Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers both a stand-alone Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences and a combined Pharm.D./Ph.D. program. A limited number of competitive graduate assistantships are available, typically ranging from one to three per year. These assistantships also come with a full tuition waiver for graduate assistants.

Program Information

The department also offers a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences that is stackable with the Ph.D. program.

Curriculum

Information on program coursework and learning objectives is available.

Research

Research is conducted in the pharmaceutical sciences laboratories. The faculty conducts research in various areas.

Equipment and Facilities

The department has equipment and facilities used for pharmaceutical sciences research and learning. A center for excellence in drug development, the Haarberg 3D Center, is also available.

Admissions

Application Process

The department generally accepts Ph.D. applications for the fall semester only. M.S. admissions are only for the fall semester.

Selection Criteria

The following basic criteria are used to evaluate applicants:

• M.S. Programs:
  • The admission is based on the student's cumulative GPA in undergraduate or graduate studies
  • Relevant science coursework
  • Reference letters
  • Essay
  • Primary research/work experience
  • Interview
• Ph.D. Program:
  • The selection is primarily based on the nature and quality of the student's research experience and its fit to the available projects
  • Their motivation and commitment to graduate studies as relayed in essay/personal statement and interview
  • Their communication skills

All admissions decisions are contingent on confirmation that a U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree is conferred.

Notification of Admission

Once a decision has been made by the admissions committee, the applicant will receive an email notification from the department or graduate school.

Prerequisite Coursework

The following prerequisites are required for admission to the graduate program:

• Two semesters of general chemistry
• Two semesters of organic chemistry
• One semester of biochemistry

In some instances, applicants who have not had prerequisites at the undergraduate level may be allowed to enroll and make up such a deficiency during their first year in the program.

Applications to Specific Professor or Research Group

In general, applications are made to the department graduate program, not to an individual professor or research group. However, faculty with funding are allowed to select their own students who meet the minimum requirements; the selection needs to be approved by the Pharmaceutical Sciences Admissions Committee.