MS in Pharmacology and MBA Dual Degree Program

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $1,290 per credit hour for M.S. courses (27 credits are needed) and $1,685 per credit hour (39 credits are needed) for the M.B.A. 

Frequently asked questions

• Where are you located?

The Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine is in west suburban Maywood, IL. You will complete all of your Master of Science in Pharmacology degree requirements at this location. 

The Quinlan Graduate School of Business is in downtown Chicago, near the “Magnificent Mile” retail and residential center near Lake Michigan.  You will take your Master of Business Administration coursework at this site. 

•  What are the housing options for students?

Many students rents apartments in the western suburbs near the Medical Center, such as Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, North Riverside, Brookfield, Westchester, and LaGrange Park. Several of these suburbs have public transportation options. Some students choose to live in downtown Chicago, closer to the Graduate School of Business. Loyola has a new apartment building across the street from the Business School. The Medical Center provides housing information for new students and has a  Facebook page where you can meet other graduate students to set up living arrangements.

•  Is the program full-time or part-time?

The coursework and lab work for the M.S. in Pharmacology degree are scheduled during the daytime at the Medical Center and are considered full-time. The M.B.A. courses are scheduled in the evenings, giving students more flexibility.

•   Can I work while taking the program?

Students are discouraged from working during the first two semesters of the M.S. degree program so that they can concentrate on coursework and research. Some students can find a paid internship during their M.B.A. studies or a part-time job in a research laboratory or other field.

•   How long does it take to complete the program?

Students normally obtain both the M.S. and M.B.A degrees in 2-2½ years.

•  What kind of jobs do your graduates get?

The graduates from our program work mostly at healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. Please visit the section on MS/MBA Outcomes, which shows both entry-level and advanced-career positions. 

•  Do I need to have work experience to get accepted into the program?

It is not necessary to have extensive job experience to be accepted into the program.  Many of our students have graduated recently from undergraduate or other post-graduate programs.  

•   When do classes start?  Can I enroll at different times of the year?

New students are enrolled only once per year. Classes start during the first week of August.

•  Is financial aid available?

Unfortunately, major financial aid is not available. The University can assist students in obtaining loans. Some students can qualify for two free courses at the Business School or receive credit for up to four business courses taken previously.

•  Will I be able to do an internship?  Is it required?

An internship is not required.  However, students are encouraged to do an internship to gain additional experience and make valuable professional contacts.  The University can assist in finding an internship.

•  When are applications reviewed?

 The deadline for applying is May 1 (April 1 for foreign students). 

•  What are the science and business course pre-requisites for acceptance?

Applicants should have a strong background in the sciences.  Preference is given to majors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pre-professional studies.  Some business coursework is preferred, but not required. 

•  Are the GRE scores required, or do you accept other standardized test results?

GRE scores are preferred because the admissions committee is better able to interpret them. However, other standardized test scores, such as MCAT, GMAT, and DATS, are acceptable. 

•  Do the GRE scores have to be submitted at the same time as the application?

You can apply without the GRE scores or with self-reported scores, but the committee cannot make a final decision until the scores have been sent officially.

•  Can I get credit for previous business courses?

It is possible to have up to four M.B.A. courses waived if you have received a grade of “B” or better in similar courses.

•   I am a foreign applicant.  Do I need to submit a transcript evaluation report before my application can be reviewed?

Your application can undergo a preliminary review without a transcript evaluation report. However, the more verification data that you supply, the further your application can proceed in the review process. An official transcription evaluation report is required before you can enroll.

•  What grade-point average do I need to maintain in the M.S. portion of the dual degree?

Students need to maintain a B average 3.0 to receive the M.S. in Pharmacology degree.

•  Would I be able to contact an alumnus of the program?

Strong applicants can request contact information for a current student or alumnus.

MS/MBA Outcomes

A list of positions and the companies where our alumni are currently working.

• Director, Regulatory Affairs Development, Takeda Pharmaceuticals 
• Director of Global Marketing, Critical Care, CR Bard 
• Sales Application Specialist, QIAGEN 
• Regional Sales Director, iRhythm Technologies 
• Senior Director, Clinical Affairs, Fresenius Kabi USA 
• Principal Clinical Specialist, Medtronic 
• Life Sciences Management Consultant, Accenture 
• Business Systems Analyst, Baxter International Pharmaceuticals 
• Associate Analyst, R&D Planning, Estee Lauder 
• Senior Consultant, Guidehouse 
• Consultant, Deloitte
• Senior Business Analyst, Marketing and Research, Walgreens  
• Project Manager, Technical Transfer, Nexus Pharmaceutical Inc. 
• Clinical Trial Manager, Medpace 
• Medical Student at the Indiana University School of Medicine 
• Dental Student at the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine