what is pharmacy phd

Jobs for Pharm.D. vs. Ph.D. — What’s the Difference?

Written by Kelly Jeroski

April 20, 2023

Here’s something you might not know about pharmacists — pharmaceutical professionals can choose to focus their career on either patient care or research. In fact, there’s a different degree for each path.

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) prepares students to become Pharmacists focused on patient care, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares students for careers in academia or research and development.

Both patient-care and research positions within pharmacy are similar in that students receive formal training and education in common subjects such as drug development, drug delivery, and medicine chemistry, but their career paths and opportunities differ in several ways.

Let’s talk about the difference between patient-care and research within the field of pharmacy.

The Patient-Care Track vs. the Research Track

The Pharm.D. track is a four-year program — ending with Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations and two personal and professional development courses. Once patient-care focused pharmacists enter the workforce, job opportunities after Pharm.D. focus on an individual’s treatment options when it comes to prescription pharmaceuticals. Pharmacists typically work as providers at pharmacies or hospitals throughout their career, and it is possible to advance into management positions.

The research track of pharmacology (Ph.D.) on the other hand, often extends beyond four years and ends in an extensive research project. Pharmacology researchers, generally, work on molecular targeting, drug design, and drug delivery in developing new approaches to treat disease. Research professionals may operate as researchers at universities, hospitals, private corporations, or laboratories. Many choose to work as professors within universities in addition to research work, but they do not serve as health care providers.

How to Become a Pharmacist — Types of Pharmacy Degrees

Doctor of pharmacy.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) includes a mix of classroom instruction and real-world experience to provide students with the skills to excel in pharmacy. The school targets active learning in at least 30 percent of each student's educational track. This cooperative learning model ensures that graduates have the communication skills and practical experiences to pass licensing exams and achieve pharmacist career path.

What Do Pharmacists Learn?

The program works closely with the College of Medicine to foster a team-oriented approach to pharmacy and medicine. The College of Pharmacy has two departments: pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice.

Ph.D. Programs

Students interested in research have a number of opportunities related to biomedical sciences. Graduate students receive a mix of classroom instruction and real-world research experience by working alongside faculty.

Pharmacology is the research side of the Pharm.D. program. Students in this area may develop expertise in molecular targeting, drug design, and drug delivery in specific response to disease. The program uses a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and the opportunity to work alongside faculty at NEOMED and Kent State University. Prior to starting a Ph.D. program, most students will need to earn a master’s degree after their four-year degree. Some programs may integrate the master’s and Ph.D. degrees where one builds upon the other.

Comparing the Job Markets for Pharm.D. vs. Ph.D.

Pharmacists.

In 2019, the median pharmacist salary was $128,090. For pharmacists, the number of hospital jobs is expected to grow by 4 percent by 2028. Pharmacists take prescriptions from medical doctors and administer medications to patients. They are also qualified to ask questions and provide information regarding the medicines they prescribe. The majority of pharmacists work in pharmacies within retail stores or medical facilities although the field is evolving with more and more recent graduates electing to work in clinical settings. There are even niche sectors of medicine different types of pharmacists can specialize in with a year or two of residency after graduation. 

Working as a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy, known as a Pharm.D., which is a four-year degree. They are also required to pass two exams related to licenses.

Medical Researchers

Medical researchers (M.S. and Ph.D.) earned a median annual salary of $88,790 in 2019, and the field is expected to grow by 6 percent, which is a bit faster than the national average. Most researchers work full time in either a laboratory or a general office environment. These positions are responsible for the study of medical conditions and the development of treatments and medicines.

Working in this field usually requires a Ph.D., but many candidates are able to obtain rewarding positions based on experience or other academic accomplishments. For example, some medical researchers also have a medical degree in addition to a medical research background.

Jumpstart Your Health Care Career at NEOMED — Connect With Us!

Take the next step toward an exciting career in the medical field — we can help you get started.

If you need help deciding which of the above career paths is best for you, we invite you to schedule a career consultation with us. In order to do so, contact the College of Pharmacy at [email protected] or schedule a meeting . Best of luck!

Want to learn more about health care careers after NEOMED? Download our resource, "Getting a Job as a Medical Professional with Your Health Care Degree".

About the author

Kelly jeroski.

Assistant Director of Admission

More Articles

What can you do with a pharmacy degree, what do you learn in pharmacy school here are 6 surprising things, 4 tips for your pharmacy school interview.

College of Pharmacy

• History of the College
• News and Events
• Strategic Plan 2022
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Early Assurance Program
• Pharm.D./Ph.D
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Ph.D. Program
• Master's Program
• Pharm.D/MBA
• How to Apply
• Experiential Education
• Residency/Post Graduate
• Center for Innovative Drug Delivery and Imaging
• High-Throughput Screening
• Seminar Schedule
• Pharmacy Practice
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Faculty Log in
• Rx for Success
• BeaveRx News
• Icons of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Partners
• Women In Pharmacy
• Coast to Coast
• Supporting the College

Pharm. D. Frequently Asked Questions

General questions, what is the doctor of pharmacy degree.

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree (often abbreviated Pharm.D. or PharmD) is required to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).  The NAPLEX is one component of the licensure process required to practice as a pharmacist. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree similar to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in health care systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists. After earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and passing licensure examinations, College of Pharmacy graduates can practice pharmacy anywhere in the country.

How long does it take to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree?

Three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework, followed by four academic years in the professional program. Most students need four years to complete their prerequisite courses. Thus, it usually takes eight years of college study to earn a Pharm.D. and become a pharmacist.

What if I already have a related graduate or professional degree, such as a M.S. in Biology?

While your previous coursework has likely helped you fulfill many of the program prerequisites, you should still expect to spend a full four years in pharmacy school.

What is the difference between the Pharm.D. program and the Ph.D. program?

The Doctor of Pharmacy program is for people who want to work as pharmacists. The Ph.D. program is intended for people interested in careers in research.

The College of Pharmacy offers a dual Pharm.D./Ph.D. degree program for students with a strong interest in research who also want to practice as pharmacists. Contact us as  [email protected]  for more details!

Does OSU have a pharmacy technician training program?

OSU does not offer a pharmacy technician program. Several Oregon colleges have pharmacy technician programs, including Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore.; Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Ore.; and Linn Benton Community College in Albany, Ore.

Can I visit the OSU campus?

Yes. You are welcome to visit OSU’s campus. Information on scheduling a campus visit is available from  OSU’s Visitor Center .

Applications

Does osu use pharmcas.

Yes. The OSU College of Pharmacy will review only complete, on-time applications submitted via  PharmCAS . Applicants must also submit a supplemental application.

Does OSU require a supplemental application?

Yes, but instead of a separate application, you will complete the supplemental requirements in PharmCAS.

Does OSU College of Pharmacy require the PCAT?

No. OSU does not require the PCAT.  PCAT scores are not considered in the evaluation of applications.

Can I apply even though I did not major in pre-pharmacy as an undergraduate?

Definitely, as long as you will be able to complete all the prerequisite courses by next June. Pharm.D. students come from a wide range of undergraduate majors.

Does OSU accept out-of-state students?

Do you participate in wiche.

Yes. Residents of Nevada and Alaska may be eligible to participate in the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Please note that the WICHE program has its own application process and deadline. Call 303-541-0214 or go to  wiche.edu/psep  for more information.

Is there a minimum GPA to be considered for admission?

It is recommended that applicants have a minimum science GPA of 2.75 to be competitive. Science GPA is calculated by PharmCAS based on applicants' performance in undergraduate science courses and will not be recalculated by the College of Pharmacy.  

What is the average GPA of students admitted to the program?

The average pre-pharmacy science GPA of applicants who have been admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program in recent years is approximately a 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale).

When can I apply to the program?

Applications for Fall admission will be available on  PharmCAS  two summers before you would start the program in July.

Can I reapply if I am not admitted?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant can apply to Oregon State's Pharm.D. program. Applicants who are denied admission should consider meeting with our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), to discuss the possibility of reapplying. 

How many people usually apply to the Pharm.D. program?

OSU normally receives 300-400 Pharm.D. applications each year.

How many applicants were invited for interviews?

Approximately 150-200 applicants are invited to interview each year. Interview selection is made based on several factors: prerequisite science GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement and the OSU supplemental essay.

How many SEATS are available in the Pharm.D. program each year?

About 90 seats are available in each entering class.

Is a bachelor's degree required for admission?

No. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the Pharm.D. program. However, the College of Pharmacy strongly recommends completing a bachelor's degree before beginning the Pharm.D. program. Applicants who have earned bachelor's degrees (or who are about to earn bachelor's degrees) receive preference in our admissions process. Approximately 99% of students admitted in recent years earned their bachelor’s degree before entering the Pharm.D. program.

Is First Aid/CPR certification required at the time of application?

First Aid/CPR certification is not required at the time of application. However, all admitted applicants must have current First Aid and Health Care Provider CPR certification prior to their first day of class in the Pharm.D. program.  Entering Pharm.D. students will have the option of taking First Aid and CPR certification courses during their orientation program in September.

When will I hear back about my application?

This is the tentative timeline for the Doctor of Pharmacy admissions process in 2023-2024:

Does OSU use rolling admission?

Yes, we make offers of admission throughout the application cycle. While our final deadline is June 3, applicants should apply earlier to maximize their chances of admission.

Prerequisite Courses

Do i have to complete all of the prerequisites before i apply to the program.

You must complete all the prerequisites by the start of Fall term of the year in which you would enter the program. Therefore, you can apply while still having some prerequisites in progress. Generally, most students apply during the fall as they complete their final year of prerequisite coursework.

For example, if you are applying for Fall 2024 admission, the final application deadline is June 3, 2024. You will need to complete all the prerequisites by September 2024.  Some prerequisites may be completed during summer.  Please contact our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), to discuss completing the prerequisites during the summer before you start the program.  

Can I take the prerequisites at another university or community college?

Yes. Prerequisites can be completed at any accredited college or university.

Upper-division level coursework is strongly encouraged for several prerequisites. Whether you are attending Oregon State University or another institution, it is important to plan your program of study with an academic advisor at your institution and our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ).

I took the prerequisites outside the United States. Will they count?

Courses completed outside the U.S. may or may not fulfill OSU’s Pharm.D. prerequisites. The answer varies depending on the course content, the date completed, and the country in which the course was taken. It is extremely rare for foreign credits to fulfill all the Pharm.D. prerequisites, and it is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation plan to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology) at a U.S. university.

For specific information about foreign credits for Pharm.D. prerequisites, applicants can submit a request for transcript evaluation to [email protected] .

How can I find out if the courses I've taken fulfill the prerequisites?

We encourage prospective students to submit a request for a transcript evaluation to determine how your coursework applies to the Pharm.D. prerequisites.

Instructions for requesting a transcript evaluation:

Submit copies of your transcripts via e-mail to  [email protected] , fax 541-737-3999 attn: Transcript Evaluation or mail (Transcript Evaluation; 203 Pharmacy Building; Corvallis, OR 97331). Unofficial transcript copies are sufficient for the informal evaluation. Include your full name and e-mail address so results can be communicated to you. Make sure your unofficial transcripts include the name of your college or university, the name and number of each course you took, and the grade you received in each cours e. It is also helpful if you include a link to your college or university's course catalog. 

Allow 4-6 weeks to receive the results of your evaluation. Results will be sent by e-mail to the address you provided. Transcripts will not be returned.

Do my prerequisite courses expire after a certain amount of time?

As a general rule, upper-division science coursework should be no more than seven years old at the time of application. However, each situation is reviewed on an individual basis. Please contact the  College of Pharmacy  (541-737-3424) for more information.

Can I take my prerequisite courses pass/no-pass or credit/no-credit?

No, you should take them for a letter grade.

What is the minimum grade required for a PREREQUISITE COURSE?

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum of C- grade on a 4.0 scale. Any prerequisite course that is a D+ or below must be retaken.

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters of recommendation are required when i apply for admission.

You must submit at least two recommendation letters with your Pharm.D. application. A maximum of four letters will be accepted. Letters must be submitted directly to PharmCAS and received by the application deadline. Visit  pharmcas.org  for details. Letters submitted directly to OSU will not be accepted.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

People who know you well and can comment on the qualities that will make you a successful pharmacist. Professors, employers, and practicing pharmacists are good sources of recommendations.

Family members or friends should not write letters of recommendation for you .

Is an interview required for admission?

Yes. Interviews are conducted via Zoom.

Who will interview me?

A combination of faculty members, students, and alumni participate in the interview process.

What should I wear?

Professional attire.

What will they ask me?

You can expect to be asked questions designed to gauge your communication abilities, leadership, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and motivation. You will also be asked to produce a writing sample that will be conducted during the interview.

Financial Aid and Costs

What scholarships and financial aid are available for students.

The College of Pharmacy awards more than $150,000 in scholarships each year. These scholarships are usually only available to Pharm.D. students after successful completion of the first year. A limited number of scholarships may be available for incoming Pharm.D. students but an application is not necessary or required.

Many Doctor of Pharmacy students receive federal financial aid through Oregon State University. Information on financial aid (grants, loans and scholarships) available through Oregon State University can be found at  https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu /.

Additional information about financial aid opportunities for pharmacy students is available through the  American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy online .

Information about aid available to Doctor of Pharmacy students .

How can I gain Oregon residency?

Information regarding Oregon residency requirements can be obtained from the OSU Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192.

https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/residency

Facts about Doctor of Pharmacy Students

How many doctor of pharmacy students are oregon residents.

Approximately 65% to 70% percent are considered Oregon residents for tuition purposes.

What is the gender breakdown in the program?

Recent entering classes have been 35% to 40% male and 60% to 65% female.

What is the average age of students in the program?

The average age of students when they begin the program is 24 to 26. Many begin immediately after their undergraduate studies, but there are also many students who start the program later in their careers and are student parents.

How do OSU graduates do on the NAPLEX and MPJE exams?

Quite well! Our students consistently perform at or above the national average. Read more about the success of our students .

Transfer Students

Can i transfer into the pharm.d. program.

The College of Pharmacy will consider applications from students currently enrolled in another Doctor of Pharmacy program who wish to transfer to OSU. Students may only transfer at the beginning of the fall term and must meet with our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), prior to applying. 

Transfer applicants must submit the following materials to the Office of Student Services by March 1:

• Complete official transcripts of all college coursework (pre-professional, professional, and any other programs of study).
• A formal statement of interest in the OSU College of Pharmacy.
• A letter of support from the dean or chief academic administrator of their current School or College of Pharmacy indicating that the applicant is in good standing and eligible to continue in their current program.

Applications will not be considered from students who are not in good standing or ineligible to continue in their current program.

Applicants’ materials will be reviewed by the Office of Student Services. If an applicant is deemed to be a potentially acceptable candidate, an interview will be scheduled.  The Office of Student Services will forward a recommendation regarding admission, and professional year of entry, to the College Admissions Committee for consideration, following completion of the interview and review of the applicant's supporting materials. 

Transfer students admitted to the professional program by the Admissions committee will be asked to provide detailed documentation of all coursework and experiences already completed.  The Director of Student Services and Executive Associate Dean will consult with course coordinators and recommend an appropriate program of study to the Academic and Professional Standards (APS) Committee.  The decision of APS committee regarding required coursework will be communicated to the student prior to matriculation and is final.

International Students

Are international students admitted to the doctor of pharmacy program.

Yes. Like all students, international applicants to the Pharm.D. program must complete the Pharm.D. prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission. Our admissions committee strongly encourages international applicants to complete some of their prerequisite coursework in the United States. Contact Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ) for more information.

Will my coursework in another country help me fulfill the Doctor of Pharmacy program prerequisites?

Courses completed outside the U.S. may or may not fulfill OSU’s Pharm.D. prerequisites. The answer varies depending on the course content, the date completed, and the country in which the course was taken. It is extremely rare for foreign credits to fulfill all the Pharm.D. prerequisites, and it is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation plan to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology) at a U.S. university.

For specific information about international credits for Pharm.D. prerequisites, applicants can submit a request for transcript evaluation to pharmacy @oregonstate.edu.

I have a bachelor of pharmacy degree from another country. Can I apply to the Pharm.D. program?

All applicants to the Pharm.D. program must complete the Pharm.D. prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission. While courses completed in a foreign bachelor of pharmacy program may fulfill some of the Pharm.D. prerequisites, it is extremely uncommon for the previous coursework to fulfill all requirements. It is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation enroll at a U.S. university to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy).

How should I handle my international transcripts when applying?

Applicants are instructed not to list individual foreign courses on the PharmCAS application (unless they are credits from a Study Abroad program). Applicants should send transcript evaluation reports (NOT original or copies of their foreign transcripts) to PharmCAS before the application deadline.

An official, translated copy of the transcript will be required by OSU’s Office of Admissions if the applicant is admitted to the Pharm.D. program.

Health Requirements

Do i need any immunizations or certifications before beginning the program.

Because student pharmacists work in health care settings, it's especially important that they complete immunizations to protect themselves and their patients. You can read about the College of Pharmacy's immunization requirements in the Pharm.D.  Student Handbook . These requirements can generally be completed after you are admitted to the Pharm.D. program.

Do I need health insurance as a student?

Yes. Because they work in health care settings, student pharmacists are exposed to more health risks than a typical university student. Furthermore, many experiential education sites require participants to have health insurance. Therefore, all Doctor of Pharmacy students are required to have high-quality health insurance. Students must either participate in OHSU's student health insurance program or request a waiver. Waivers can be requested by students who already have health insurance (such as a parent or partner's group medical insurance plan) and whose coverage meets specific criteria. Students who anticipate requesting a waiver should carefully review the detailed information and waiver criteria on the OHSU student health insurance program website.

• Pharm.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree
• Pharm.D./MBA
• Admissions Process
• Admitted Students
• Current Student Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Info
• Student Experience
• Student Performance Data

Contact Info

College of Pharmacy Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 Main Office: 541.737.3424 CE Phone: 541.737.4015 Fax: 541.737.3999

Land Acknowledgement

• Pharm.D. Program
• Faculty and Staff Directory

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) program is a highly competitive doctoral degree program within the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)

Learn about our program that supports biomedical graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Training in a highly collaborative atmosphere, our graduates gain the knowledge and skills required for discovering novel biological pathways in human health and disease as well as for the development and delivery of medications for safe and effective therapy.

With state-of-the-art facilities, funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical industry, students receive mentorship that prepares them for outstanding careers in academia, the federal government, and the pharmaceutical industry.

This three-minute video presents an overview of the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, showcasing how the program prepares students to become leaders in the fields of drug discovery and development.

Current faculty and students are making headlines at the School of Pharmacy and beyond.

• February 12, 2024 My UMSOP Story: Angie Nguyen, PhD '16, research director
• November 1, 2023 Grad Gathering Welcomes Alums of PSC, PHSR, and Regulatory Science Programs
• October 23, 2023 School Names Three New Academic Program Directors

I was drawn to the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program by its diverse areas of research and collaborative environment. Knowing that I could tackle my research interest from many angles – including biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology – greatly appealed to me. PSC faculty members are very knowledgeable and have a profound understanding of their research areas. All of the professors work together to answer any research questions that students have.

PhD Program

The graduate programs in the College of Pharmacy offer advanced education in all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences including drug discovery, development and application.

The PhD program in pharmaceutical sciences includes coursework as well as cutting-edge research focused on topics like discovery and evaluation of novel drugs, determination of a drug's effects on the body, delivery methods to improve drug treatment, and how medication is used and applied to enhance patient outcomes. 

Because the scope of pharmaceutical sciences is so broad, our graduate program has a number of specialty disciplines: 

• Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy focuses on the interdisciplinary application of chemical, biochemical and molecular principles to the identification and development of therapeutic agents. This includes both synthesis of new chemical entities and isolation of medicinal agents from natural sources (pharmacognosy). 
• Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology  focuses on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, with a special emphasis on drug delivery and targeting systems and on determination of biochemical and physiological mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects. 
• Translational Science conducts research across the interface from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside. 

Admission to the PhD program does not first require application to the MS program.

In this section

Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy Graduate Studies

Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology Graduate Studies

Translational Science Graduate Studies

• PhD in Pharmacy

What does a PhD in Pharmacy Involve?

A PhD in Pharmacy can involve a wide range of subject areas to specialise in. These may include new drug discovery, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and microbiology (to name a few examples).

How long does it take to get a PhD in Pharmacy?

As a full-time doctoral student in the UK, it should take you 3 years to earn a PhD Pharmacy. If you’re studying for a part-time PhD, expect to need about 6 years to complete your research thesis. As is the norm in postgraduate research, you’re likely to register first as an MPhil student, with an upgrade viva at the half-way point leading you to fully enrolling as a PhD student. Postgraduate research programmes are designed on the basis of independent learning and development. As a doctoral student it’s ultimately your responsibility to maintain a focus on time management (with the support of your university supervisor) to ensure that you complete your postgraduate research in good time.

Browse PhDs in Pharmacy

A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, what are the typical entry requirements for a pharmacy phd programme.

In the UK, you should expect most universities to ask for a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from an institution outside of the UK. The degree will need to have been in a field that’s relevant to Pharmacy. You may still be eligible to apply if you have a grade lower than a 2:1, if you also hold a Master’s degree. If English is not your first language, then the University will ask for evidence of your English language proficiency. Usually this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another.

How much does a Pharmacy PhD cost?

In a UK university, UK based postgraduate research students should expect to incur annual tuition fees in the region of £4,500/year. With a full-time PhD lasting 3 years, this equates to £13,500 in fees. This is on the basis that you’re studying full time; part time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated. For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee costs around £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over the span of 3 years. As with all PhDs, potential students will need to consider living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school.

What can you do with a PhD in Pharmacy?

