Program Overview

Introduction to the MS/MBA Program

The Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience and the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business offer a dual degree program, leading to a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This program is designed for individuals planning a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other health-related industries.

Program Overview

The MS/MBA program has a proven track record of graduates getting jobs predominantly in pharmaceutical companies. The program is especially designed for individuals who want to understand both the science and business aspects of developing and marketing a new product or therapy, giving them a competitive advantage in obtaining a position in industry and advancing their careers.

Internship Opportunities

Students with a GPA in the MS in Pharmacology of 3.5 or higher and interested in having an internship in a pharmaceutical company will be recommended for internship slots with major Biotech/Pharm companies. The program has an excellent track record of placing students, and most internships lead to positions.

Testimonials from Graduates

Graduates of the MS/MBA program have provided testimonials, including:

• "Having an MS/MBA degree certainly opened doors to me that would have been closed with just a traditional MBA"
• "Adding a Masters in Pharmacology to the mix really improves your prospects in the job market because it shows you have a diversified skill set that sets you apart from other applicants"
• "I have an edge with the additional business degree"
• "I basically cut off 6 years to get where I am now"

Application Deadline

The application deadline is June 1, 2026

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on the sciences. Foreign applicants should have the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree. Some business coursework is desirable, but not required. Applicants should have strong letters of recommendation and grades. Accepted students typically have a GPA > 3.0. A GRE test score is encouraged but not necessary. Foreign students should also have a TOEFL iBT score > 100.

Curriculum Organization

The program is organized into several semesters, with the following courses:

1st Year Fall Semester

• BMSC 410: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
• BMSC 416: Methods in Biomedical Science (1 credit)
• BMSC 412: Cell Biology (4 credits)
• PHAR 499: Research Rotation (2 credits / 12-week rotation)
• PHAR 405: Pharmacology Journal Club (1 credit)

1st Year Spring Semester

• One choice of an Elective course
• PHAR 409: Principles of Pharmacology (3 credits)
• BMSC 402: Statistical Methods for Biomedical Sciences (3 credits)
• PHAR 499: Research Rotation (2 credits / 12-week lab rotation)
• PHAR 405: Pharmacology Journal Club (1 credit)

2nd Year Fall Semester

• PHAR 407: Drug Discovery & Development (3 credits)
• PHAR 405: Journal Club (1 credit)
• ACT 400: Financial Accounting (3 credits)
• FINC 450: Financial Management (3 credits)

Choice of Elective Classes

Students can choose from the following elective classes:

• PHAR 405: Pharmacology Journal Club (1 credit)
• MIM 431: Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses (3 credits)
• MIM 411: Basic Molecular Microbiology (3 credits)
• BMCB 417: Molecular Biology (3 credits)
• NRSC 410: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (3 credits)
• PHAR 420: Pharmacovigilance (4 credits)
• BMSC 414: Systems Biology (3 credits)

Tuition

Tuition for the academic year is $1,345 per credit hour for M.S. courses (27 credits are needed) and $1,760 per credit hour (39 credits are needed) for the M.B.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where are you located: The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine is in west suburban Maywood, IL.
• What are the housing options for students: Many students rent apartments in the western suburbs near the Medical Center.
• Is the program full-time or part-time: The coursework and lab work for the M.S. in Pharmacology degree are scheduled during the daytime at the Medical Center and are considered full-time. The M.B.A. courses are scheduled in the evenings, giving students more flexibility.
• Can I work while taking the program: Students are discouraged from working during the first two semesters of the M.S. degree program.
• How long does it take to complete the program: Students normally obtain both the M.S. and M.B.A degrees in 2-2½ years.
• What kind of jobs do your graduates get: The graduates from the program work mostly at healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

MS/MBA Outcomes

A list of positions and the companies where alumni are currently working, including:

• Director, Regulatory Affairs Development, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• Director of Global Marketing, Critical Care, CR Bard
• Sales Application Specialist, QIAGEN
• Regional Sales Director, iRhythm Technologies
• Senior Director, Clinical Affairs, Fresenius Kabi USA
• Principal Clinical Specialist, Medtronic
• Life Sciences Management Consultant, Accenture
• Business Systems Analyst, Baxter International Pharmaceuticals
• Associate Analyst, R&D Planning, Estee Lauder
• Senior Consultant, Guidehouse
• Consultant, Deloitte
• Senior Business Analyst, Marketing and Research, Walgreens
• Project Manager, Technical Transfer, Nexus Pharmaceutical Inc.
• Clinical Trial Manager, Medpace
• Medical Student at the Indiana University School of Medicine
• Dental Student at the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine