Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance

Learn About the Master of Science Degree in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (RAQA)

The first university to develop a graduate program in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, Temple School of Pharmacy (TUSP) continues to set the gold standard in this dynamic professional discipline. Since 1968, TUSP has remained in the forefront of industry education, offering more courses in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance than any other similar graduate program.  Each year we continue to add and refine the RAQA curriculum to incorporate the latest trends in regulatory sciences.

RAQA courses expose students to real-world developments in the pharmaceutical industry, from current quality practices to the latest trends in domestic and global regulation.  Throughout their course of study, RAQA students gain a greater appreciation for benefit-risk assessment, regulatory intelligence, data mining and statistical relevance, and the complexities of blending pharmaceutical and regulatory science on a global scale.

The majority of students are from the industry, representing the world's foremost pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies.  Their experience and knowledge vary considerably:  some are just starting their careers, while others have been involved in industry for thirty years or more. 

With students and faculty drawn from more than 300 companies, the networking opportunities are tremendous.  Each classroom experience coalesces the experiences of individuals from multiple aspects of the industry, including quality assurance and control, regulatory science, R&D, manufacturing and validation, clinical research and trials, medical affairs and pharmacovigilance, biotechnology and generic drugs, medical devices and combination products, and marketing and sales. 

Students from the cosmetic, chemical, healthcare and food industries also participate to gain a deeper understanding of quality practices and regulatory compliance.

The pioneer in this educational discipline, TUSP offers highly flexible and convenient scheduling options.  Students may start or end the program in any semester (Fall, Spring or Summer) and also can attend weeknight or weekend courses. Over 50 courses are also offered in an online format.

In addition to the M.S. in RAQA, students may pursue various certificate programs in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, almost all of which can also be pursued online.  Certificates provide an excellent way for students to earn well-recognized credentials in a specific industry specialty.

Students can:

  • Pursue individual courses to enhance their knowledge of a specific area
  • Earn specific certificates to gain credentials in a specialty
  • Pursue the M.S., either concentrating their electives in a given specialty or selecting courses from multiple industry disciplines (quality, regulatory, clinical, pharmacovigilance, medical devices, etc.)
  • Apply credits earned in a certificate towards the M.S.
  • Pursue additional advanced certificates after receiving the M.S.

Online Learning in RAQA

RAQA Courses and Curriculum

RAQA Website