Two common career paths taken by Pharmacy PhDs are to continue into post-doctoral research roles , followed by lectureships and even professorships. The second route that many take is to develop their careers within the pharmaceutical industry. This may in itself involve further research, such as involvement in clinical trials. PhD graduates may become involved in regulation or perhaps move out of the field into areas such as medical writing and publishing. As a PhD holder you’ll have developed many valuable transferable skills in addition to your academic skills, including excellent communication skills, making you attractive to many recruiters.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Corporate Partners
• Quick Links
• Innovation Insider Magazine
• The Claremont Colleges
• Maps and Parking
• Infographic
• President’s Message
• Administration
• Board of Trustees
• Corporate Partnerships
• Team Master’s Project
• Staff and Faculty Directory
• Corporate Relations Board
• Board of Governors – MSCM Program
• Event Calendar
• Media Policy
• Media Contact
• Find a Faculty Expert
• Doctor of Pharmacy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Life Sciences
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate
• Master of Business and Science
• Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing
• Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences
• Master of Science in Community Medicine
• Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
• Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics
• Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering
• The Chan Family Master of Science in PA Studies
• Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate
• Postbaccalaureate Pre-PA Certificate
• Certificate in Bioscience Management
• Certificate in Applied Genomics
• Master of Biotechnology Management
• Biocon Certificate Program
• Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences
• School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Advanced Skill Training in Medical Assistance
• Application Boot Camp
• Bioprocessing Summer Undergraduate Internship Training and Education
• Clinical Genetics and Bioinformatics Summer Program
• High School Summer STEM
• Managing Science in Biotech for Postdocs
• Medical Device Development Bootcamp
• PA Summer Success Program
• Pre-Occupational Therapy Program
• Pre-Pharmacy Enrichment Program
• Summer Speaker Series
• Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
• Undergraduate Summer Science Courses
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Support Services
• Course Catalog
• Huntley Bookstore
• Request Info
• International Students
• Cost of Attendance
• Funding Your Degree
• Veterans’ Education Benefits
• Helpful Tips
• Federal Consumer Information
• Eligibility
• Meet the Admissions Team
• Articulation Agreements
• Ambassador Program
• Areas of Research
• Find an Expert
• Faculty Directory
• Office of Research & Sponsored Projects
• Amgen Bioprocessing Center
• Center for Biomarker Research
• Center for Rare Disease Therapies
• Center for Training in Applied Genomics
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee
• Science Heritage Center
• Institutional Laboratory Support
• Lab Safety Plans
• Lab Safety Training
• OSHA Lab Standard
• Career Placement & Salaries
• Alumni Success Stories
• Spin-Off Companies
• Dean’s List
• Student Success: MBS
• Student Success: MEng
• Student Success: MS
• Student Success: MSGC
• Student Success: MSGDA
• Student Success: PhD
• Student Success: PharmD
• Career Resources for Students
• Career Resources for Employers
• CGU Writing Center
• Academic Tutors
• Academic Success Seminars
• Online Academic Resource Center
• Board Exam Review Sources
• Peer Mentor Program
• Personalized Action Plan
• Student Conduct
• Student Tools and Resources
• KGI Event Calendar
• Club/Org Event Calendar
• Commencement
• Orientation
• White Coat Ceremony
• Tuition Rates
• Important Dates
• Payments, Refunds, Late Fees
• Student Accounts FAQ
• Campus Life
• Campus Safety
• Student Handbook
• Health and Wellness
• Helpful Forms
• Chan Family Café & Patio
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Government
• Student Success Fund
• TCCS Student Resources
• Giving Society
• Make a Gift
• Planned Giving
• Ways to Give
• Matching Gifts
• Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy
• Career Services for Alumni
• Alumni Events
• Alumni News
• Alumni and Parents Update Info
• Alumni LinkedIn Group
• Class Notes
• Contact Alumni Support
• International
• Student Accounts

What is a PharmD?

A PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a professional doctorate degree and is usually a four-year program. A PharmD program differs from a PhD program in that a PhD prepares you for a career in academia and research, culminating in a dissertation.

By contrast, you pursue a PharmD with the intention of working in pharmaceuticals, usually either in clinicals (prescribing medication to patients) or industry (bringing medications to the market).

Prerequisites include foundational science courses such as physics and organic chemistry. Most pharmacy schools require you to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree before applying, although Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) has partnered with community colleges to enable you to receive your PharmD in as little as six years from the time you graduate high school.

What Can You Do With a PharmD?

With the emergence of cutting-edge technologies like gene and stem cell therapies—along with innovations in medical devices—the field of pharmaceuticals is rapidly evolving. Diseases that were once elusive are now treatable. Personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics allow for more targeted treatment of conditions while reducing adverse side effects.

Obtaining a PharmD is your gateway to this exciting field, whether your goal is to work directly with patients or to bring promising new treatments to the public. With a PharmD, you can embark upon a variety of career paths beyond neighborhood or hospital pharmacist, including informatics, regulatory pharmacy, and research and development.

KGI’s PharmD Program

When you’re looking for schools, you want to choose a degree program that equips you with the skills needed to meet the demands of this changing industry. In KGI’s PharmD program, faculty are industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, genomics, and informatics who keep abreast of the latest medical developments. This ensures that the curriculum stays fresh and relevant.

Students not only learn the mechanisms of disease and drug interactions, but also the regulatory and entrepreneurial aspects of the industry. By the end of the program, they are familiar with every aspect of the drug development process.

KGI partners with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and government organizations to provide experiential education for students. Many students go on to secure jobs and fellowships, sometimes with these same companies, as a result of these rotations.

Professional development is one of the hallmarks of the PharmD program. Through team projects, students gain hands-on experience while also building the communication and interpersonal skills vital to excelling in the industry.

PharmD Curriculum

KGI’s new PharmD curriculum , designed by Dean Dr. Martin Zdanowicz and the school’s faculty, combines basic science and clinical courses into integrated sequence courses. This allows students to immediately apply their foundational science knowledge to a clinical context.

In addition to the PharmD degree, students receive a certificate in one of four areas:

This concentration is geared toward those who enjoy working with people—including patients, physicians, and hospital staff—and want to witness the impact of their work. It equips you with the skills needed to care for patients in underserved populations, rural areas, and accountable care organizations. Emphasis is placed on pharmacogenomics and issues regarding patient transition through different levels of care.

The HCM program equips students with the management and leadership skills needed to shape healthcare policies and decisions that have large-scale impact. Students gain management training and experience, where they learn how to work directly with companies or government organizations to provide patient care in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while adhering to safety standards and improving product quality. 

In the HIT program, students learn how to utilize healthcare technology to improve patient experience and healthcare quality while reducing costs and clinician error. This includes the use of automation and robotics to enhance safety and medication adherence. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of technology and data.

Through all of its courses, the SPHS prepares you to enter the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and take on a number of diverse roles. You are encouraged to try out many roles to find which one fits you best.

You can learn more about the PharmD program here .

Interested in KGI’s degree and certificate programs?

Complete this form to receive more information.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

• Quick Links

Tools & Resources

• Events Calendar
• Strauss Health Sciences Library
• Department A-Z Directory
• Campus Directory
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Supporter & Alumni Resources
• Student Resources
• Mental Health Resources
• University Policies

CU Campuses

Cu anschutz medical campus.

• CU Colorado Springs
• School of Dental Medicine
• Graduate School
• School of Medicine
• College of Nursing

Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Colorado School of Public Health

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

At CU Pharmacy, we’re training scientists who make an impact. Our doctoral program in pharmaceutical sciences is focused on solving problems. In particular, the program covers the formulation, synthesis, manufacturing, development, stability, biophysical analysis, characterization, delivery, and biodistribution of small molecules and biopharmaceutical agents.

Our goals are to provide the best training for students interested in pursuing careers in biopharmaceutical drug development; conduct high-quality research relevant to pharmaceutical biotechnology; offer innovative educational programs; and to support the biopharmaceutical industry, especially in Colorado.

Here, you’ll have access to a wide range of researchers and research equipment; cross-training with chemical engineers; essential non-scientific training in regulatory affairs, business topics and pharmacoeconomics; experience with real world compounds and research and development problems; and interaction with industry scientists.

We have a strong track record of setting our students up for success. Graduates of our program have advanced into successful careers as senior scientists in the pharmaceutical industry and academia. We’re here to make sure you have the training you need to pursue a career in drug and biopharmaceutical discovery, development or clinical optimization.

As part of the CU Anschutz Graduate School, all PhD students in good academic standing are guaranteed financial support.

All regular full-time departmental faculty in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences are formal members of the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program and can take students into their laboratories if appropriate.

On average, students in this program earn their PhDs in 5.5 years.

Applications for all doctoral programs are submitted electronically through the Graduate School of the University of Colorado Denver. After signing up for an account, select 'PhD' under the 'Academic Interests' menu and scroll down to 'Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' and select "PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences."

Application requirements are:

• A completed Graduate School application and $50.00 application fee (Domestic) $75.00 application fee (International)
• A baccalaureate degree of arts or science from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.** One (1) official transcript of all academic work completed to date with awarded baccalaureate degree. University transcripts from other countries must include a transcript evaluation from World Education Services ( WES ). Applicants who complete a transcript evaluation with WES will have their application fee waived automatically.
• All applicants for the program should complete a year of study in the following subjects: general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, English and physics. In addition, courses in the following subjects are highly recommended to supplement the student's background: physiology, biochemistry, statistics, cell biology, physical chemistry, and computer science.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors familiar with your aptitude for graduate study

Additionally:

• The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required but is optional.
• The TOEFL is required of applicants for whom English is not their first language, Duolingo and IELTS also accepted (more information on this here )
• Please use 4875 as the Institution Code so that the test results will be sent directly to our institution
• Under special circumstances, deficiencies in important areas may be made up within the first year after entrance into the program. Normally, admission to the program will be based on an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. However, applicants' recommendations, research experience and additional individual accomplishments will also be considered in the admissions process.

Application opens September 1, 2023. Applications will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 1, 2023 for all students.

Admission to the program includes financial support via a stipend awarded on a 12-month basis. Based on the rules of the CU Anschutz Graduate School, all PhD students in good academic standing are guaranteed financial support.

Although a priority of the School of Pharmacy is to provide financial support to our graduate students, payment of stipend, tuition and any fees by the School of Pharmacy or by grants, contracts or gifts to the School of Pharmacy faculty is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress (as defined by the graduate school’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Handbook ) and completion of required teaching duties, core courses, research rotations, seminars, and examinations (as listed on the progress report form). We also reserve the right to review and adjust our funding policies at any time. All students are expected to work full-time toward program requirements for 12 months of the year.

Is the GRE required to apply?

What kind of students should pursue a phd degree in pharmaceutical sciences.

We are looking for bright, self-motivated people with degrees in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy and other related areas in biomedical science, who want a satisfying career connected with the pharmaceutical industry. This may involve working for a company, a federal laboratory, or an academic institution.

Just what does 'pharmaceutical sciences' mean?

