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Loyola University Chicago The Graduate School
Stritch School of Medicine
Loyola University Chicago logo in header of site

MS in Pharmacology and MBA Dual Degree Program

The MS/MBA Program has a proven track record of our graduates getting jobs predominantly in pharmaceutical companies. See the MS/MBA outcomes tab below for a list of positions and the companies where our alumni arecurrently working. A few graduates decide to continue their education in medical or dental schools.

The Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience and the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business offer full time 2.5-year and part-time 4-year dual degree programs. These programs lead to a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This program is especially designed for individuals who are planning a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other health-related industries. The ability of our graduates to understand both the science and business aspects of developing and marketing a new product or therapy gives them a competitive advantage in obtaining a position in industry and advancing their careers. This dual degree program also allows students to earn the two degrees in a shorter period of time than completing each one separately.

Internship Opportunities for Future Graduate Students
Students who have a GPA in the MS in Pharmacology of 3.5 or higher and are interested in having an internship in a pharmacetuical company will be recommended for internship slots with major Biotech/Pharm companies. We have an excellent track record of placing students and most such internships lead to positions (see our MS/MBA Outcomes).

Testimonials from graduates of our MS/MBA program:
"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 is June 15, 2024

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, as verified by the Educational Credential Evaluators.)  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 (or a written score > 600). The admissions committee focuses on the overall strength of the application and not just on one criterion.
 
Selected applicants who live in the United States may be invited to interview at the Health Sciences Campus, and to tour the facilities, and meet with students. Applicants can also arrange to tour the Quinlan School of Business and sit in on a class. Overseas applicants will be interviewed by telephone or Skype.

Curriculum Organization

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) (please see the explanation below)*
Total = 12 credits    

1st year Spring Semester

One choice of an Elective course (please see the list of courses below)
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) 
Total = 10-11 credits

2nd Year Fall Semester/Fall Quarter

(Health Science Campus - MS/Quinlan Business School, part of MBA)  
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)
Total = 4 credits (part of MS)  and 6 credits (part of MBA)

Choice of the elective classes

*PHAR 405 Pharmacology Journal Cub (1 credit) will be offered in Semester 1, 2 and 3.
However, the students will be required to take this course only twice for a total of 2 credits.
 
Choice of the following elective classes:
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) 

Total of 27 credits for MS in Pharmacology

Tuiton

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $1,290 per credit hour for M.S. courses (27 credits are needed) and $1,685 per credit hour (39 credits are needed) for the M.B.A. 

F.A.Q.

Frequently asked questions

  • Where are you located?

The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine is in west suburban Maywood, IL. You will complete all of your Master of Science in Pharmacology degree requirements at this location

The Quinlan Graduate School of Business is in downtown Chicago, near the “Magnificent Mile” retail and residential center near Lake Michigan.  You will take your Master of Business Administration coursework at this site

  •  What are the housing options for students?

Many students rents apartments in the western suburbs near the Medical Center, such as Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, North Riverside, Brookfield, Westchester, and LaGrange Park. Several of these suburbs have public transportation options. Some students choose to live in downtown Chicago, closer to the Graduate School of Business. Loyola has a new apartment building across the street from the Business School. The Medical Center provides housing information for new students and has a  Facebook page where you can meet other graduate students to set up living arrangements.

  •  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 so that they can concentrate on coursework and research. Some students can find a paid internship during their M.B.A. studies or a part-time job in a research laboratory or other field.

  •   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 our program work mostly at healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. Please visit the section on MS/MBA Outcomes, which shows both entry-level and advanced-career positions. 

  •  Do I need to have work experience to get accepted into the program?

It is not necessary to have extensive job experience to be accepted into the program.  Many of our students have graduated recently from undergraduate or other post-graduate programs.  

  •   When do classes start?  Can I enroll at different times of the year?

New students are enrolled only once per year. Classes start during the first week of August.

  •  Is financial aid available?

Unfortunately, major financial aid is not available. The University can assist students in obtaining loans. Some students can qualify for two free courses at the Business School or receive credit for up to four business courses taken previously.

  •  Will I be able to do an internship?  Is it required?

An internship is not required.  However, students are encouraged to do an internship to gain additional experience and make valuable professional contacts.  The University can assist in finding an internship.

  •  When are applications reviewed?

 The deadline for applying is May 1 (April 1 for foreign students). 

  •  What are the science and business course pre-requisites for acceptance?

Applicants should have a strong background in the sciences.  Preference is given to majors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pre-professional studies.  Some business coursework is preferred, but not required. 

  •  Are the GRE scores required, or do you accept other standardized test results?

GRE scores are preferred because the admissions committee is better able to interpret them. However, other standardized test scores, such as MCAT, GMAT, and DATS, are acceptable. 

  •  Do the GRE scores have to be submitted at the same time as the application?

You can apply without the GRE scores or with self-reported scores, but the committee cannot make a final decision until the scores have been sent officially.

  •  Can I get credit for previous business courses?

It is possible to have up to four M.B.A. courses waived if you have received a grade of “B” or better in similar courses.

  •   I am a foreign applicant.  Do I need to submit a transcript evaluation report before my application can be reviewed?

Your application can undergo a preliminary review without a transcript evaluation report. However, the more verification data that you supply, the further your application can proceed in the review process. An official transcription evaluation report is required before you can enroll.

  •  What grade-point average do I need to maintain in the M.S. portion of the dual degree?

Students need to maintain a B average 3.0 to receive the M.S. in Pharmacology degree.

  •  Would I be able to contact an alumnus of the program?

Strong applicants can request contact information for a current student or alumnus.

MS/MBA Outcomes

MS/MBA Outcomes

A list of positions and the companies where our alumni are currently working.

  • 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   

Contact us

Program Director-MS/MBA: Joanna Bakowska, PhD
Administrator: Katherine Laube
Email: klaube@luc.edu
Phone: 708-216-5773

The MS/MBA Program has a proven track record of our graduates getting jobs predominantly in pharmaceutical companies. See the MS/MBA outcomes tab below for a list of positions and the companies where our alumni arecurrently working. A few graduates decide to continue their education in medical or dental schools.

The Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience and the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business offer full time 2.5-year and part-time 4-year dual degree programs. These programs lead to a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This program is especially designed for individuals who are planning a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other health-related industries. The ability of our graduates to understand both the science and business aspects of developing and marketing a new product or therapy gives them a competitive advantage in obtaining a position in industry and advancing their careers. This dual degree program also allows students to earn the two degrees in a shorter period of time than completing each one separately.

Internship Opportunities for Future Graduate Students
Students who have a GPA in the MS in Pharmacology of 3.5 or higher and are interested in having an internship in a pharmacetuical company will be recommended for internship slots with major Biotech/Pharm companies. We have an excellent track record of placing students and most such internships lead to positions (see our MS/MBA Outcomes).

Testimonials from graduates of our MS/MBA program:
"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 is June 15, 2024