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About the Degree
The Master of Science in Drug Development & Product Management focuses on building the clinical, managerial, regulatory, and marketing skills and insight to equip graduates to be effective leaders in the complex landscape of the drug development process from pre-clinical to patient.
This degree is conferred by the Graduate Division at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego). It represents a collaborative effort between the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which creates and teaches the curriculum and provides student career advising, and UC San Diego Extension, which administers the program and manages student affairs.
Program Details
The MS in Drug Development and Product Management features:
- Instruction by a combination of faculty and industry professionals.
- A case-based and project-oriented approach to learning.
- Networking opportunities with student colleagues with diverse professional backgrounds from the U.S. and other countries.
Students in the program will:
- Gain tangible skills that will be invaluable to create successful drug product development and commercialization strategies.
- Acquire the requisite knowledge to collaborate effectively in the ongoing management of drug products.
- Be provided a practical bridge to employment opportunities in the life science industry.
- The degree consists of 36 units and is conducted over 3 quarters (fall, winter, and spring).
- Students enter the program fall quarter (September).
- Classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.
- Curriculum encompasses both the scientific and business aspects of the drug development and product management process.
- The degree costs approximately $32,000.
- A Merit Scholarship is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
- Government and commercial bank loans, as well as financial aid for veterans, are available.
Graduates of the program can expect to be prepared to work in:
- Business Development
- Clinical Trial Management
- Marketing & Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Development
- Regulatory Affairs
Advance Your Career
The Master of Science in Drug Development & Product Management focuses on building the clinical, managerial, regulatory, and marketing skills and insight to equip graduates to be effective leaders in the complex landscape of the drug development process from pre-clinical to patient.
Ready to Get Started?
No, the GRE/GMAT is not required for admission to the program.
Yes, this program is a STEM degree.
Possibly. The admissions committee will review your entire application, including the depth of your professional experience, the strength of your recommendation letters, and your academic background. These factors are all taken into consideration in determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for admission to the program.
For each DDPM student to get the most out of the program, the DDPM Admissions Committee prefers all students to have had at least 1-2 years of professional work experience in a science, medical, pharma, business management, or legal-related industry. Most students have a background in the life science field. Occasionally, the Committee will accept specific internship experience depending on the type/duration/responsibilities of that internship.
Possibly. The admissions committee will review your entire application, including the depth of your professional experience, the strength of your recommendation letters, and your academic background. These factors are all taken into consideration in determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for admission to the program.
No, this program does not have a CPT eligible course. International students can, however, get jobs on campus without applying for CPT. Please see the International Students and Programs Office for more information.
Yes, students who graduate from this MS can apply for STEM OPT. Please see the International Students & Programs Office for more information.
This is a self-funded program, so we do not receive financial support from any governmental or university organization. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to offer scholarships for international students. For opportunities for financial aid/scholarships, please refer to the Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage dedicated to international students.
Certainly. Reach out of us at ddpm@ucsd.edu to inquire about the degree, or to set up an appointment to speak with our program coordinator.