Pharmaceutical sciences is a multi-disciplinary approach to solving problems associated with improving drug therapy for patients. It includes designing and synthesizing new drugs, developing new analytical methods to determine the purity and quality of therapeutic agents, finding better ways to deliver the drug to a patient, minimizing side effects, and assessing the activity and stability of drug compounds. Classically, pharmaceutical sciences was defined by the sub-disciplines of pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, but most modern research problems cross these traditional boundaries. In short, a graduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences is an ideal choice for anyone who wishes to work on developing new drug products and devices.

What makes the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program at the University of Colorado different than other PhD programs?

Emphasis on biotechnology.

Different graduate programs have different strengths. While one might come to the University of Colorado to pursue studies in any aspect of the pharmaceutical sciences, the real strength of our Pharmaceutical Sciences program lies in its emphasis on the use of quantitative, biophysical methods to address issues in pharmaceutical biotechnology. Pharmaceutical biotechnology describes a course of study that uses molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and bioengineering methods to prepare and develop sophisticated therapeutic and diagnostic agents. These materials include recombinant proteins, vaccines, oligonucleotides, and gene therapy approaches. Students who pursue studies in pharmaceutical biotechnology might examine the stabilization of proteins and/or nucleic acids during storage, improved methods of drug delivery, analytical assay development, mutational effects on protein structure and function, molecular biology approaches to drug therapy, novel vaccines, bioprocessing, or formulation development. Students are required to take a core curriculum that reflects these areas of research. This effort has been strengthened by the formation of the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, which is centered on a partnership between chemical engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the School of Pharmacy.

The Opportunity to Work on 'Real World' Problems

Today's biotechnology products are quite complex. Therefore, it is advantageous for students to have the opportunity to work with therapeutic agents that are in development or on the market. Due to the generosity of industrial collaborators, students in our program have access to recently-discovered drug candidates before these compounds are marketed as commercial pharmaceuticals. Each year, industrial sponsors provide millions of dollars worth of compounds for research purposes.

Partnering with Industry

In order to facilitate interactions, we have established the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, which promotes graduate education and research opportunities by partnering with the pharmaceutical biotechnology industry. These interactions often result in the student participating in an industrial internship with a scientific mentor from the company.

Training in Financial and Legal Aspects of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Since most of our students ultimately are employed in a highly regulated industry affected by market pressures, all of our graduate students take courses covering regulatory affairs (i.e., the drug approval process), patent law, intellectual property issues, pharmaceutical marketing, and financial analysis. These skills are essential, but rarely found in other PhD programs. For students who wish to focus on these issues, we have established a separate PhD track in pharmaceutical Outcomes within the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program. Students interested in pursuing Outcomes research should view the Outcomes Research webpage.

What are the job prospects for a graduate with a PhD degree in the pharmaceutical sciences?

Considering the unique strengths of our program, someone who is successful and productive in our program will find a high demand for their talents. Most of our students find jobs with large pharmaceutical companies or smaller biotechnology enterprises. Typically, our students have multiple job offers awaiting them upon graduation.

Required Pharmaceutical Sciences Program Courses

Representative elective courses.

Through the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program, our goal is to educate pre-doctoral students to develop independent research careers in pharmaceutical sciences with a basic, clinical or pharmaceutical outcomes emphasis. Upon completion of the graduate program, our students use their training to make a difference in academia, industry or government. The learning objectives for the graduate program are:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
• Understand the current concepts in basic and clinical pharmaceutical sciences.
• Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
• Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.

School of Pharmacy Graduate Degree Requirements

The following are specific rules approved by the graduate faculty of the School of Pharmacy for graduate studies leading to doctor of philosophy degree in toxicology. All other requirements for these degrees will follow the guidelines of the Graduate School, which can be found in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Handbook . The student carries the major responsibility of meeting the rules of the School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School. Failure to meet the following rules and guidelines may result in delay of graduation. ​

Student Progress Reviews

Each student will meet at least every six months with their temporary/thesis committee (starting the week before classes begin in the first year) in order to keep the committee apprised of all aspects of the student’s progress. A progress report form listing the requirements will be maintained in the School of Pharmacy graduate program file for each student.

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange meetings with his/her committee, and ensure that the deadlines listed on the progress report form are fulfilled. After fulfilling each requirement, it is required that the student make certain that the progress report form is updated by the committee chair.

Student Committees

Temporary Committees

The graduate program committee will appoint temporary committees for new students to serve for the first year. Each committee will consist of at least two full-time faculty from the School of Pharmacy. Each student will meet with their temporary committee the week before classes begin, and in March and September of the first year of the graduate program.

Thesis Committees

Students will choose the chair of their thesis committee subsequent to the successful completion of the preliminary examination and selection of a major advisor (at the end of the first year). The student’s major advisor cannot serve as chair of the thesis committee. The student together with the chair and major advisor will choose other members from the faculty of the school and at least one from outside the school who will serve on the thesis committee.

Thesis committees must consist of at least five faculty members, and will meet with the student every six months, starting in September at the beginning of the student’s second year. The graduate program director must approve the make-up of the thesis committee. The graduate program director will fill vacancies as they arise or make replacements when necessary, with consideration given to student/advisor recommendations.

Thesis committees shall evaluate the student’s progress to ensure that she or he has made satisfactory progress since the previous meeting. Upon calling the meeting to order, the Committee Chair will ask the student to leave the room to obtain feedback from the advisor regarding student progress. Upon completion, the student will be asked to return to the room and the thesis advisor will leave the room to obtain private feedback from the student regarding issues that might exist in terms of interactions with the advisor. It is also the responsibility of the committee chair to complete an on-line evaluation form summarizing the student’s progress. In case of a non-satisfactory performance, steps required to rectify the situation should be suggested in the report.

Doctor of Philosophy

In order to graduate, a student must satisfactorily complete the requirements described in A through H below as well as adhering to all requirements of the CU Anschutz Graduate School as defined in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Handbook .

A. Coursework and General Requirements

A program of study with required core courses will be designed by the chair of the temporary/thesis committee to accommodate the student’s long-range goals, possible undergraduate deficiencies, immediate research interests and the requirements of the Graduate School. A minimum of 30 semester hours of courses numbered 5000 or above is required for the degree. In addition to the coursework and requirements described below, students are expected to attend all seminars associated with the graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences. Also, each year the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences hosts a research retreat. Attendance at the retreat is mandatory, unless the program director permits the absence for overriding personal reasons. A presentation (oral or poster) by each student at the retreat is required.

B. Research Rotations

All PhD students must satisfactorily complete one research rotation in each of the fall and spring semesters of their first year. It is expected that the student will meet with his/her temporary committee the week before classes start in the fall semester to determine an appropriate research rotation for the ensuing fall semester. A research rotation is one semester in length, and the student must be housed in the lab in which the rotation is conducted. The student will present his/her research findings from each rotation in seminars (20 mins) to the graduate faculty (date arranged in advance by the director of the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program). In cases where a student opts for a third research rotation in the summer, a third rotation seminar is not required.

C. Seminars

In addition to rotation seminars and semiannual presentations to the thesis committee, all students enrolled in the program must present a thesis seminar to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences that describes the findings from his/her thesis research. The thesis seminar is normally performed at the end of their PhD program.

D. Preliminary Examination

Each student will be required to undergo a preliminary examination during the summer of their first year in the program. This examination will consist of two half-day written examinations during the summer session. Selected faculty will contribute questions to the exam primarily focusing on the first year’s coursework. Students will be given the general topic areas for the exam questions at least one month prior to the examination date.

The director of the graduate program will be responsible for coordinating and administrating the examination. The preliminary examination is intended to test the student’s assimilation and understanding of material presented in coursework, and assess his/her ability to complete a doctoral–level course of study. It is expected that students will satisfactorily answer each question, but students are permitted to remediate one question if his/her answer is judged to be inadequate by the faculty member providing the question. In these instances, the individual faculty member will decide what constitutes appropriate remediation, and completion of remediation will be reported to the graduate program chair. Students that unsatisfactorily answer two or more preliminary examination questions will be dismissed from the graduate program.

E. Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination will be administered by the chair of the student’s thesis committee. This committee must include the major advisor and at least four other members of the graduate faculty. At least one of the five members must be from outside the School. The comprehensive examination will serve as the formal test for admission to candidacy for the PhD degree and can only be taken after completion of 30 semester hours of graduate credit. The comprehensive examination will be completed by September 31 of the third year, after formal coursework is completed.

The examination shall consist of a written examination as well as an oral examination. The suggested format of the examination is for each faculty member to administer a separate written examination that can be completed within one day. The student should meet with members of the thesis committee individually to discuss the topic areas for the comprehensive examination. After the written portion of the comprehensive exam, students should meet with each member of the thesis committee to discuss the student’s performance on the written questions. It is expected that any weaknesses will be addressed in the oral portion of the exam that is to be taken within two weeks after completion of the written portion. Possible outcomes of the comprehensive examination are in accord with the CU Anschutz Graduate School rules and are Pass, Pass with Conditions, and Fail. A failed student may not continue in the program.

F. Thesis Proposal

In order to facilitate the partnership between the student and his/her Thesis Committee, students are required to submit a written thesis proposal that will subsequently be presented orally to the thesis committee. The written proposal is typically approximately 10 pages in length (single-spaced, not including references), and submitted to the thesis committee at least two weeks prior to the oral presentation. The precise format of the written proposal is left to the committee, but it should be a brief, well written document describing the overall research plan for the student’s thesis and include relevant preliminary data. It is expected that the student’s major advisor will have previewed and edited the written proposal prior to its distribution to the rest of the thesis committee. The oral presentation of the thesis proposal to the thesis committee must be completed by March 31 of the student’s third year in the program.

After presentation and approval of the thesis proposal, the student will update the members of his/her thesis committee on the progress toward completion of the thesis research at the semiannual meetings in March and September of each year. It is expected that members of the thesis committee will provide feedback and discuss potential problems at these semiannual meetings.

G. Thesis Research

All PhD candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a research thesis. This work should be of sufficient scope and quality to result in a significant contribution to the literature. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of thesis work. See the rules of the Graduate School describing time restrictions for submitting the finished thesis. A copy of the thesis must be submitted to the student’s thesis committee at least two weeks prior to the thesis defense. It is expected that the student’s major advisor will preview and edit the thesis prior to distribution to the rest of the thesis committee.

H. Thesis Defense

After submission of the thesis to the thesis committee, a seminar describing the thesis research will be presented by the student to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Immediately following the oral presentation and questions from the attendees, the student will be examined separately by his/her thesis committee. Any changes to the thesis must be approved by the Thesis Committee prior to submission of the final thesis to the Graduate School. Although it is fully expected that problems with the thesis research will be addressed prior to the thesis defense, the thesis committee can require further research to be conducted before final approval of the thesis.

Summary schedule of degree requirements:

• First Year: Research rotations (2), rotation seminars (2), coursework, preliminary exam, selection of major advisor.
• Second Year: Commence thesis research, selection of thesis committee, coursework.
• Third Year: Comprehensive examination, thesis proposal.
• Prior to Completion: Submit written thesis to thesis committee, thesis defense.

