in Pharmacokinetics

Form expertise in how drugs are absorbed, move through and provide the intended treatment in the human body with the Master of Science in Pharmacokinetics in the School of Pharmacy at Temple University. Pharmacokinetics MS students graduate with extensive experience in research and are qualified for careers in pharma. The 30-credit, non-thesis program draws from multiple scientific fields, including pharmacology, physiology and toxicology to research drug action in patients.

Both non-thesis-based and thesis-based MS programs are offered. The non-thesis-based Pharmacokinetics MS is a highly collaborative program where faculty mentor students throughout their time at Temple, ensuring that each student receives one-on-one training, mentoring and advising. The curriculum includes core courses, elective courses, time in the lab and hands-on experience with cutting-edge research to provide innovative treatment for patients. The thesis-based Pharmacokinetics MS substitutes six hours of thesis research for elective courses. Openings for the thesis-based MS are limited every year.

Questions

For more information about the Pharmacokinetics MS, please email tuspgrad@temple.edu.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics is the area within pharmacology that refers to the changes in the quantity of drug and/or drug metabolite in various body compartments over time. These changes can be described by four processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). Pharmacokinetic studies are initiated at the start of drug discovery and are critical throughout the lifetime of a drug, from early discovery to development, marketing and post-marketing safety evaluations.

The pharmaceutical industry typically invests significantly in multiple departments responsible for in vitro/preclinical pharmacokinetics as well as clinical pharmacokinetics. Expertise in pharmacokinetics requires a strong background in mammalian anatomy and physiology, enzymology of drug metabolizing enzymes, and mathematical derivations involving calculus. Additionally, the exponential growth in large molecule and new modality drugs (e.g., antibodies, other biologics, gene and cell therapies) requires expertise in large-molecule cellular mechanisms of drug action.

Pharmacokinetics MS Learning Outcomes

By completing our program, you will

gain the techniques required for pursuing pharmacokinetics;
become a highly marketable professional;
advance in your career; and
gain a professional network and competitive advantage through Temple faculty and alumni contacts.

What sets apart the Pharmacokinetics MS at Temple’s School of Pharmacy?

Faculty mentorships: Students work side-by-side with the school’s renowned pharmaceutical sciences faculty, learning directly from experts in the field.
Verified path to pharmaceutical science research: The Pharmacokinetics MS at Temple provides graduates with a direct path to careers in pharmaceutical science research, including positions in academia, industry, government, and other research and development environments.
Location: The School of Pharmacy is in Philadelphia, a hub for pharmaceutical sciences across industry and academia.

Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy

The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is led by world-class researchers and academics in drug discovery, development, delivery, action, efficacy, safety and manufacturing. Pharmaceutical sciences draws from multiple disciplines including pharmacology, chemistry, biology and engineering.

Research topics spearheaded by the program include cancer; central nervous system disorders; metabolic, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease; formulations; microbes; and infectious disorders. The School of Pharmacy focuses on a patient-centered approach to advancing care and improving lives. Learn more about pharmaceutical sciences at the School of Pharmacy.

Pharmacokinetics MS Applicants

The following students may be interested in applying to the Pharmacokinetics MS.

Expected or recent college graduates in chemistry, biology or other life sciences
Professional students (e.g., PharmD students)
International students (Should be English language proficient)

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $830.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,100.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Thesis-based Curriculum

The thesis-based MS curriculum emphasizes experience in labs. In place of electives, students take nine credit hours of thesis research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students also have opportunities to present research topics, contribute to and author publications and obtain internships in the field. 

Placement into the thesis-based MS program is highly competitive with a limited number of students admitted every year.

No financial aid is available for thesis-based MS students.

Advising

Program Contact

Student Organizations

Pharmaceutical sciences graduate students are active in Temple’s student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. They travel together to national organization meetings and conferences, host their own chapter activities (e.g., GRADSCAN, an annual graduate research symposium and career networking event), and have access to resources provided and organized by the national organization.

PH-PKMN-MS

Additional Program Information

Visit School Site