M.S. in Quantitative Systems Pharmacology

Model the future of medicine

At the intersection of pharmacology and computation, QSP is changing how we discover, test and deliver life-saving therapies. Now more than ever, the pharmaceutical industry needs professionals trained to simulate drug behavior, predict outcomes and personalize treatments. The M.S. in Quantitative Systems Pharmacology at the University of Delaware prepares you to meet that demand.

What is QSP — and why does it matter?

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) combines pharmacology, engineering and computational modeling to understand how drugs interact with biological systems. It plays a vital role in modern drug development by helping researchers:

• Identify targets based on disease mechanisms.
• Simulate drug effects and optimize dosing.
• Improve safety and efficacy trial design.
• Personalize treatments for patients.

QSP is essential for model-informed drug development, especially in oncology and precision medicine. As FDA guidance increasingly prioritizes QSP-based approaches, demand for trained professionals is rising — but formal training pipelines remain rare. Graduates of this program will be ready to make an immediate impact in the pharmaceutical industry, government or Ph.D. research.

Why Earn a Master’s in QSP at the University of Delaware?

UD offers the first master’s programs in the U.S. dedicated to QSP — and the only one focused on advanced modeling and industry alignment. Here’s what sets us apart:

Industry-aligned curriculum

Developed with feedback from QSP leaders at Merck, GSK, AstraZeneca and the FDA, the curriculum emphasizes real-world modeling, PK/PD, and systems biology.

Hands-on training

Choose between an industry internship or a master’s thesis. All students complete a 200-hour experiential component focused on pharma-relevant problems.

Expert faculty

Learn from leading biomedical engineers and pharmacologists who are actively shaping the field.

Strong career outlook

QSP master’s graduates are well-positioned for roles in pharma, biotech and regulatory science. Estimated entry-level salaries range from $100,000–$110,000.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any engineering or computer science discipline or applied mathematics.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry or biology if the following competencies are met:
  • Calculus through differential equations.
  • Basic programming experience.
  • Biology coursework is recommended.
• University minimum requirements for TOEFL for international applicants.
• GRE not required.

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.

Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Quantitative Systems Pharmacology requires 30 credit hours.

QSP Modeling Core – 9 credits
Mathematical Foundations of biomedical modeling for quantitative systems pharmacology. Complete one class each from the following three sets of classes:

Systems-Level Modeling

• BMEG 671 Mathematical Physiology (3)
• BMEG 681 Systems-Level QSP (3)

Cellular-Level Modeling

• BMEG 695 Computational Systems Biology (3)
• BMEG 682 Cellular-Level QSP (3)

Data Curation and Analysis

• BMEG 802 Advanced Biomedical Experiment Design and Analysis (3)
• BMEG 683 QSP Data Curation and Analysis for QSP (3)

Pharmacology Core – 3 credits
Fundamentals of pharmacology and toxicology for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology. Complete one of the courses listed below.

• BMEG 684 Pharmacology and Toxicology for QSP (3)
• BISC 690 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3)

Communications, Ethics, and Professional Skills – 6 credits
Scientific communication, research ethics, and professional skills for QSP. Complete one class from each of the two sets of classes:

Communications and Research Ethics

• BMEG 685 Scientific Communication and Ethics in QSP (3)
• BMEG 801 Communication in Biomedical Engineering (3)

QSP Professional Skills

• BMEG 687 QSP in the Drug Development Pipeline (3)

QSP Application Electives (6cr)
Complete 6 credits of electives from the following list. Other graduate level courses in an appropriate topic area may be accepted with permission from the program director.

• BMEG 644 Microscale Biofluid Mechanics (3)
• BMEG 661 Cell Engineering (3)
• BMEG 662 Engineering Biomedical Nanostructures (3)
• BMEG 663 Mechanotransduction (3)
• CHEG 647 Molecular Modeling and Simulations of Soft Materials (3)
• CHEG 648 Biomaterials for Drug and Gene Delivery (3)
• CHEG 649 Molecular Biophysics (3)
• CHEG 652 Cell Culture Biomanufacturing (3)
• CHEG 654 Vaccine and ImmunoEngineering (3)

Research Project / Internship / Thesis (6cr)
Complete 6 credits of an industry-driven research project using one of the courses listed.

• BMEG 686 Industry Internship in QSP (6)
• BMEG 869 Master’s Thesis (6)

Thesis Option
Students pursuing the thesis track work with a faculty advisor to conduct original research in QSP. A small faculty committee provides guidance throughout the process. Students submit a brief research plan and complete a thesis that meets university requirements. Most complete the program in 18 to 21 months and must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing.

Internship Option
Students choosing the internship track complete a minimum of 200 hours at an approved site, working on projects related to pharmacological modeling or a similar area. The experience includes professional development activities and a final presentation. The internship counts for 6 credits, and students are graded on both their work performance and coursework. Most students complete the degree in 18 to 21 months and must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing.

Application Deadlines

Fall admission only

• January 31: Priority consideration for admission
• June 30: Final deadline to apply