Stipend, Insurance, Tuition and Fees

Although a priority of the School of Pharmacy is to provide financial support to its graduate students, stipend, tuition and fees for graduate studies in the School of Pharmacy are the sole responsibility of the student. Payment of stipend, tuition and any fees by the School of Pharmacy or by grants, contracts or gifts to the School of Pharmacy Faculty is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress (as defined by the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Handbook ) and completion of required core courses, seminars, research rotations and examinations.

The School of Pharmacy also reserves the right to review and adjust its funding policies at any time. Stipends are awarded on a 12-month basis. All students are expected to work toward program requirements for 12 months of the year.

Probationary Status and Suspension

Continuation in the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program is dependent upon satisfactory academic progress as defined by:

• Timely and satisfactory completion of pharmaceutical sciences graduate program requirements (A-H above).
• Adherence to all policies, rules and regulation of the School of Pharmacy.

Students who do not remain in good graduate standing (3.0 GPA or above) or maintain satisfactory academic progress are placed on academic probation. Probation and suspension policies are described in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Handbook .

Payment of stipend, tuition, insurance and fees for a student while on academic probation is at the discretion of the graduate program committee.

Rajesh Agarwal PhD

Tom Anchordoquy BS, MA, PhD

Peter Anderson PharmD

Christina Aquilante PharmD

David Bain PhD

John Carpenter PhD

Carlos Catalano PharmD, PhD

Shaodong Dai PhD

Melanie Joy PharmD, PhD

Uday Kompella PhD, FARVO, FAAPS

Daniel LaBarbera PhD

Krishna Mallela PhD

Vanessa Phelan PhD

Philip Reigan PhD

Nichole Reisdorph PhD

Laura Saba PhD

Robert Scheinman PhD

Dmitri Simberg PhD

For questions regarding graduate school programs contact:.

Isabella Jaramillo Email:  [email protected]     Phone:  303.724.7263 ​​​​​

CU Anschutz

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building

12850 East Montview Boulevard

Aurora, CO 80045

303-724-2882

• Pharmacy Directory
• Continuing Education
• Academic Calendar
• Request information
• Virtual Advising
• Scholarships & Financial Aid
• Career Services
• Experiential Program
• CORE for Students
• UCD-Access Portal
• Zoom Web Conferencing
• Payroll and Benefits
• Campuswide Directory
• University Laws and Policies
• CORE for Preceptors, Faculty, and Staff

The Difference in the PhD Degree Vs. the PharmD Degree

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in Mathematics?

Graduating with a PhD degree allows students access to careers in various industries within the private and public sector. Similarly, graduates with the PharmD degree also have access to rewarding careers as pharmacists in public or private pharmacies. Although both degrees produce graduates in professional careers, students entering these degree programs have very different experiences. In addition, graduates of both PhD and PharmD degrees have different types of careers, salaries and expectations.

Nature of the PhD vs. PharmD Degree

Although both the PhD and PharmD degree are doctorate degrees, the PhD is referred to as a "research" graduate degree while the PharmD degree is a "professional" doctorate degree. Specifically, the purpose of the PhD degree is to prepare students for careers in research fields and teaching at the higher education level. Conversely, the PharmD degree prepares students for a professional career in pharmacy.

Entrance Requirements for a PhD vs. a PharmD Degree

The entrance requirements for a PhD and a PharmD degree vary slightly. Entry into most PhD programs requires a Masters degree in a related subject. For instance, to enter a PhD program in mathematics, students often need to have an advanced degree in mathematics or a related subject such as statistics, computer science or finance. In some cases, students may enter a PhD degree program with only a Bachelor's degree. At most schools, PhD students acquire enough credits to obtain a Masters in Philosophy (MPhil) degree in the course of obtaining the PhD degree.

On the other hand, for the PharmD degree students need to have 60 to 90 credits completed in a related subject such as biology, chemistry or some other subjects. Students can enter a PharmD degree with an Associates (two-year) degree or a four-year degree. Unlike the entrance requirements for the PhD degree, requirements for the PharmD degree include a passing score on the PCAT exam. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) exam is a four-hour exam with 280 questions broken into seven sections on writing (two parts), verbal ability, biology, chemistry, reading comprehension and quantitative ability.

Completion for a PhD vs. a PharmD Degree

The completion requirements for most PhD degrees involve the execution of original research which can take a few years to complete. In fact, PhD degrees often take at least five years to complete, which is longer than the four years needed to complete the PharmD degree. This is primarily because the purpose of the PharmD degree is to train professional-level pharmacists.

Salaries for Graduate PhD Degrees vs. PharmD Degrees

The salaries for PhD degree holders is often lower than those with PharmD degrees. According to a Payscale.com survey of PhD graduates, salaries for research scientists averaged between $49K and $108K. In addition, PhDs that teach in higher education make on average between $45K and $76K (assistant professors) and $56K and $96K (associate professors). Conversely, another Payscale.com survey of pharmacists reported that the salaries of those working in hospitals ranged from $82K to $112K. Salaries for those working in commercial retail chain pharmacies ranged from $85K to $113K.

Related Articles

Will I Have More Options With a Marketing or Accounting Degree?

What is the Difference in PhD & DSC Programs?

Which north carolina universities offer dba.

The Difference Between BSN & BS Degrees

The Difference Between Business Administration & Economics

Wage Differences for High School vs. Bachelor's Degree

What Is the Difference Between a Ph.D. in Public Policy and One in ...

• Purdue University - Doctor of Pharmacy
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Pharmacists

Patricia Smith Michaels has been writing business and technology articles online since 2010. She has written instructional manuals and white papers for corporations and has more than 20 years of experience as a researcher and consultant in the areas of health care, education and management. She holds a Master of Business Administration in management and a Bachelor of Science in computers from St. John's University.

Graduate Admissions

Pharmacy (MS or PhD)

The MS and the PhD in Pharmacy are awarded by the Graduate College. Instruction is offered through the College of Pharmacy. Subprograms for graduate research and courses include Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, Health Services Research, and Pharmaceutics.

The graduate program in Pharmacy strongly emphasizes admission to the PhD degree program. Admission with the objective of an MS degree is only approved in special circumstances, and students seeking this degree are encouraged to contact the graduate program in Pharmacy before applying.

Applicants must meet the  Admission Requirements of the Graduate College  and the requirements of the department offering the degree program (review the department's website or the General Catalog for departmental requirements).

Tuition and fees vary by degree program and the type of student you are.

Most Pharmacy PhD students are provided financial assistance in the form of a graduate assistantship. The assistantship covers tuition and fees and provides a monthly stipend.  The assistantship cannot be applied for but is offered at the time of admission.

Fall semester—March 15 or until the program is filled (Feb. 1 priority date to be considered for financial aid)

Admissions are made for Fall Semester only.  On rare occasions, admission will be granted for the spring or summer session.

Pharmaceutics or Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics PhD Programs

• Complete the  BioMedCAS application  and pay the application fee.
• Follow the directions on the  BioMedCAS application website  for submitting supporting documents, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
• The EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE is:  FEBRUARY 1st.  The FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE is:  MARCH 15th.

Supporting Documents

• Transcripts (Minimum GPA is 3.0)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• TOEFL or iELTS test scores
• GRE test is  optional . If it will enhance your application, you may submit a GRE test score, however, a GRE is  not  required.
• It is not necessary to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo score if you have a U.S. Master's Degree.
• It is  not necessary  to submit a WES Transcript evaluation.

We are not currently admitting students to the  Master's Program . It is not necessary to have first earned a Master's to be eligible to apply to the PhD program.

Health Services Research PhD Program

• Complete a  University of Iowa Graduate Admissions  application.
• After you complete the application and pay the application fee ($60 for domestic: $100 international), you will receive a HawkID and Login. 
• Login to the University of Iowa Admissions portal.  Upload supporting documents there.

The graduate application process has two steps

• You must first submit the online application to the Graduate College and pay the $60 application fee by credit card ($100 for international applicants).
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email instructing you on how to upload your supporting documents and submit letters of recommendation. A few programs require materials be sent directly to them. However, almost all supplemental material can and should be uploaded from your Admissions Profile in MyUI , our online service center for applicants and students. You can only access this AFTER you have submitted your application.
• International students may also be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores to comply with the university's English Language Proficiency Requirements .
• Once recommended for admission, international students must send a  Financial Statement .
• Your official GRE scores from Education Testing Service (the University’s institutional code is 6681). (Optional)

Pharmaceutics or Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics PhD Programs :

Health Services research PhD Program :

• Complete a  University of Iowa Graduate Admissions  application and pay the $60 application fee ($100 for international students).

College of Pharmacy The University of Iowa 115 S Grand Ave; Suite 306-1 Iowa City, IA 52242  [email protected] 1-319-335-8797

Enrollment Management The University of Iowa 2900 University Capitol Centre 201 S. Clinton St. Iowa City, IA 52242 [email protected] 1-319-335-1523

Ph.D. Programs

Our rigorous training in basic and clinical research prepares graduates to become successful scientists, clinicians, industry leaders and academicians working in pharma, biotech, government agencies, research institutions and universities

By the Numbers

Among Schools of Pharmacy in NIH and Total Research Funding

Best Global Universities in Pharmacology and Toxicology

Best in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2020 ShanghaiRanking Global Rankings

University World-Wide in Pharmacology, Toxicology U.S. News World & Report

Explore Ph.D. Programs

Four programs that correspond to a stage in the drug development cycle, drug discovery.

Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry

Drug Delivery

Pharmacoengineering & Molecular Pharmaceutics

Identify and deliver the most successful compounds and therapies

Drug Optimization

Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics

Discover and evaluate the factors that influence how therapeutic agents work

Patient Outcomes

Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy

School maintains No. 7 spot in QS World University Rankings

Tuesday 8:00 am

PharmAlliance Workshop: Improving Access to Highly Stigmatized Medications

Wednesday 12:20 pm

Next Generation Drug Discovery: Proximity-Based Therapeutics

Wednesday 4:00 pm

UNCLCN Webinar – Small Cell Lung Cancer

View All Events

Ready to take the next step?

APPLY NOW CONTACT US DOWNLOAD OUR PHD GUIDE

Pharmacology, PhD

School of medicine.

The Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences hosts the Pharmacology Graduate Program, which offers a program of study and research leading to the Ph.D. degree. Research training opportunities within the program cover a broad spectrum of biomedical sciences including chemical biology, immunology, virology, cancer, and neuroscience. The mission of departmental research is to understand the molecular processes underlying physiology and pathology, and to apply this knowledge to discovering new drug targets and developing novel therapeutics. Within the program, students may choose to focus their efforts in any of a large number of specific research areas including signal transduction, structural biology and drug design, NMR spectroscopy, molecular genetics, cancer chemoprevention, viral immunosuppression, cancer immunology, cell-mediated immunity, mechanisms of HIV infection, vaccine development, glycobiology, biomedical mass spectrometry, clinical pharmacology, drug delivery, anti-parasite drug development, histone acetylation and gene regulation, melatonin and circadian rhythm, drug metabolism, Vitamin D pharmacology, natural product biosynthesis, telomerase and chromosome stability, T cell activation and tolerance, DNA repair, DNA topoisomerases, molecular imaging, and the clinical pharmacology of cardiovascular agents. The department is also pleased to host students and award doctoral degrees to M.D./Ph.D. degree candidates and students in other Ph.D. graduate programs in which Pharmacology faculty participate (Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Neuroscience, and Pathobiology).

