Graduate Programs

Here are graduate programs for research Interests in Pharmacognosy, Natural Products Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products, Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemical Ecology, Natural Product Synthesis, and Herbal Medicines.

It is not an exhaustive list. Please notify us if you would like to add to the list.

United States

California

• Stanford University
  • School of Medicine, Chemical and Systems Biology (PhD).
  • Trains students to study disease and cell behavior using chemistry, biology, and quantitative methods in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• University of California, Berkeley
  • College of Chemistry, Chemical Biology Graduate Program (PhD).
  • Provides PhD students with rigorous training at the interface of chemistry and biology while they complete their degree through a home department.
• University of California, Irvine
  • Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Focuses on understanding and manipulating biological systems with chemical tools, including biomolecule structure, probes, and bioactive compounds.
• University of California, San Diego
  • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Trains students to apply chemistry to biological systems through interdisciplinary coursework and research, including natural products and bioorganic chemistry.
• Scripps Research
  • Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences (PhD).
  • Offers intensive interdisciplinary doctoral training in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, genomics, structural biology, and related fields.

Connecticut

• University of Connecticut
  • School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS, PhD).
  • Includes a Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry concentration focused on drug discovery and development.

Florida

• University of Florida
  • College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences – Medicinal Chemistry (PhD).
  • Includes medicinal natural products and related drug-discovery coursework within a research-intensive doctoral program.

Illinois

• Northwestern University
  • The Graduate School, Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (Cluster).
  • Supports cross-disciplinary training in therapeutic discovery and molecular sciences.
• Northwestern University
  • Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Synthetic & Chemical Biology.
  • Unites chemistry, biology, engineering, and computation for research at the chemistry-biology interface.
• University of Illinois Chicago
  • College of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy (MS, PhD).
  • Focuses on natural products, medicinal plants, ethnobotany, and bioactive compounds from terrestrial and marine sources.

Massachusetts

• Harvard University
  • Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Combines chemistry and biology to support molecular-level discovery in biomedical science.

Michigan

• University of Michigan
  • Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Graduate Program (MS, PhD).
  • Offers broad graduate training in chemistry with opportunities in chemical biology, organic synthesis, and medicinally relevant research.

Minnesota

• University of Minnesota
  • College of Pharmacy, PhD Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry (PhD).
  • Emphasizes synthetic organic chemistry, natural products, drug design, and chemical biology for pharmaceutical research careers.

Mississippi

• University of Mississippi
  • School of Pharmacy, M.S. in Pharmacognosy (MS).
  • Centers on the chemistry, origins, and biological functions of natural products.

North Carolina

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS, PhD).
  • Offers doctoral study with concentrations including chemical biology and medicinal chemistry.

New Jersey

• Rutgers University
  • Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry (MS, PhD).
  • Offers interdisciplinary research including natural product isolation and applications.

New York

• Cornell University
  • Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Provides broad training across the chemical sciences with advanced research in chemistry and chemical biology.
• State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • Organic Chemistry of Natural Products (MS, PhD).
  • Dedicated to graduate study in the synthesis and biology of natural substances.

Ohio

• The Ohio State University
  • College of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy Graduate Studies (PhD).
  • Includes a Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy track focused on isolation, characterization, and derivatization of natural molecules.

Pennsylvania

• University of Pittsburgh
  • Department of Chemistry, Graduate Program in Chemistry (PhD).
  • Lists chemical biology and natural product synthesis among its graduate research strengths.

Tennessee

• Vanderbilt University
  • School of Medicine, Quantitative and Chemical Biology Program (PhD).
  • A multidisciplinary umbrella program for doctoral study at the interface of chemical, physical, and biological sciences.

Wisconsin

• University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Offers collaborative training at the chemistry-biology interface with broad research scope.

Canada

Alberta

• University of Alberta
  • Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biology Program (MSc, PhD).
  • Designed for students with strong interests in biochemistry and chemistry related to the biological sciences.

British Columbia

• University of British Columbia
  • Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanomedicine and Chemical Biology (MSc, PhD).
  • Offers training in chemistry, biology, and drug discovery with a strong hands-on research emphasis.

Quebec

• McGill University
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, M.Sc. Biochemistry (Thesis): Chemical Biology (MSc).
  • Engages diverse chemical biology research ranging from structural biology to pharmaceutical applications.
• McGill University
  • Course Catalogue, Biochemistry: Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Doctoral training within a chemical biology thematic group.

Argentina

• University of Buenos Aires
  • Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pharmacognosy.
  • Studies biologically derived substances and materials of pharmaceutical interest, including plant-derived compounds.

Brazil

• Federal University of Pará
  • Pharmaceutical Innovation Graduate Program (PhD).
  • Networked doctoral program focused on pharmaceutical innovation and new medicines.
• Federal University of Pelotas
  • M.A. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting (M.A., PhD).
  • Trains students in biochemistry, biotechnology, and bioprospecting.
• Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
  • Graduate Program in Natural Products Chemistry (MSc, PhD).
  • One of Brazil’s pioneering graduate programs in natural products chemistry.
• University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto
  • School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences Program (MSc, PhD).
  • Recognized graduate program supporting pharmaceutical research and development.

