Regulatory science is the key to the FDA’s public health safety assurance. It involves the creation of new tools, rules and standards, and other products that help the FDA regulate food, drugs, vaccines, cosmetics, medical devices, and tobacco. Public safety and health is important and you can be involved in policy making after you earn a regulatory science degree.
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What Types of Regulatory Science Degrees Are Available?

Regulatory Science is wide-encompassing subject that has several levels and types of degrees within it. We breakdown some of the available degrees you can earn.

MS in Regulatory Science

In the MS in Regulatory Science program, you can dive deep into the various aspects of tool development, standards, and methods of approaching the safety, quality, and performance of products that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This program in particular focuses on drugs and biologics primarily, which can prepare you for a career working to help regulate pharmaceutical products and medical research across the country.

Master of Professional Studies in Regulatory Affairs

This graduate degree program can potentially prepare you for a career that outlines the regulatory lifespan of medical products. Beginning with pre-clinical trials, you have the potential to ensure the safety of products as they move throughout the market and beyond. This program provides a relevant blend of science and ethics with focus on policies and business practices.

MS in Clinical Research Management

Graduate degree programs in Clinical Research Management cater towards the management-minded crowd. This degree programs provides in-depth knowledge into clinical research and how it affects human health. Advanced topics may likely be discussed in this degree program, such as epidemiology, health care reform, and advanced drug development.

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research Management

The BS in Clinical Research Management is the starting block for individuals that wish to pursue a career developing and monitoring processes that are necessary to the studies that create drugs, medical devices, and other treatment protocols that exist in health care.

If you decide on this program, you may take courses that focus on good clinical practice, ethics, and regulatory guidelines for human research.

MS in Regulatory Affairs for Food and Food Industries

The MS in Regulatory Affairs for Food and Food Industries involves theory and practice education for individuals that are interested in becoming involved with food regulation. While in this degree program, students may take courses that provide them with an understanding of the food life cycle, risks associated with farming, policies, and regulations.

How Do I Get Into Regulatory Science?

Many people have found their way to regulatory science from various backgrounds over the years. If you have a work history that involves healthcare or business, you might find that this is a great field to utilize your existing knowledge. If you are an up-and-comer to the working world, this is also a great place to set your roots. Over time, focus has shifted from training as a primary means of entering the field to formal education.

The most accepted method of getting into this innovative field is to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Regulatory Science. Obtaining a degree in this field can assist you with finding a career with ease and provide a stable and up to date foundation of knowledge in your desired specialty.

What Is Regulatory Science?

Since drugs and biologics are a huge and constantly-growing part of our society, regulatory science is most often concerned with these 2 categories. Our experts have comprised a list of the three primary applications of regulatory science for you to review.

Groups who regulate

This group of individuals is primarily responsible for setting and monitoring the regulations. They can often be found working for regulatory agencies are contracted as such.

Groups being regulated

These people may work for pharmaceutical companies, tobacco companies, or any other agency that is regulated by the FDA. They are responsible for ensuring that the product they provide can be properly approved.

Groups that research and develop in areas being regulated

Members in this group may be a part of advisory or peer-review groups that support both of the above groups. Individuals in this classification may be an asset to providing channels for regulatory improvement through innovation and other methods.

Salaries and Job Outlook of Related Regulatory Science Careers

While it is hard to pin down a specific job that you may attain after a Regulatory Science degree is completed, we tried to pull a few so you understand duties and expected salaries of those job roles.


Clinical Research Coordinator

Job Duties

  • Plan and coordinate clinical research projects
  • Direct activities of workers
  • Ensure compliance with protocols
  • Evaluate and analyze clinical data

Work Environment

Clinical research coordinators are most often found in offices or laboratories. Most of the duties required in this profession are conducted prior to, during, and after the clinical research process in specific research facilities.

Job Growth & Salary

Salary – $120,160 on average per year (BLS; 2015).
Growth – 3% from 2104-2024 (BLS; 2015).


Environmental Science Technician

Job Duties

  • Monitor the natural environment
  • Identify areas of pollution or contamination
  • Protect against environmental violations

Work Environment

Environmental science technicians typically work in and out of the office setting. Since technicians are primarily responsible for monitoring various areas, travel and outdoor settings may be regular in this field. It is not uncommon to find these technicians in laboratories and private offices as well.

Job Growth & Salary

Salary – $43,030 on average per year (BLS; 2015).
Growth – 9% from 2014-2024 (BLS; 2015).


Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Job Duties

  • Coordinate internal regulatory processes
  • Internal audits
  • Inspections
  • License Renewals
  • Prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies

Work Environment

Regulatory affairs specialists typically work in an office setting with other individuals. Traveling may be required in some professions.

Job Growth & Salary

Salary – $65,640 on average per year (BLS; 2015).
Growth – 2-4% from 2014 to 2024 (BLS; 2015).


Regulatory Affairs Manager

Job Duties

  • Planning of production activities
  • Ensures that regulatory compliance is maintained
  • Communicates regularly with multiple entities
  • Provides guidance to different departments in the production process

Work Environment

Regulatory affairs managers typically work in an office setting, providing visits to various departments within production facilities to ensure that protocol is followed. Visits to other organizations and regulatory authorities are sometime required.

Job Growth & Salary

Salary – $104,850 on average per year (BLS; 2015).
Growth – 2-4% from 2014-2024 (BLS; 2015).