M.S. in Medicinal Chemistry
Be involved in the development of new therapeutics for diseases in this interdisciplinary pharmaceutical sciences degree, with an emphasis in medicinal chemistry.
About this Emphasis
Are you passionate about the intersection of chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical sciences? If so, our Medicinal Chemistry program offers an exciting opportunity to dive deep into this interdisciplinary field. Medicinal Chemistry is at the heart of drug discovery, focusing on the design, synthesis, and study of biologically active compounds, understanding how they work at the molecular level, and uncovering the relationships between their structure and activity.
Our school provides a dynamic environment for research and graduate education, with a focus on developing new drugs and identifying cutting-edge biological targets for treating critical health issues such as cancer, malaria, central nervous system disorders, and infectious diseases. We blend conventional disciplines to conduct research in asymmetric organic synthesis, computational drug design, high-throughput synthesis, biological evaluation, and assay development.
We are committed to equipping our graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Whether you aim for a career in industry or academia, you'll be part of the next generation of innovators shaping the future of medicine.
About Pharmaceutical Sciences
Do you want to be involved in the development of new medicine? Want to conduct new and exciting research? Then, a degree in pharmaceutical sciences is for you.
At the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, you won't just learn from our team of faculty and researchers. You will work alongside them and help explore the future of health and medicine.
We offer various disciplines, from environmental toxicology to pharmacy administration. Join us and find the right path for you.
Being an Ole Miss Pharmacy graduate student allows you to be part of a diverse community that is comprehensive in scope yet relatively small in size. This provides an excellent opportunity for advanced studies in a supportive and nurturing environment.
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Health and Social Services
Pharmacy
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
2 - 3 Years
Degree
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Program Location
Emphases
Medicinal Chemistry
Required Credit Hours
30 - 36 Hours
Medicinal Chemistry Program Details
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
MINIMUM TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30
The respective program description sections provide requirements for each emphasis area. Students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for the M.S. with an emphasis in medicinal chemistry consist of:
- Graduate Student Survival Strategies (BMS 601) (2 hours);
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry I (MEDC 501) (3 hours);
- Organic Chemistry of Drug Synthesis (MEDC 507) (3 hours);
- Medc/Phcg/BMS courses 600/700 level (6 hours);
- Elective Courses 500/600/700 level (6 hours).
Seminar Requirement
Students are required to register for BMS 643 (Z-grade) every semester, with the exception of those semesters in which the student presents a seminar and instead registers for BMS 641 (graded). No more than four seminar hours can be used toward the 24 minimum total credit hours.
A minimum of 6 hours of thesis research must also be taken to meet degree requirements.
OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A thesis based on experimental work in the general area of medicinal chemistry is required.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Medicinal Chemistry graduate students must meet a high level of academic achievement to maintain eligibility. Students are expected to maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
The deadlines for application are:
- Fall: February 1
- Spring: October 1
All applications must be made via the UM Graduate School’s online application procedure.
All application materials must be submitted only through the UM Graduate School’s online application system. Application materials should not be sent directly to the department. The following items must be included in the online application:
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member in the applicant’s major study area. The letter writers will need to submit their letters themselves through the online system.
- A statement of purpose
- Undergraduate/graduate transcript(s). Please arrange for the official transcript(s) to be sent directly from your university to the graduate school. Only the graduate school can post the transcript(s) to the application system.
It is also possible to submit supporting documentation through the UM Graduate School’s online application system, such as:
- List of publications
- Research interest areas
- Prior work experiences relevant to biomolecular sciences
Please arrange for the IELTS/TOEFL score to be sent to the graduate school. The institutional code for the University of Mississippi is 1840, and the department code for the TOEFL is 99. A GRE score is NOT required for admission.
Medicinal Chemistry Research
As a graduate student in the BioMolecular Sciences (BMS) programs, you’ll thrive in a collaborative environment focused on improving health and quality of life through innovative research. Our programs emphasize both basic and applied research, offering many pathways to explore cutting-edge solutions for global health challenges.
Did You Know?
internationally-recognized research centers are housed in the School of Pharmacy and located on the Oxford campus
publications authored by School of Pharmacy researchers in 2023.
Meet the Program Coordinator
If you have any questions about the Medicinal Chemistry emphasis, don't hesitate to reach out!
Jing Li
Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Research Assistant Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?