Chile

• University of Chile
  • Magíster en Ciencias Químicas (Magister).
  • Graduate chemistry program that supports advanced research in chemistry and natural products.
• Universidad de Valparaíso
  • Magíster en Toxicología (Magister).
  • Research training in toxicology with chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology foundations.

Denmark

• University of Copenhagen
  • Drug Research Academy, Chemical Biology – New approaches in Drug Discovery (PhD course).
  • Provides specialized PhD-level training in chemical biology and drug discovery.

Germany

• University of Freiburg
  • Graduate programs in chemistry and chemical biology (PhD).
  • Research training in chemistry with opportunities in chemical biology, synthesis, and natural products.

Ireland

• Trinity College Dublin
  • School of Chemistry, Chemistry with Biosciences / Chemical Sciences.
  • Designed for work at the interface of chemistry and biology, including medicinal chemistry pathways.

Switzerland

• ETH Zurich
  • Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Doctoral Studies (PhD).
  • Provides broad doctoral training across chemistry, pharmaceutical science, and related interdisciplinary fields.
• ETH Zurich
  • Pharmaceutical Biology, Total Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products.
  • Centers on the chemical synthesis and biological characterization of bioactive natural products and analogs.

United Kingdom

• Aston University
  • School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc).
  • Prepares students for academic or industrial careers in pharmaceutics and pharmacology.
• Imperial College London
  • Department of Chemistry, MRes Chemical Biology and Bio-Entrepreneurship (MRes).
  • Provides advanced training at the chemistry-biology interface with an entrepreneurial angle.
• Keele University
  • MSc Pharmacology (MSc).
  • Focuses on drug discovery, pharmacology, and advanced research project work.
• University of Edinburgh
  • School of Biological Sciences, Drug Discovery and Translational Biology (MSc).
  • Trains students in the latest methods for developing drugs and therapeutic compounds.
• University of Glasgow
  • Clinical Pharmacology (MSc MedSci).
  • Offers focused training integrating basic and clinical sciences with an emphasis on pharmacology and therapeutics.
• University of Liverpool
  • Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Chemical Biology (PhD, MPhil, MD).
  • Integrates chemistry and biology to study molecular mechanisms and drug discovery.
• University of Oxford
  • Department of Chemistry, DPhil in Chemistry (DPhil).
  • Research degree focused on original projects across the biology interface, catalysis, materials, and theoretical chemistry.
• University of Oxford
  • Department of Chemistry, Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology & Medicine (DPhil).
  • Provides joint academic-industrial doctoral training in synthesis applied to biology and medicine.
• University of Oxford
  • Department of Biochemistry, Skaggs-Oxford Programme (DPhil/PhD).
  • Offers a joint research degree with Scripps Research and broad interdisciplinary training.
• University of Surrey
  • MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc).
  • Explores drug action, formulation, manufacture, and research-led pharmaceutical science.
• University College London
  • School of Pharmacy, MPhil/PhD.
  • Research degree with strengths in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and pharmacognosy.

China

• Tsinghua University
  • Department of Chemistry, Graduate Program in Chemistry (Master, PhD).
  • Trains graduate students for creative research in chemistry and related fields including biology and medicine.
• Tsinghua University
  • School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate Programs (MS, PhD).
  • Offers pharmaceutical sciences training with medicinal chemistry and drug-development emphasis.
• Westlake University
  • School of Life Sciences, Chemical Biology (PhD).
  • Integrates chemistry and biology with advanced synthesis, analysis, and biological tools.
• Westlake University
  • Department of Chemistry, Ph.D. Program in Chemistry (PhD).
  • Research-focused chemistry doctoral training with chemical biology among core areas.

Hong Kong

• City University of Hong Kong
  • Department of Chemistry, Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil, PhD).
  • Supports multidisciplinary graduate training with strengths in chemistry, biology, and natural product chemistry.
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil, PhD).
  • Supports graduate study in chemical biology, drug discovery, and sustainable chemistry.
• The University of Hong Kong
  • Faculty of Science, Chemistry Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil, PhD).
  • Offers chemical biology research at the graduate level.
• The University of Hong Kong
  • School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil, PhD).
  • Provides graduate research training in chemical biology, structural biology, and synthetic biology.

India

Delhi

• Jamia Hamdard
  • School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry (MPharm, PhD).
  • Offers postgraduate and doctoral training in pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and natural product development.

Goa

• Goa College of Pharmacy
  • Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacognosy (MPharm, PhD).
  • University-recognized postgraduate and doctoral research laboratory in pharmacognosy.

Gujarat

• Bharati Vidyapeeth
  • MPharm (Pharmacognosy) (MPharm).
  • Two-year postgraduate study in medicines derived from natural sources.
• Nirma University
  • Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy (MPharm, PhD).
  • Trains students in natural sources, traditional medicines, and phytochemical screening.
• Saurashtra University
  • Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MPharm (Pharmacognosy) (MPharm).
  • Graduate specialization in pharmacognosy.