Financial Support

Financial support covering normal living costs, individual medical insurance, and tuition is provided.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a B.A. or B.S. degree with a major in any of the biological or physical sciences. Entering students are expected to have completed college-level courses in chemistry (inorganic, organic, and physical), calculus, and physics; a strong background in biochemistry is particularly desirable. A completed application form, at least three letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, and a statement of interest must be received by December 8th.

Program Requirements

Students in the Pharmacology program must successfully complete the following courses:

Students must also take two advanced elective courses selected from those offered by this or other departments. Students are able to select a course of studies uniquely suited to their own career goals.

During their first year of study, students will complete ~10-week research rotations in addition to their coursework. They will initiate dissertation research by the end of their first year and complete elective courses relevant to their developing interests in subsequent years of training.

During the second year of study, students will be required to pass a qualifying examination conducted as prescribed by the Doctor of Philosophy Board of the University. This examination will probe the depth and breadth of the student’s knowledge of the biomedical subjects taught in the core courses.

The candidate is required to present a written dissertation based on original research undertaken while in residence as a graduate student and to present a departmental seminar describing the thesis research.

Combined M.D.-Ph.D. Degrees

Students seeking admission to or who are already participating in the M.D. program in the School of Medicine may participate in a program leading to both the M.D. and the Ph.D. degrees.

Students studying pharmaceutical sciences will be thoroughly exposed to the fundamentals of physical pharmacy and pharmaceutics and trained in several specialized areas, including:

·         Novel drug delivery systems

·         Nanomedical technologies

·         Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics

With exposure to these facets of the pharmaceutical sciences, successful graduates are poised to understand and assimilate the field of modern pharmaceutics. A PhD degree in pharmaceutics is a research degree. While coursework plays an important role, students become active participants in the science of pharmaceutics in the laboratory. Faculty research in pharmaceutical sciences covers a broad range of scientific interests, including  pharmacokinetic toxicodynamics of anticancer agents; use of novel biomaterials and synthetic polymeric systems in designing small-molecule drug delivery systems for small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids; passive and active targeting of therapeutic agents for cancer and cardiovascular diseases; novel delivery systems for immunostimulating purposes; and mathematical modeling of endogenous compounds.

In The News

Cannabis Will Transform Medicine—Once We Figure Out How to Get Rid of Its Side Effects

Drug Discovery Spurs Innnovation, Collaboration

Groundbreaking Cancer Gene Therapy

A PhD in pharmaceutics is a research degree. While course work plays an important role, students become a real participant in the science of pharmaceutics in the laboratory. Faculty research covers a broad range of scientific interests, including pharmacokinetic toxicodynamics of anticancer agents, use of biomaterials and synthetic polymeric systems in design of drug delivery systems, passive and active targeting of therapeutic agents, cardiovascular targeting of drugs, novel delivery systems for proteins and peptides, and mathematical modeling of endogenous compounds.

The interdisciplinary option is intended to meet the needs of students interested in combining courses and skills from two areas of specialization. At least one of the specialization areas must come from within the college. The second area may come from a department in another college at Northeastern University, such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. Students electing the interdisciplinary option must fulfill the same requirements as all other PhD candidates.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• World Pharmaceuticals
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Novartis Vaccine
• Sanofi Genzyme
• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
• Italia, Inc.
• Waters Inc.
• Genentech, Inc.
• Malinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
• Dicernal Pharmaceutical
• National Institute of Standars and Technology
• Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research
• Columbia University Medical Center

Application Materials

Requirements, application.

• Application fee – US $50
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal Statement
• Official GRE scores
• TOEFL for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• Please note all international applicants will need to provide a WES evaluation. Link to WES: https://www.wes.org/

Admissions deadline for Fall term: December 6

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery

Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

College of Pharmacy - Chicago | Rockford

Pharmd/phd program.

The joint PharmD/PhD trains students for careers in academic pharmacy and bench science research. Students participate in the PharmD curriculum and pursue original doctoral research projects in the laboratories of faculty in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences .

By counting some course requirements toward the completion of both degrees, the joint program can reduce the total time of earning the degrees by about two years. Both degrees are awarded at the end of the training period and neither degree can be received before the other is completed.

The PharmD/PhD program is for exceptional, highly motivated and achieving students ready to meet the challenge of increased academic load and independent research project.

Admission Requirements and Application Process Heading link Copy link

Students may apply to the joint PharmD/PhD degree program at the same time as when applying to the PharmD program or within the first two years after their acceptance into the PharmD program.  Students must be accepted by both programs.  Please note : the PharmD/PhD program is not offered in the Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes, and Policies.

Apply Concurrently

Minimum requirements for admission include:

• a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

Application has 3 components:

• Submit an application to the PharmD program via PharmCAS and indicate your interest in the joint degree.
• Submit the Supplemental Application ( PSTP form ) via e-mail to  [email protected] .
• Submit an application to the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program following the program’s specific guidelines.

Apply for the joint degree after acceptance to PharmD

• Submit the Supplemental Application ( PSTP form ) via e-mail to  [email protected]
• Submit an application to the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program following the program’s specific guidelines during your first two years of enrollment in the PharmD.
• If you are accepted by the PhD program and have a baccalaureate degree, you will be accepted to the joint program immediately. Contact  [email protected]  to notify the College of your acceptance into the PhD program.
• Students without a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for the program, as it is a requirement of the PhD program application.

Program Timeline

Students admitted to the joint program can begin requirements for both degrees upon admission. Summers can be used for research and laboratory rotations. The first two to three years of the program are used to complete the P-1 through P-3 didactic PharmD curriculum with some PhD courses as electives. Choice of a permanent thesis advisor can take place at any point before moving to the graduate focused years (G-1 through G-3). Following completion of the PhD phase of the program, students rejoin other PharmD students to complete PharmD didactic and/or clerkship requirements.

The program is flexible and actual timeline will depend on the requirements of the specific PhD program and the PhD thesis advisor. Sample timelines used by our current PharmD/PhD students are below (“P” refers to PharmD portions of the joint degree program, “G” refers to graduate segments of the joint program. The numbers indicate years spent in each segment. However, it should be understood that some research will be going on in years labeled as “P”.)

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the joint degree program are eligible for the graduate level tuition for the PharmD portion of their study, which results in significant cost reduction. You may compare the cost of professional and graduate tuition and fees at the  Office of the Registrar website .  Additional financial benefits may apply. When a student becomes a full-time graduate student, student may receive a tuition waiver and a stipend.

Lindsey McQuade, PhD Heading link Copy link

Director, research & graduate resources.

• Prospective Student Inquiries [email protected]
• General Inquiries [email protected]
• Job Posting Request
• Building Hours & Maps
• Prospective Students
• Current Students

What's Happening

Student resources, quick links.

• Alumni & Friends

Update Your Information

Academic departments, clinical pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, research in clinical pharmacy, research in medicinal chemistry, research in pharmaceutical sciences, research cores and services, biointerfaces institute, michigan drug discovery.

• Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research

Translational Oncology Program

• Faculty Publications
• Research Opportunities
• Research Collaborations

UM Pharmacy Professor Research Outreach (PRO)

About the college, message from the dean.

• Dean Search

Accreditation

New cop building, our history, our leadership.

• Our Mission, Vision & Organization

Teaching Excellence Awards

Job openings.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Department Contact Info

Emergency information.

• COVID-19 Updates

Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct

• Alternative and Complementary Medicines
• Diagnosis and Health Conditions
• Healthy Choices
• Information for Caregivers
• Medication Information
• Other Resources
• COP Directory

Search form

• Alumni & Friends

Why U-M Pharmacy?

Recruitment events, student blogs, career potential, program overview.

• Information Request Form
• PharmD Program
• Experiential Education
• Pharmacy Phamilies
• PharmD Curriculum
• Assessments
• Pharmacy Student Ambassadors
• Pre-Pharmacy Student Organization (PPSO)
• PhD in Clinical Pharmacy
• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry
• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• MS in Integrated Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Career Flexibility
• BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Program Goals
• Fast Track to PharmD
• Student Services
• Research and Honors Program
• Student Outcomes
• Dual Programs
• Dual PharmD and MBA Program
• Dual PharmD and MPH Program
• Dual PharmD and PhD Program
• Post-Doc in Clinical Pharmacy
• Residency Program
• Ambulatory Care Enrichment Program
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
• Eligibility
• Program Schedule
• Application
• Pharmacy Scholars Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Income Guidelines
• Assignment of Credit Hours
• Pharmacy Community College Connect
• Postdoctoral Collegiate Fellows Program
• Expectations of Faculty Mentors
• Faculty Mentor List
• Review & Selection
• PharmD Program Admissions
• Application Overview
• PharmD Prerequisites
• Preferred Admission Programs
• Applicant Characteristics
• PhD Program Admissions
• MS Program Admissions
• Bachelors Program Admissions
• Funding Your Education

Financial Aid Brochure

• Tuition and Fees
• PharmD Scholarships
• Graduate Support

Student Organizations

• Student News

Course Descriptions

Student affairs.

• Financial Aid & Scholarship
• Advising & Registration
• Career Counseling
• Personal Counseling
• Campus Resources
• Student Affairs Directory

Career Connections

Student handbook, access pharmacy, campus groups, cornerstone learning, outlook in the cloud, rx preceptor, taubman library, wolverine access.

• Prescott & Emeritus Celebration

Alumni Awards

• Alumni News

Board of Governors

• Nomination Form
• Board Member Position Description

Job Opportunities

Submit personal news, meet the advancement team, update your alumni record.

• News & Events
• Previous Faculty Spotlights
• Department Metrics
• Research Laboratories
• CPTS PhD Program
• CPTS Fellowship Program
• Post-Graduate Residency
• REACH Fellowship
• Infectious Diseases Fellowship
• ACE Program
• Vision and Mission
• Department Directory
• Simulated Patient Program
• Biochemical NMR Core
• Clinical Pharmacogenomics Laboratory
• Pharmacokinetic and Mass Spectrometry Core
• Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core

Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research

• Previous Seminars
• Newly Awarded
• Available Funding
• Grant Tools "Coming Soon"
• Giving Tuesday
• Faculty News
• Research News
• Annual Report Archive
• Upcoming Events
• Newsletter Archive

Our Mission, Vision & Organization

• COP Organization Chart
• COP Strategic Plan

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Dean's Vision Statement
• DEI Strategic Plan
• Upcoming News & Events
• REU Program
• Education & Training
• McKesson Foundation Health Equity Speaker Series
• Resources & Support
• Concern Reporting
• Emergency FAQs
• Stay Informed!

The dual Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program allows students enrolled in the PharmD program to also begin working toward a PhD degree in one of our three PhD programs concurrently or sequentially.  Upon completion of the dual program, students will have earned the PharmD degree, making them eligible for state licensure as pharmacists, and the PhD degree in one of the following disciplines: pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy translational sciences, and medicinal chemistry.

