M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Boston
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy is a 36-credit master's degree program that can be pursued on-campus in Boston or entirely online. It is typically completed in two years for full-time students, with flexibility for part-time study. The program aims to equip graduates with the analytical skills necessary to assess the appropriateness of research designs for comparative effectiveness, policy analyses, and health economic evaluations. It prepares professionals for roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries, government agencies, and academia, focusing on the finance and delivery of healthcare systems.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy program at MCPHS University is STEM-designated for the on-campus delivery. This designation is highly beneficial for international students on an F-1 visa, as it allows them to qualify for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, providing up to an additional 24 months of work authorization in the United States after completing their degree.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy is comprehensive and balances quantitative methods with policy analysis. Core courses include "Quantitative Methods in PEP," "Health Epidemiology," "Comparative Pharmaceutical Healthcare Systems," "Introduction to Health Economics and Outcomes Research," and "Regression Analysis in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy." The program also features "Market Access, Pricing & Reimbursement," a crucial area in the pharmaceutical industry. Students participate in a "Graduate Seminar in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy" and culminate their studies with a "Capstone: Data Analysis and Presentation Capabilities in PEP" or, on an exception basis, a thesis. Electives allow for further specialization in areas such as "Law and Health Policy of Drugs and Devices," "International Regulatory Affairs," "Pharmacoepidemiology Applications," and "Pharmacoeconomic Applications."
Research Focus: The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy program at MCPHS has a strong applied research focus, particularly in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). The curriculum emphasizes the application and interpretation of statistical, epidemiologic, and health economic analyses. Students are trained to effectively synthesize evidence to inform key stakeholders, including industry, regulators, and policymakers. While a thesis is optional, the required capstone project involves data analysis and presentation, demonstrating a practical research component. Faculty members, who are often distinguished professionals and scholars in the field, encourage student participation in research initiatives, allowing them to hone their analytical skills and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in health policy and pharmaceutical practices.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS University is deeply committed to industry engagement, which is a cornerstone of the Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy program. Situated in Boston, a global hub for healthcare and biotechnology, the program offers students a plethora of opportunities to network and engage with industry leaders. The curriculum is designed to meet pressing professional needs, with faculty often comprising executives and experts from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. The program's objectives include preparing graduates to effectively synthesize evidence to inform key stakeholders in industry, regulators, and policymakers. Elective courses like "Practicum: Pharm Business and Administrative Internships" provide direct hands-on experience, further enhancing students' employability and professional connections within the life sciences industry.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy program at MCPHS inherently incorporates a global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of pharmaceutical markets, health systems, and policy challenges. The curriculum includes courses such as "Comparative Pharmaceutical Healthcare Systems" and offers electives like "International Regulatory Affairs," which directly address global drug policy and healthcare delivery models. The program aims to prepare graduates to analyze the structure and functions of both U.S. and international healthcare systems, with a focus on finance and delivery. This global outlook ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of international drug development, market access, and healthcare policy across diverse global contexts.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 27825
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue their healthcare education without financial burden.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these opportunities.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (PEP) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) provides graduates with a highly specialized and in-demand skillset at the nexus of healthcare, business, and policy.
Health Economist: Graduates analyze the costs and benefits of healthcare interventions, particularly pharmaceutical products. They work for pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, government agencies, or research institutions to inform pricing strategies, resource allocation, and policy development.
Health Outcomes Research (HEOR) Analyst/Manager: This role involves conducting research on the effectiveness, safety, and economic value of medical treatments and interventions in real-world settings. Graduates are crucial for generating evidence used in market access, reimbursement discussions, and clinical guidelines.
Market Access Manager/Specialist: Graduates play a critical role in bringing new pharmaceutical products to market. They develop strategies to ensure patient access to drugs by navigating complex pricing, reimbursement, and regulatory landscapes, working closely with payers, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
Policy Analyst (Healthcare/Pharmaceutical): Graduates analyze and evaluate healthcare policies, particularly those related to pharmaceuticals, drug pricing, and reimbursement. They work for government agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, or healthcare organizations to influence health legislation and regulations.
Pricing and Reimbursement Analyst: This specialized role focuses on determining the appropriate pricing for pharmaceutical products and securing reimbursement from payers (e.g., insurance companies, government health programs). It requires a deep understanding of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist (with Economic Focus): While broader regulatory affairs roles exist, PEP graduates can specialize in the economic and policy aspects of regulatory submissions, ensuring that product development and marketing align with regulatory requirements and economic considerations.
Managed Care Scientific Liaison: These professionals serve as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and managed care organizations or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). They provide scientific and economic data on products to support formulary decisions and managed care strategies.
Consultant (Healthcare/Life Sciences): Graduates can work for consulting firms specializing in healthcare and life sciences, providing expert advice to pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers on strategy, market access, HEOR, and policy.
Real-World Evidence (RWE) Scientist: As RWE becomes increasingly important, graduates can specialize in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting real-world data (e.g., electronic health records, claims data) to generate insights on drug effectiveness, safety, and economic impact outside of traditional clinical trials.
Research Project Manager (Clinical/Outcomes Research): Graduates can manage projects focused on clinical research, health economics, or outcomes research, overseeing study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and effectively within regulatory guidelines.
