Quality Science Minor
Manhattan University's Quality Science minor prepares you to ensure the medicines, medical devices, and health products people rely on are safe and effective.
Medicines, dietary supplements, and medical devices only help patients when they are made right every time. The Quality Science minor teaches you how the pharmaceutical and medical device industries make sure their products meet quality and safety standards, through a partnership with Pathway for Patient Health, a consortium of chief quality officers from leading life sciences companies. You'll graduate with a Certified Quality Science Professional (CQSP) micro-credential, industry mentoring, and access to a hiring platform built for internships and jobs in the field.
This program is part of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study Quality Science at Manhattan University?
Quality science underpins every safe medicine and reliable medical device. It covers how a product is designed, how risks are found and controlled, how clinical trials are run, how manufacturing scales up without losing yield or consistency, and how a company proves through validation that its process works every time. Most people don't learn any of this until they are already on the job. In this minor, you learn it on campus, and you learn it from the industry itself. Chief quality officers at pharmaceutical and medical device companies developed the three Pathway courses, and your two Manhattan University courses in business and laboratory science give you the context to understand what those companies actually need.
The minor was built for students who want careers in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Alumni of the program have launched careers in research and development, clinical science, sales, and quality assurance, and by keeping medicines safe and effective, they are filling a critical need. You'll finish with a Certified Quality Science Professional micro-credential, mentoring from professionals in the field, and access to a hiring platform where Pathway's partner companies recruit interns and new employees.
Students in this program gain access to top companies in the pharmaceutical industry for jobs and internships. By ensuring our medicines are safe and effective, they are also filling a critical need in today's society.
Marcy Kelly, Ph.D.
Dean of the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
Academics
Curriculum & Courses
The Pathway Courses listed are all required. You must also choose one business course and one laboratory science course.
Business Course (choose one)
- Industrial Practice in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Principles of Accounting I
- Roots: Economics
Laboratory Science Course (choose one)
- General Biology I and Lab
- General Chemistry I and Lab
- Microbiology and Lab
- Physics I and Lab
- Principles of Biology I and Lab
- Topics in Science I
- Topics in Science II
- Global Regulatory and Legal Requirements of Quality
- Product Development and Validation
- Risk and Failure Analysis
Flexible Paths
The Quality Science minor is 15 to 16 credits, made up of five semester-long courses. Two are in-person Manhattan University courses, one in business and one in laboratory science, each chosen from an approved list. The other three are online, asynchronous courses developed by the Pathway Chief Quality Officer Team and offered as Manhattan University courses through Moodle. Complete all five and meet the grade requirements, and you earn the Certified Quality Science Professional micro-credential along with the minor.
To view the complete curriculum, please visit our academic catalog or contact an admissions counselor for more information.
Why Study in New York City
The New York metro area has one of the world's largest concentrations of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. Pfizer is headquartered in Manhattan, Regeneron is a short drive up the Hudson in Westchester, and across the river in New Jersey, long nicknamed the nation's medicine chest, you'll find Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Novartis, along with the medical device makers, contract manufacturers, and testing labs that support them. For students in the Quality Science minor, that puts the companies you study in class, including partners recruiting through Pathway's hiring platform, within commuting distance of campus. Internships, mentors, and first jobs are close by.
Potential Careers
The quality science minor prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, where quality science spans the lab, the manufacturing floor, the regulatory office, and the sales team. Alumni of the program have launched careers in research and development, clinical science, sales, and many other fields. Graduates are prepared for roles like these.
- Analytical and Microbiological Methods Developer
- Clinical Scientist
- Medical Device Sales Representative
- Pharmaceutical Marketing Professional
- Product Development Engineer
- Product Development Scientist
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Quality Control Laboratory Technician
- Quality Control Officer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Research and Development Scientist
- Supply Chain Operations Manager
- Technology Operations Scientist
About
Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. That foundation delivers: Manhattan University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), a measure of how strongly a degree here translates into graduates' career earnings.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- Tuition & Fees: View current undergraduate rates
- Financial Aid: 90%+ of students receive aid
- Scholarships: Multiple merit- and need-based opportunities
- Jasper Guarantee: Your tuition rate is locked for all four years
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
A Smarter Investment in Your Future
Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
Admissions Information for Manhattan University
Start Your Journey in Quality Science
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward your degree.
Requirements:
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Admission and Application Process
International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.