A major advantage of this program is that, by combining some degree requirements, it may reduce the time normally required to complete the two degrees separately.  Students must be newly admitted or currently enrolled in the PharmD program to be considered for admission to the dual program.

Listing Row

The dual PharmD/PhD program is designed to allow concurrent enrollment in both PharmD and PhD courses in order to shorten the time required for achieving both degrees sequentially.  Students that begin the dual program at the start of their P1 year will realize the maximum benefit for completing the requirements for both degrees. 

Applicants must apply and be accepted to both the PharmD program and the PhD program in order to matriculate in the dual program.  The application process is separate for each program and deadlines must be met for both programs.  The PhD program will accept PCAT scores for applicants to the dual PharmD/PhD program only.  Note that some national agencies that provide funding to PhD students (such as training grants and student initiated grants) may require that a candidate take the GRE exam later in order to qualify for assistance. 

Candidates for the dual PharmD/PhD program may take the appropriate PhD course sequence in place of the PharmD course sequences for specific disciplines (i.e., pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry).  Remaining core PhD coursework required for the PhD degree will be satisfied by taking courses that will also count as elective coursework for the PharmD degree.  See the Curriculum tab for more details. 

This is a multiple degree program; however, the requirements for either degree are not dependent on completion of both programs.  A candidate that wishes to withdraw from one of the dual programs is eligible to complete the other degree.  There may be financial implications for not completing both programs.  See the Funding tab for more details.   

PharmD candidates are required to complete a certain number of patient contact hours for licensure through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).  The timing of IPPEs and APPEs in the dual program can be flexible and negotiated with the student, the research advisor, and the Experiential Education Director.  There is also a required P4 Seminar that students must complete.

Students are required to complete the degree requirements for both the PharmD and PhD in their specific discipline. 

The PharmD curriculum can be found HERE

The PhD curriculum for the Pharmaceutical Sciences program can be found HERE

The PhD curriculum for the Clinical Pharmacy Translational Sciences program can be found HERE

The PhD curriculum for the Medicinal Chemistry program can be found HERE

The combined PharmD/PhD curriculum plan can vary by student when admitted.  A sample curricular plan can be found HERE

Students enrolled in the Dual PharmD/PhD program will have the opportunity to engage in research as early as the summer prior to starting coursework in the dual program.  Students will be given the opportunity to explore research opportunities at the College of Pharmacy for up to three summers before officially joining a laboratory.  Summer funding is dependent on when a student begins the dual program.   

See the Funding tab for more details.

Funding for Dual PharmD/PhD candidates is intended to support students with their research efforts as early as possible to ensure successful completion of the dual program in a timely manner.  New students admitted to the dual program will enjoy the following support:

• Up to three funded summers of research support beginning with the summer prior to the didactic start of the program (stipend and health benefits for self and dependents).  The number of summers depends on when the student begins the dual program.
• Up to $45,000 forgivable grant for the PharmD portion of the dual program (PharmD years 1 through 4 of being enrolled in the dual program; amount will  be less if enrollment in the dual program begins in PharmD year 2 or later).  Note, if a student does not complete either the PharmD or PhD portion, this grant turns into a low interest loan that must be repayed over time.
• Full funding for the PhD portion of the dual program following completion of the PharmD (typically beginning year 5) which includes a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits for self and dependents.  Funding sources can include any combination of fellowship, teaching, research, or traineeship.  

Current PharmD or PhD students that apply to and are accepted into the dual program after starting either program will receive support commensurate with when they were admitted to the dual program.  

School of Pharmacy MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The UCL School of Pharmacy is a world-leading centre for pharmacy education and research in pharmacy and biomedical sciences. The School has maintained this status over decades, being recently ranked 4th in the QS World Rankings by Subject (Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023). Furthermore, London was ranked 1st in the QS Best Student Cities 2023 list, making it an ideal location in which to study.

Important notice

Access to our graduate programme pages may be disrupted between 17:00 (UK time) on Friday, 12 April until 12:00 (UK time) on Monday, 15 April 2024 for upgrading work. During this period our application system will be unavailable. We value your interest in studying at UCL and if you experience any difficulty we recommend you come back to this website once the upgrade is complete.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

A UK taught Master’s degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology pharmacy, pharmacology, or other relevant subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students work in several core research areas:

• understanding the underlying basis of challenging human diseases
• identification of new drugs and drug targets
• medicine development, leading to effective medicines with optimised delivery, and minimising effects
• pharmacy practice and medicines management, specialising in the influence of human behaviour on medicine use

Who this course is for

Our PhD programme is intended for students who wish to obtain high quality scientific training that will enable them to conduct independent research.

What this course will give you

In addition to an advanced hypothesis driven research project yielding top flight publications which change thinking in their chosen fields, students also acquire generic and transferable skills while undertaking their PhD. For example, students graduate with skills enabling excellent scientific presentation, both written and verbal, time management - an essential skill in today's busy world - and networking.

Students have ample opportunities to practice the art of networking with their peer group, both within the school and outside, as students often talk about their work within the school and many students travel the world speaking to scientists about their research work.

The foundation of your career

Understanding the approach of industry to the complex process of discovering, developing, formulating and licensing a medicine provides students with an outlook and expertise valued by employers. Recent PhD students have gone into research roles in the pharmaceutical industry and in universities in the UK and around the world. Others have found careers in regulatory affairs, the NHS or scientific publishing, drug licensing and clinical trial research.

Employability

Recent PhD students have gone into research roles in the pharmaceutical industry and in universities in the UK and around the world. Others have found careers in regulatory affairs, the NHS or scientific publishing, drug licensing and clinical trial research.

The School attracts the leading figures in the field to our diverse programme of events, seminars, lectures, debates and conferences, focusing on critical issues in pharmacy, biomedical research and pharmaceutical industry.

Teaching and learning

PhD research involves a wide variety of learning methods, but your self-directed research activities will be crucial. You can expect to be supported by your supervisor to develop your research skills, as well as learning from other colleagues in our thriving research community. 

Assessment will involve an upgrade from MPhil to PhD, and then the final viva examination.

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Full-time research equates to approximately 37 hours per week and part-time research hours would not normally be less than 50% of the full-time equivalent 37 hours per week).

Research areas and structure

Research Clusters:

• Age-Related Medicines Development And Use: The cluster aims to cultivate the research in the development of medicines tailored to the needs of patients accross the whole of the life course
• Drug Discovery And Therapeutic Target Identification: The cluster aims to participate in all the stages of early phase drug discovery from chemical biology approaches to new target identification and validation
• Fabrication And Synthetic Technologies For Advanced Drug Delivery: The cluster seeks to develop new dosage forms to optimise drug action
• Medicine Use and Optimisation
• Pharmacoepidemiology And Medication Safety: Researchers are engaged in projects to improve safety and benefit outcomes in the use of medicines
• Translational Neuroscience: Researchers use a wide range of molecular, cellular and whole organism models as well as theoretical approaches to study normal brain function and uncover the fundamental causes of neurological and psychiatric diseases
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Research environment

Students participate in research projects in one of four research departments in the School of Pharmacy:

• Research Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry
• Research Department of Pharmaceutics
• Research Department of Pharmacology
• Research Department of Practice and Policy

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Full-time research equates to approximately 37 hours per week and students and supervisors decide how those hours are divided between contact and self-directed study.

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Part-time research hours are agreed by the supervisor and student, but would not normally be less than 50% of the full-time equivalent (37 hours per week).

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Your research degree may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (AFE). The AFE (also known as bench fees) is an additional cost, incurred by yourself or your sponsor. It is levied to cover the costs related to consumables, equipment and materials etc which are not included in the tuition fee. As each research project is unique in nature, the AFE is calculated on a student by student basis and is determined by your academic supervisor.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

We post studentship information throughout the year. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/study/mphil-phd/studentships-and-funding for new opportunities.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Our diverse academic environment will give you the opportunity to develop strong transferable research skills and will support a wide range of future research and employment opportunities.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

School of Pharmacy

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

• UB Directory
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences >
• Admissions >
• Pharmaceutical Sciences (BS, MS, PhD) >
• Graduate Programs >

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Office of Student Success and Engagement 270 Pharmacy Building Buffalo, NY 14214 716-645-2825 [email protected]

• Sign up for our mailing list
• Explore our admissions viewbook

The UB Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is the foremost destination for PhD student scholars interested in challenging the boundaries of drug discovery, development and evaluation.

We invite you to study with our group of internationally renowned faculty as they advance the biotherapies and technologies of the future to improve human health and society. 

Sponsored through the university, this multi-year program provides enhanced nationally competitive funding packages to ensure the support and continuation of the next generation of scholars and researchers.

Support initiatives include: cost of broad-based fees for doctoral students who are full time and fully funded. Covered fees include the comprehensive fee, academic excellence and success fee, student activity fee, and the international student fee, where applicable.

Find out more: UB PhD Excellence Initiative.

Learn more about the many ways UB can support your career aspirations through innovative assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and other benefits.

Find out more: PhD Level Funding.

Doctoral students receive a full tuition scholarship and stipend. Additional amounts may be received through individual scholarships.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in pharmacy, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, engineering or other science
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty knowledgeable of the student's ability and capability. Evaluators should comment on laboratory research, communication skills, creativity, and intangibles in the student's academic performance. An email request will be sent directly to your recommenders when you submit your application for formal review.
• Personal statement: the personal statement is a general statement of purpose describing academic, professional, and research interests and should be no more than 500 words.
• Demonstrated proficiency in organic and physical chemistry, biochemistry, biology and mathematics
• Prior research experience and co-authorship in scientific publications are considered favorably.

Application Steps

International Application Requirements

The University at Buffalo is one of the  United States' most international universities  and offers a welcoming environment for students from over 100 countries.

Application Requirements

In addition to your program application, as an international student you will need to provide the following materials as electronic uploads. Please do not send any mail, unless instructed to do so. You do not need to submit an evaluated transcript through WES however, we will accept it if you have it.

• A photocopy of your passport page Upload a photocopy of your passport (photo page) to the proper section on your application checklist
• Copy of current 1-20 and visa If you are currently studying in the United States, you must upload a copy of your current I-20 and Visa to your application checklist. 
• Official English Proficiency Scores In addition to meeting the standard academic criteria for the program to which you are applying, international applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency. Unless exempt, all international students must take one of the tests  indicated here  and meet the university minimum score requirement. Upon submission, please upload an unofficial copy of your English Language Proficiency test score to your application.
• International Applicant Financial Form and Bank Documents - Not required for PhD applicants These documents can be submitted  after  students are accepted; feel free to leave it blank on the application checklist. You will be able to submit them later when prompted. Accepted students (except PhD) need to submit the Financial Form, along with bank documents showing funding for the first year of academic study (minus any scholarships you may be receiving).

Learn about the steps to receiving your I-20 documentation.

Information for Current BS/MS or MS Students

Current students in our BS/MS or MS programs who are interested in the PhD program are required to submit a new application with new recommendations. MS students may apply either during their first or second year of the program. BS/MS students must complete their entire BS/MS program before joining the PhD program (some exceptions considered).

