Clinical and Industrial Drug Development
Total graduates
172
2025 · 8 schools
International share
21.5%
37 international students
Bachelor's degrees
9
0.0% international
Master's degrees
160
23.1% international
Overview
Clinical and Industrial Drug Development is a specialized field that focuses on the processes and methodologies used to develop new pharmaceutical products from initial research through to market approval. This discipline combines elements of pharmacology, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and industrial production techniques to ensure that new drugs are safe, effective, and accessible to patients.
Students in this program typically study the entire drug development lifecycle, which begins with drug discovery and preclinical research. They learn how to conduct clinical trials, including designing study protocols, recruiting and managing participants, and analyzing data to assess drug efficacy and safety. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding the regulatory environment, including guidelines from the FDA and other global health authorities, which govern the approval of new drugs.
Additionally, the program often covers aspects of industrial practices, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality assurance, and supply chain management within the pharmaceutical industry. Students may also explore emerging trends in drug development, including personalized medicine, biotechnology, and the impact of digital health technologies.
Graduates of this program are well-equipped to work in various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, regulatory agencies, and research institutions. They play a crucial role in bringing new therapies to market, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and contribute to public health advancements. Overall, Clinical and Industrial Drug Development is a dynamic and vital field within the larger healthcare landscape.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2004 to 2025, graduates grew 912% and the international share went from 29.4% to 21.5%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 8 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #27 | University of Southern California | California | 26 | 6 |
| #29 | University of California-San Diego | California | 30 | 7 |
| #49 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Washington | 19 | 13 |
| #109 | Temple University | Pennsylvania | 61 | 3 |
| #137 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 3 | 0 |
| #342 | Campbell University | North Carolina | 24 | 0 |
| — | Eastern Michigan University | Michigan | 7 | 6 |
| — | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Massachusetts | 2 | 2 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Managers | 246,250 | $64.50 | $134,170 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 221,270 | — | $147,570 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 108,690 | $86.66 | $180,250 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2004–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.