Haryana

• Indira Gandhi University
  • Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy (Pharmacognosy) and PhD.
  • Offers pharmacognosy-focused pharmacy study alongside doctoral research options.

Karnataka

• Indian Institute of Science
  • Division of Chemical Sciences, Chemical Biology of Drugs (graduate research).
  • Research strength includes chemical biology of drugs with a focus on disease control and cure.
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
  • JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, Department of Pharmacognosy (MPharm, PhD).
  • Supports research in herbal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, microbial products, and natural product discovery.
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
  • JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy (MPharm).
  • Focuses on medicinal plants, cultivation, isolation, phytopharmaceuticals, and natural product drug discovery.
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
  • JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (MPharm).
  • Includes advanced medicinal chemistry, chemistry of natural products, and computer-aided drug design.
• KLE College of Pharmacy
  • KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry.
  • Has postgraduate and research strengths in pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.
• Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Department of Pharmacognosy (MPharm, PhD).
  • An established and accredited department with strong postgraduate and doctoral training in pharmacognosy.

Maharashtra

• Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati
  • M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (MPharm).
  • Postgraduate training in pharmacognosy and phytochemistry for natural product science.
• Lovely Professional University
  • PhD in Pharmacognosy (PhD).
  • Doctoral study focused on natural products and herbal medicine.

Punjab

• Central University of Punjab
  • Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products.
  • Research and teaching in pharmaceutical sciences with a natural products emphasis.

Uttar Pradesh

• Amity University
  • Amity Institute of Phytochemistry and Phytomedicine (PhD).
  • Focuses on natural product chemistry, phytomedicine, drug discovery, and medicinal chemistry.
• Teerthanker Mahaveer University
  • M.Pharm Pharmacognosy (MPharm).
  • Specialized postgraduate program in natural products and herbal medicine.

West Bengal

• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata
  • MS in Chemical Biology (MS).
  • Combines organic and medicinal chemistry with biochemistry, cell biology, and a year-long research project.

Japan

• Nagoya University
  • Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Master, PhD).
  • Strong graduate tradition in natural products chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and drug discovery sciences.
• Nihon University
  • School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry.
  • Researches bioactive substances from medicinal plants and microbial metabolites, plus Kampo and natural medicines.
• Okayama University
  • Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Natural Products Chemistry.
  • Finds and studies bioactive natural products from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microalgae.

Singapore

• National University of Singapore
  • Department of Chemistry, Graduate Research Programmes (MSc by Research, PhD).
  • Research program with interdisciplinary chemistry options that include medicinal chemistry and related areas.
• Nanyang Technological University
  • College of Science, Graduate Programmes (MSc by Research, PhD).
  • Includes Chemical Biology among the graduate research specializations.

South Korea

• Ewha Womans University
  • Chemistry & Nanoscience, Graduate Program (MS, PhD).
  • Provides advanced training in biological chemistry and other chemistry fields with interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Gyeongsang National University
  • College of Pharmacy, Graduate Program (MS, PhD).
  • Includes pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical biochemistry, and molecular immunobiology in the pharmaceutical life sciences major.
• UNIST
  • Chemistry Graduate Program (MS, PhD).
  • Offers graduate research in chemical biology among several chemistry subfields.

Taiwan

• Academia Sinica / National Taiwan University
  • Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics (PhD).
  • Interdisciplinary doctoral program centered on drug discovery and biotechnology.
• National Taiwan University
  • Department of Chemistry, Graduate Program (MS, PhD).
  • Graduate school includes Chemistry and Chemical Biology divisions for interdisciplinary research.

Nigeria

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University
  • Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine (MSc, PhD).
  • Postgraduate pathway in pharmacognosy, traditional medicine, and related natural products research.
• University of Ibadan
  • Postgraduate College, Pharmacognosy (MSc, MPhil, PhD).
  • Offers advanced study in medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and drug discovery from natural sources.
• University of Jos
  • Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Pharmacognosy (MSc, MPhil, PhD).
  • Focuses on pharmacognosy and traditional medicine research.
• University of Lagos
  • Faculty of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Studies in Pharmacognosy (MSc, PhD).
  • Trains students in ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and medicinal plant development.

South Africa

• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MPharm, PhD pathways).
  • Provides postgraduate research training in pharmaceutical sciences, including chemistry and pharmacology-related areas.
• Stellenbosch University
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSc).
  • Research-focused postgraduate programme in pharmacological principles and laboratory investigation.
• University of Cape Town
  • Pharmacology Honours and related postgraduate training.
  • Prepares graduates for higher degrees and careers in research, with drug-development coursework and laboratory study.
• University of Pretoria
  • PhD specialising in Medicinal Plant Science (PhD).
  • Specialized doctoral study in medicinal plant science, phytopharmacology, and pharmacognosy/phytotherapy.

Jamaica

• University of the West Indies, Mona
  • MPhil/PhD in Pharmacognosy (MPhil, PhD).
  • Offers original research in pharmacognosy with a Caribbean biodiversity focus.