Pharmaceutical graduate education prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical and health care industries, academia and government, where they work as researchers, project and program managers, educators, and regulators. They discover and develop new medications and materials, run clinical trials to test new interventions, and work with individuals and organizations to promote safe and effective medical treatment and healthy lifestyles.
Careers in Development, Manufacturing and Distribution
Pharmaceutical research graduates are engaged in stages of the research and development pipeline, as well as the manufacturing and distribution chain for medications, cosmetics and nutritional supplements. They work in the various settings to create, develop, test, and promote the safe use of new technologies and materials to treat disease and improve health and well-being.
- Universities
- Private and government research laboratories
- Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetic companies
- Healthcare systems
- Regulatory agencies
- Independent standards organizations
Careers in Health Outcomes Research
Pharmaceutical research graduates are also engaged in understanding and improving uses and outcomes related to medications, health technology and substances, and may study the following topics:
- Drug pricing and cost-effectiveness
- Healthcare utilization and decision-making
- Public health
- Health disparities
- Social determinants of health
These researchers work in a variety of settings to gain an understanding of health and wellness at the individual and population level, and to develop and disseminate best practices in healthcare:
- Universities
- Private organizations and foundations
- Hospitals
- Health systems
- Insurers
- Governmental agencies