In 2024, the Pharmaceuticals market in the United States is projected to achieve a revenue of $630.30 billion as per Statista.
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.
For those planning their education abroad, aApplying 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.
A master’s in pharmacy in USA for Indian students can lead to a fruitful career. Here are the key reasons for the same:
The US is home to 56 highest-ranked pharmacy universities and colleges in the world.
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2032, employment in healthcare occupations is expected to significantly outpace the average growth rate across all fields.
Approximately 1.8 million job openings are projected annually within the pharmaceutical industry, driven by both expansions in employment opportunities.
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.
Degree
M.Pharma
Courses offered
MSc in Pharmacology, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in USA
Term of the course
Two years
Eligibility for the course
Undergraduate degree in the required subjects (chemistry or biology) and requisite language requirements
If you want to pursue a master's in Pharmacy in the USA, here is the list of the best universities for MS in Pharmacy in the USA, per the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Name of the university
QS World University Rankings 2024
Course duration (MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 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.
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.
English Proficiency and other admission requirements
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:
As per Glassdoor, those working in the USA pharmaceuticals industry earn roughly $95,000 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.
Top Master of Pharmacy Recruiters in USA
According to EnterpriseAppsToday, there are about 2,655 pharma companies and 368 generic pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses in the USA. Out of the top 10 pharma companies in the world, 5 companies are based in the USA. Here are the top pharma companies who are recruiting individuals who completed MS in Pharmacy in USA:
Coverage for flight fare, tuition and study costs, health insurance and stipend
Global Excellence Scholarship
University of Minnesota
$10,000-$15,000
Conclusion
To pursue a career related to pharmacy, you need to complete a master's in pharmacy in the USA. Some universities offer MS in Pharmacy in the USA without the GRE, but most universities in the USA require the GRE. You can enroll in any university in the USA, depending on the duration and the requirements of the MS courses in pharmacy.
Pharmacy students may choose PharmD programs in the USA while registering as a pharmacist officially. PharmD graduates from India qualify for the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) and FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination) while registering as pharmacists after clearing the entrance examinations. You should also sit for the IELTS or TOEFL while getting the FPGEC (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee) certification. You can also sit for the pharmacy law examination.
What are the courses after B Pharma in the USA?
You can pursue a Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration along with a Master of Arts in Clinical Medicine or Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration. You can also choose a Master of Science in Pharmacology and Physiology or a Master of Science in Systems Medicine. Graduates may also decide to pursue PharmD courses in the USA before registering as licensed pharmacists. PharmD graduates can sit for the NAPLEX and FPGEE at this time as well.
Which course is best after B Pharmacy in the USA?
The best course after B Pharmacy in the country includes several options like MS in Pharmacy and MBA in Pharma Business Management, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, or MBA Pharma. MBA in General Management, PGDM in Pharmaceutical Management, and Master of Arts in Clinical Medicine are other options.
You can also choose options like Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration, Master of Science in Pharmacology and Physiology, and Master of Science in Systems Medicine.
Is it worth pursuing a master’s degree in pharmacy in the USA?
The answer is a big ‘Yes.’ The USA is a hub of many renowned universities to pursue M.Pharma and the employment opportunities are vast for students on completion of the course. It is also interesting to note that M.Pharma from the USA is quite popular among Indian students as well as students coming from other nations. The salary prospects after M.Pharma in the USA are quite lucrative.
How many years does it take to study pharmacy in the USA?
To complete an MS in pharmacy in the USA takes around two-three years. The duration of postgraduate pharmacy courses in the USA is even shorter in some universities.
How much can you earn with a master’s in pharmacy in the USA?
On average, one can earn as much as $80K as salary annually after completing a master’s in pharmacy in the USA.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.