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CIP 51.2006 Health Professions

Clinical and Industrial Drug Development

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

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

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2004 to 2025, graduates grew 912% and the international share went from 29.4% to 21.5%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
32.6%
Asian
22.7%
Hispanic
7.6%
Black
10.5%
Other
5.2%
Intl.
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.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#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

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean 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.