View the MS/MBA curriculum plan, including the course breakdown by semester and elective options.

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the MS in Pharmacology program who are interested in an internship at a pharmaceutical company will be recommended for internship slots with major Biotech/Pharm companies. We have an excellent track record of placing students, and internships often lead to positions (learn about MS/MBA Alumni Success).

The MS/MBA dual-degree program offers a career-preparation initiative designed to help students transition confidently from graduate school to their first professional role.

This program includes three key components to support students throughout the job search process:

• Resume Support: Faculty members will work one-on-one with students to review, refine, and strengthen their resumes.
• Job Search Guidance: Recent alumni will share their personal experiences and insights on strategies that helped them successfully secure their first positions.
• Mock Interviews: Experienced pharmaceutical industry professionals will conduct mock interviews, providing students with valuable practice and constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

Dr. Peter Bacher will serve as one of the interviewers. Dr. Bacher brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having held numerous leadership roles, including project director for several established products at AbbVie, global project head for multiple products in clinical development at AbbVie, and global senior director for antithrombotics at Aventis.

Apply to the MS/MBA Program

• Applicants must complete an application through Loyola's Graduate Admissions.
• Application deadline: June 15

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts

Interview (if invited)

• Selected applicants who live in the United States may be invited to interview at the Health Sciences Campus, tour the facilities, and meet with students.
• Overseas applicants will be interviewed by telephone or Skype.

Receive admission decision

The admissions committee focuses on the overall strength of the application, not on any single criterion alone.

• Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on the sciences. (International applicants should have the equivalent of a four-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.
• Accepted students typically have a GPA > 3.0.
• A GRE test score is encouraged but not necessary.
• International students should also have a TOEFL iBT score > 100 (or a TOEFL iBT writing score > 600).

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applying is June 15. 

Can I enroll at different times of the year?

New students are enrolled only once per year. 

What grade-point average do I need to maintain in the MS portion of the dual degree?

Students need to maintain a 3.0 (B) average to receive the MS in Pharmacology degree.

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

GRE scores are preferred because the admissions committee can better interpret them. However, other standardized test scores, such as MCAT, GMAT, and DAT, are acceptable. 

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

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

What are the science and business course prerequisites 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. 

Can I get credit for previous business courses?

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

I am an international 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 transcript evaluation report is required before you can enroll.

Do I need work experience to be accepted into the program?

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

Is financial aid available?

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

Is the program full-time or part-time?

Students can choose to take the MS in Pharmacology/MBA program either full-time or part-time. This gives students the flexibility to work or spend more time with their families.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Students typically complete the MS/MBA dual degrees in 2-2½ years full-time or 4 years part-time.

When do classes start? 

Classes begin during the first week of August.

Where do classes take place?

The Stritch School of Medicine is located on Loyola's Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, IL, where you will complete all Master of Science in Pharmacology degree requirements. MBA coursework takes place at the Quinlan School of Business on Loyola's Water Tower Campus in downtown Chicago.

What housing options are available to students?

Housing is student-arranged, with many students renting apartments in the western suburbs near the Health Sciences Campus in Maywood — including Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, North Riverside, Brookfield, Westchester, and LaGrange Park, most of which offer public transportation access. Others choose to live in downtown Chicago, closer to the Quinlan School of Business at the Water Tower Campus.

Can I work while taking the program?

Students are discouraged from working during the first two semesters of the MS degree program to allow them to concentrate on coursework and research. Some students find paid internships during their MBA studies or take on a part-time job in a research laboratory or another field.

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 MS/MBA program can assist in finding an internship.

What kinds of jobs do graduates pursue?

Most graduates go on to work at healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. Visit the Alumni Success page to learn about entry-level and advanced career positions held by program alumni.

Can I connect with a current student or alumnus?

Strong applicants are welcome to request contact information for a current student or program alumnus.

Financial Aid

If you have questions about the different financial aid options available to you, contact the Financial Aid Office at (773) 508-7704 or lufinaid@luc.edu.

Tuition

Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year is $1,405 per credit hour for MS courses (27 credits are required) and $1,840 per credit hour for the MBA courses (39 credits are required).