Best institutions to study Neuropharmacology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of drugs that modify the function of the brain and central nervous system, the effects of such drugs on health, disease, perception, motor action, and behavior; and the development of countermeasures and treatment therapies.
4 U.S. institutions graduated 38 Neuropharmacology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.1003, a specialization of Pharmacology and Toxicology (CIP 26.10), and leads most directly to the Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC 25-1071).
About Neuropharmacology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of drugs that modify the function of the brain and central nervous system, the effects of such drugs on health, disease, perception, motor action, and behavior; and the development of countermeasures and treatment therapies. Includes instruction in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiochemistry, neuropathology, the mechanisms of brain function, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and studies of specific drugs and drug therapies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Neuropharmacology program, a specialization within Pharmacology and Toxicology, focuses on the scientific study of drugs that influence the brain and central nervous system. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how these drugs affect health, behavior, and the treatment of diseases. It is ideal for those pursuing careers in research, education, or healthcare related to neuropharmacological therapies.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and behavioral neuroscience, alongside essential skills in critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes studies in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and the mechanisms of brain function.
Credentials awarded
What Neuropharmacology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree34 graduates / yr · 2 institutions90%
- Bachelor's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution5.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions5.3%
Graduates over time
Neuropharmacology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 36 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 38 |
Top 4 institutions for Neuropharmacology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 31 | 53% | $18,059 |
| 2 | Creighton University Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 4 | 83% | $27,353 |
| 3 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublicBachelor's | 2 | 73% | — |
| 4 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 1 | 84% | $29,789 |
Offered in 4 states
Where Neuropharmacology graduates come from. Each state links to all Pharmacology and Toxicology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 1 | 31 | Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus31 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 4 | Creighton University4 / yr |
| Rhode Island | 1 | 2 | University of Rhode Island2 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 1 | George Washington University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1071, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Neuropharmacology program can pursue careers as Health Specialties Teachers or Medical Scientists, among others. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 17.3% and approximately 27,400 annual openings. The median wage for these roles is around $105,620, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.1003
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists SOC 19-1042 | $103,410 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~9,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Neuropharmacology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise laboratory sessions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Tools and technology used
Other Pharmacology and Toxicology specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Pharmacology and Toxicology (CIP 26.10).
- PharmacologyCIP 26.1001495 graduates / yr53 institutions
- Pharmacology and ToxicologyCIP 26.1007234 graduates / yr15 institutions
- ToxicologyCIP 26.1004173 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Molecular PharmacologyCIP 26.100282 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Environmental ToxicologyCIP 26.100669 graduates / yr12 institutions
- Pharmacology and ToxicologyCIP 26.1099partial data44 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Molecular ToxicologyCIP 26.1005limited data3 graduates / yr1 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, or Doctor's degree in Neuropharmacology.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Health Specialties Teacher or Medical Scientist, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 17.3%.
What is the CIP code for Neuropharmacology?+
Neuropharmacology is CIP 26.1003 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Pharmacology and Toxicology (CIP 26.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of drugs that modify the function of the brain and central nervous system, the effects of such drugs on health, disease, perception, motor action, and behavior; and the development of countermeasures and treatment therapies. Includes instruction in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiochemistry, neuropathology, the mechanisms of brain function, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and studies of specific drugs and drug therapies.
How many institutions offer Neuropharmacology programs?+
4 U.S. institutions reported Neuropharmacology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 4 states, awarding 38 credentials in the year. That is 3.3% of all Pharmacology and Toxicology graduates.
How much do Neuropharmacology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation, which Neuropharmacology most directly leads to, pays a median of $107,310 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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