Ready to take the next step?
We’re looking for forward-thinking biomedical researchers who want to jump-start their careers. Learn more about this Tufts program by filling out the form below. We’ll be in touch shortly!
Advance your career in drug discovery and biomedical research.
ENTRY TERM:
Fall 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Admissions are rolling until July 15* or until the desired class size has been reached. GRE scores are optional.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
On-campus, two-year, full-time program
Two lab rotations + mentored thesis research
Opportunity to author your own published work
Summer internship opportunities
Access to interdisciplinary faculty and research facilities
MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development
Disciplines available for MBR students
4
100+
Highly experienced research faculty available to students
$100,590
Average salary for a medical scientist*
*Source: bls.gov
125,000+
Join a network with 125,000+ Tufts University alums
Industry-Relevant Training
Prepare for the Future of Drug Development
The PDD program is built around the real-world demands of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Students gain a strong foundation in basic and clinical pharmacology, with a focus on translational medicine and experimental therapeutics.
The curriculum is designed to align with industry expectations, giving graduates the skills to succeed in roles related to drug discovery, regulatory science, and biomedical innovation.
Hands-On Research Experience
Learn by Doing—and Make Your Work Count
From day one, students engage in practical lab training through two semester-long lab rotations and a year-long, faculty-mentored research thesis project. This hands-on experience not only builds technical skills but often leads to publishable research. The program also includes a summer internship opportunity, allowing students to apply their training in real-world settings and strengthen their professional network.
Strong Career Outcomes & Academic Flexibility
Interdisciplinary Faculty & Resources
Collaborate Across Disciplines to Solve Complex Problems
Students benefit from access to faculty across Tufts’ Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Dental Medicine, and Nutrition. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore diverse research topics—from molecular mechanisms of disease to drug innovation—while building a well-rounded understanding of biomedical science and pharmaceutical development.
Interdisciplinary Faculty & Resources
Collaborate Across Disciplines to Solve Complex Problems
Students benefit from access to faculty across Tufts’ Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Dental Medicine, and Nutrition. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore diverse research topics—from molecular mechanisms of disease to drug innovation—while building a well-rounded understanding of biomedical science and pharmaceutical development.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences provides students with an outstanding biomedical science education where there they will learn the skills needed to solve biomedical problems and become leaders in research, teaching, biotechnology, and other science-based careers.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Tufts University
145 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111
"I was drawn to the program because of its unique emphasis on bridging foundational pharmacological science with real-world applications in clinical and translational settings. The opportunity to study in a rigorous, research-oriented environment with access to expert faculty was a major deciding factor."
— Najla Fiaturi, MD, PhD, CFD, Alum & Current Associate Professor at Tufts
Ready to Advance Your Research Career?
Strong Career Outcomes & Academic Flexibility
Launch Your Career—Or Take the Next Academic Step
Graduates of the PDD program go on to succeed in biotech, pharma, academic research, and doctoral programs. With over 40% entering industry roles and more than 50% pursuing advanced degrees, the program offers a proven pathway to professional growth. Whether you're looking to enter the workforce or continue your education, PDD provides the foundation and flexibility to support your goals.
Launch Your Career—Or Take the Next Academic Step
Graduates of the PDD program go on to succeed in biotech, pharma, academic research, and doctoral programs. With over 40% entering industry roles and more than 50% pursuing advanced degrees, the program offers a proven pathway to professional growth. Whether you're looking to enter the workforce or continue your education, PDD provides the foundation and flexibility to support your goals.
Students who require a student visa must apply by May 1.
Tufts PDD: A Launchpad for Research & Industry
The MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development (PDD) at Tufts GSBS combines rigorous academic training with real-world research experience. Through a curriculum that integrates basic and clinical pharmacology, translational science, and experimental therapeutics, students gain a deep understanding of how therapies are developed—from discovery to clinical application. Lab rotations, a mentored thesis, and exposure to industry practices prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to the future of medicine.
And the results speak for themselves:
- 100% of students complete the degree in an average of 1.8 years
- 42% of alumni work in biotech and pharmaceutical research
- Over 50% pursue PhDs, postdocs, or faculty roles
- Others thrive in consulting, government, science communication, and beyond—across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia