MS in Pharmacy in USA – Universities, Costs & Careers

Pharmaceutical Science is a branch of science that includes a range of scientific subjects like biology, and chemistry which deals with different aspects of pharmaceutical substances that are used to manufacture drugs or products of medicinal value. It takes into account the physical, chemical, biological and biomedical aspects of drug properties and actions. 

The field of pharmaceutical sciences is vast and there are multiple functional areas attached to the field, some of which are listed below:

• Analysis and Pharmaceutical Quality,
• Biotechnology,
• Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Research,
• Drug Design and Discovery,
• Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism,
• Physical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutics 

Applying for a master’s in Pharmacy in the USA is a good idea, considering the attractive career prospects. The course usually requires two or three years. An MS in Pharmacy in the USA delves into healthcare management, prescriptions, and treatments. It is mostly taught as an MS in Pharmacology, and even as an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences at 50+ USA universities. Tuition costs usually vary between $30,000 and $80,000 for these courses.

Study and Settle in the USA – Fix a Free Appointment Now

Reasons for Studying Master’s in Pharmacy in USA: 

A master’s in pharmacy in the USA for Indian students can lead to a fruitful career. Here are the key reasons for the same: 

• The US is home to the highest-ranked pharmacy universities and colleges in the world. 
• Official reports indicate double-digit growth in employment for healthcare-related jobs over the next six-seven years. 
• Pharmacy degrees are expected to grow faster within the mainstream healthcare sector, especially with the pandemic and rise in medicinal, hygiene, and related requirements. 
• Investments in healthcare, medical research and development are fast-rising across federal organizations and private entities in the USA. 
• Pharmacists can find jobs in several business sectors, including medical research, pharmaceutical research and retail, hospitals and medical establishments, and more. 

The table enlists the highlights of the course MS in Pharmacy in the USA entailing the course offered, duration of the course, eligibility of the course, the exam type, average fees, and average salary packages.

Recommended Read: 50 Interesting Facts about the USA

MS in Pharmacy in the USA – Top Universities: 

Here is a list of the top universities offering MS in Pharmacy degrees: 

A PharmD degree is compulsory for any licensed pharmacist in the USA. There are several job roles that aspirants can take up without doing their PharmD programs as well. A Master’s degree in Pharma will help students get a toehold in the industry, find the best PharmD programs, and earn higher salaries as specialists. 

Read More: Reasons to Study at Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Cost of Studying MS in Pharma in USA: 

The costs of studying MS in Pharmacy in the USA are listed below: 

• $45-125 in application fees for admission
• $205 in TOEFL costs 
• $220 in GRE costs
• $1,100 in Airfare
• $185 in Application Costs for F-1 Visas 
• Average MS in Pharmacy in USA fees are between $22,400 and $103,000
• $600-$1000 per month in accommodation costs
• $100-$300 per month in transportation expenditure
• $120-$160 in food and grocery costs every month 
• $450-$700 in health insurance charges
• $300-$600 in miscellaneous expenditure 

Important Resources to Read About USA:

Admission Procedure for Masters in Pharmacy in USA 

The admission process for enrollment in Masters in Pharmacy program in the USA differs slightly from that of the other programs. Almost in all the pharmacy degree programs offered at various US universities, all the applicants need to apply via a portal named Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). All the details related to the admissions can be found on the portal. It also tells you if the chosen pharmacy school admits non-US citizens.

All foreign applicants are advised to visit the PharmCAS Directory to determine their eligibility. 

The minimum requirement needed to fulfil by the non-U.S. applicant should meet the same minimum entry requirements (course prerequisites and standardized tests) as is fulfilled by the US applicants.

Those applicants who have their bachelor’s degree from outside the US need to submit original foreign transcripts or a course-by-course foreign transcript evaluation report, depending on the policy set by the college or university. Other than this, the TOEFL exam, TSE, or IELTS (in case the primary language is not English) is required.

MS in Pharmacy in USA – Admission Requirements

Depending on the requirements, one can choose universities offering MS in pharmacy in the USA without GRE or those that insist on GRE scores. There are limited seats available for students in these courses. Universities have online application forms that one will have to fill out and submit with all necessary documents. One will also have to pay the application fees likewise.

Eligibility for Masters in Pharmacy in USA 

The Eligibility for a master’s in Pharmacy in the USA requires the fulfillment of basic requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemical manufacturing, biology, pharmacy, natural science, or a related discipline is required.
• A GPA score of a minimum of 3.0 and a minimum score of 150 on the rhetorical and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE exam.
• Those who do not have English as the primary language should submit the TOEFL scores of 80-100, and IELTS scores of 6.5-7.0.

Read More: Study Options in the USA for Indian Students After 12th Commerce

Necessary Documents for Admission: 

• Official academic transcripts of candidates. 
• Two-three LORs (Letters of Recommendation). 
• TOEFL or IELTS scores. 
• SOP and CV/Resume. 
• GRE and other score sheets. 
• Proof of funds inclusive of tuition fees and living costs for at least one year. 
• Copy of valid passport. 

Jobs after M. Pharm and Salary in USA: 

Those working in the USA pharmaceuticals industry earn roughly $93,300 annually. Starting salaries are $12,000, while graduates earn even more than $140,000 per year. Getting four-five years of experience will enable a future hike in salaries as well. Pharmacists will require PharmD qualifications in the USA to practice. 

Job roles include clinical researcher, pharmacy technician, medical representative, pharmaceutical researcher, drug control director, pharmaceutical process engineer, and pharmaceutical sales representative. Along with medical research and healthcare firms, students can find employment in the food and beverage sector, hospitals, pharmacies, along with general stores. Those inclined towards research and development may choose doctoral pharmacy programs after finishing their master’s degrees. 

Read More: Part-Time Job Options in the USA for International Students

Visa Procedure for Students:

Those choosing MS in Pharmacy in the USA have to apply for the F-1 student visa. The official requirements include the following: 

• Proof of funds equivalent to tuition costs for the first year. 
• Official bank statements and scholarship proof. 
• Fill up the SEVIS I-901 form while registering with the global database of visitors. 
• I-20 form given by the University for the F-1 visa. 
• Pay the fees of $350 as the SEVIS charge.

Once you apply with all the documents, you will have to schedule your appointment for the visa interview at your nearest US Consulate or Embassy. 

Read More: What is the acceptable study gap in the USA?

Available Scholarships for Students: 

Studying in the USA can be expensive, although there are multiple scholarships for global students. Some of the best options include the following: 

More Resources to Read About USA:

Interested to Study In USA? Apply for Free Counselling

Related Reads:

• Master’s in Project Management in USA
• Master’s in Biotechnology in USA
• MS in Engineering Management in USA
• Master’s in Psychology in USA
• Master’s in Business Analytics in USA
• Masters in Data Science in USA
• Masters in Economics in USA
• MS in MIS in USA