MS students who are accepted to the PhD program during their first year in the MS program are transferred directly to the PhD program and do not receive their MS degree. MS students who are accepted to the PhD program during their second year in the MS program are encouraged to complete their MS project and confer their MS degree before joining the PhD program.

It is recommended that students interested in the PhD program consider taking the required courses for the PhD program that are offered during their MS studies. If admitted to PhD program, students who have completed all of the required PhD courses will be allowed to take the Preliminary Exams.

Students accepted to the PhD program from our MS program who have elected not to receive their MS degree can apply all of their required PhD courses and graduate course credits towards the 72 credits needed for the PhD. These students should develop an academic plan carefully so that the remaining credit requirements needed for the PhD degree are met without exceeding the 72 credits by a large margin.

Students formerly in our BS/MS or MS programs who are accepted to the PhD and have received their BS/MS or MS degree can apply part or all of their prior graduate credits from the University at Buffalo towards the PhD. The Director of Graduate Studies will waive the required PhD courses taken during the BS/MS and MS program for these students. These students should work closely with the Director of Graduate Studies so that remaining credit requirements needed for the PhD degree are met without exceeding the 72 credits by a large margin.

Review our Frequently Asked Questions

Email us at  [email protected] .

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

PhD in Pharmacy

• Updated on  
• Apr 28, 2023

Considered a highly advanced degree program involving heavy research analysis, a PhD in Pharmacy is concerned with the study of clinical therapeutics, toxicology, molecular pharmacology and a host of other medical fields. With a combination of coursework relating to pharmaceutical concepts, research projects, thesis and dissertation and seminars, it aims to provide students with a solid understanding of how to improve drug suitability and trim drug toxicity and its ill effects. In general, PhD courses are pursued by a selective group of individuals who are willing to dedicate their careers to research analysis and experimentation. If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Pharmacy, here is a detailed guide on what a doctoral program in this specialised medical field entails as well as the eligibility criteria you need to fulfill in order to apply for this course.

Also Read: Diploma in Pharmacy

This Blog Includes:

Phd in pharmacy: course structure, joint degrees, top universities for phd in pharmacy.

When it comes to a PhD program, be it PhD in Physics , PhD in Economics or even a PhD in English , a comprehensive blend of heavy coursework with individual research investigation is incorporated in the curriculum. In particular, a PhD in Pharmacy program involves working with patient groups, physicians, pharmacists, biostatisticians, health economists and other researchers to conduct research with the aim of improving efficacy of drugs, optimize therapy and how patients respond to the drugs. Further, students explore topics such as modern diseases and rare deficiencies, microbial resistance, drug side-effects as well as the usefulness of the drug throughout the world. Many professionals in later stages of their careers work alongside public health, policy and governance analysts to resolve problems prevalent in the healthcare industry.

As for the course structure of a PhD in Pharmacy, it generally runs for 3-7 years depending on the university you are pursuing it from. It comprises, most importantly, the selection of a field of specialisation by the individual in which his interests and abilities are well-aligned. Furthermore, you can also choose from a highly diverse list of minors which provide much-needed versatility to the programs. On the other hand, to supplement coursework, research techniques and methods support in gathering and analysing the necessary information which is needed for individual research works such as dissertation, thesis and projects. For example, a PhD student may be required to examine healthcare and hospital databases to filter information. During the course, every student is provided with one or two supervisors that guide students throughout the research project. 

• PhD after BTech
• PhD after MTech

Typically, a PhD in Pharmacy encompasses topics of scientific analysis as well as multi-disciplinary electives in its coursework depending on the need of the individual. You can also pursue a doctoral degree in Pharmacy with relation to the areas of Policy Analysis, Psychology, Behavioural Analysis. A few more topics generally covered in this course are listed below.

• Pharmaceutical Economics
• Pharmaceutical Policy
• Social and Behavioral aspects of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy and its Environment
• Principles of Public Health Research
• Pharmaceutical Marketing
• Pharmacoepidemiology
• Hospital Pharmacy Administration
• Hospital Pharmacy Survey
• Social Psychology in Pharmacy
• Social Measurement in Pharmacy
• Experimental Pharmacology
• Anthropology
• Public Health

Those students who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Pharmacy but with a mix of an inter-related field can go for joint degrees. During a Joint PhD in Pharmacy program, one needs to work on drug utilisation research, patient safety, international medical regulations, transfer of care and organisational systems amongst others. These topics of research traverse many disciplines such as Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, Statistics, Psychology, Global Medicine, Law, etc. 

While universities in USA continue to attract a considerably high number of prospective doctoral researchers, pursuing a PhD in Europe is an equally appreciated option as well. The program specifics and application requirements of a PhD in Pharmacy might slightly vary from one university to another. Some of the leading institutions to pursue a doctoral degree in Pharmacy include

• University of Manchester, UK
• University of Washington, USA
• University of Southern California, USA
• University of Minnesota, USA
• John Hopkins University, USA
• Karolinska Institutet, Sweden 
• Utrecht University, Netherlands

Note: Students must peruse individual course offerings of a university, its application requirements and curriculum given at its official website to know more about the nature of the course.

Doctoral degrees are highly specialised study programs focused on building a profound understanding of a relevant subject. They require a defined approach toward career development and goals. However, it is natural to feel unsure of the particular sub-field of the PhD program that you should go for. The first-of-its-kind AI tool at Leverage Edu can help you achieve it organically a based on algorithmic as it suggests specialisations after mapping of your interests and inclinations, thereby helping you take the first step towards a vibrant career.

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs ranked among best in nation

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Graduate Schools” list named multiple Carolina graduate degree programs in the top 10, including UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at No. 1.

Numerous UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs received high rankings – 20 were among the top 10 in the nation in their respective categories – as part of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list.

For the third time in a row (2016, 2020 and 2024), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is the top pharmacy school in the U.S. The rankings are based on a survey of peers from accredited pharmacy schools across the country and are published every four years.

The Gillings School of Global Public Health was ranked second out of 213 schools and programs of public health in the U.S. for the seventh consecutive rankings period. The Gillings School has also maintained its position as the top public school of public health and has been ranked among the top schools and programs of public health by U.S. News since the magazine first ranked public health schools in 1987. U.S. News & World Report does not rank all graduate programs each year.

“Carolina’s graduate programs are exceptional, and it’s no surprise that our schools are ranked so highly among peer institutions by U.S. News and World Report, as well as other measures,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Interim Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “Carolina is always proud to be recognized for our dedication to a world-class education. Every one of our graduate programs contributes to making us the leading public research university.”

Altogether, 23 programs increased their rankings, including multiple programs in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Nursing, School of Education, Kenan-Flagler Business School and UNC School of Law.

“These rankings represent the hard work of our faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to moving Carolina forward through their incredible efforts each day,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Provost Chris Clemens. “It is gratifying to see this public recognition of their commitment to the mission of our graduate programs in research, teaching and public service. Even more than in the rankings, the proof of their work is the quality of our students and our passionate alumni who lead in so many fields.”

The School of Social Work moved up three spots in the latest rankings to a tie for fourth overall and is tied for second among public universities.

This year marks the first time since U.S. News & World Report began ranking law schools in 1987 that UNC School of Law has reached No. 20 out of 196 law schools. The UNC School of Law is also the seventh-ranked public law school.

Additional UNC-Chapel Hill rankings for 2024 follow.

Please note: Not all graduate programs are ranked by U.S. News & World Report every year. For a complete list of rankings for UNC-Chapel Hill, visit the U.S. News & World Report website .

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Gillings school of global public health.

• First public, second overall

Specialty Areas

• Health Behavior, second
• Biostatistics, third
• Epidemiology, third
• Health Policy and Management, fourth
• Environmental Health Science, eighth

School of Social Work

• Tied for fourth

School of Nursing

• Nursing Schools, Master’s Programs, tied for eighth
• Nursing Schools – DNP Programs, tied for 17th
• Nursing Master’s, Administration/Management, fourth
• Nursing Master’s, Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric/Mental Health, fourth
• Nursing Master’s, Nurse Practitioner: Family, tied for sixth
• Nursing DNP, Psychiatric/Mental Health, third
• Nursing DNP, Family, tied for sixth

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

• Tied for 20th
• Real Estate, ninth
• Accounting, tied for 13th
• Executive MBA, 14th
• Management, 16th
• Production Operations, 16th
• Finance, 20th
• Marketing, tied for 25th

UNC School of Education

• Tied for 25th
• Special Education, tied for 13th
• Elementary Teacher Education, tied for 14th
• Educational Psychology, tied for 15th
• Education Policy, tied for 16th
• Secondary Teacher Education, tied for 17th
• Educational Administration, tied for 17th
• Curriculum and Instruction, tied for 22nd

College of Arts and Sciences

Computer science.

• Overall, 27th

Public Affairs

• Overall, 39th (Master of Public Policy)

As part of the public affairs category, U.S. News and World Report ranked Carolina programs and specialty areas based in the School of Government and the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of public policy.

School of Government

• Public Affairs, 23rd (Master of Public Administration)
• Local Government Management, second
• Leadership, 10th
• Public Finance, 18th

UNC School of Law

• Legal Writing, tied for 20th
• Criminal Law, tied for 20th
• Tax Law, tied for 20th
• Business/Corporate Law, tied for 22nd
• Clinical Training, tied for 23rd
• Contracts/Commercial Law, 23rd
• Health Care Law, tied for 28th
• Constitutional Law, tied for 29th
• Environmental Law, tied for 45th
• International Law, tied for 52nd
• Intellectual Property Law, tied for 53rd
• Trial Advocacy, tied for 118th

UNC School of Medicine (additional Rankings will be available at a later date)

• Audiology, tied for third
• Occupational Therapy, fifth
• Physical Therapy, 11th
• Speech Language Pathology, 12th

School of Education students networked in Raleigh with representatives from 11 state agencies.

Global studies scholar aspires to diplomacy

After earning a master’s degree, Kat Goodpaster became assistant director of Carolina’s Russian Flagship Program.

Public Service Awards go to 7 people, 2 groups

The Carolina Center for Public Service honored work on health disparities, refugee aid and more.

Broadway writer brings new comedy to PlayMakers

Fresh off the debut of her musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” Bekah Brunstetter ’04 will debut “The Game” in Chapel Hill.

Arts Everywhere Day set for April 12

The eighth annual campus-wide event celebrates artists creating in all mediums.

Are you ready to run, hide and fight/defend?

Active Shooter and Critical Incident Response training customizes emergency preparedness to your workspace.

EcoStudio matches Tar Heels with internships

Since 2018, the program has helped 466 students explore careers in environment and sustainability.

Morrison Art Studio provides place to create

In this video, learn how one student uses this residence hall space to pursue her passion outside the classroom.

Share on Mastodon

University of South Florida

Main Navigation

Nearly two dozen graduate programs at USF considered among the best in America

• April 9, 2024

University News

By Althea Johnson , University Communications and Marketing

The University of South Florida is home to nearly two dozen graduate programs considered among the best in America, according to new rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report. USF features 23 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100 among all public and private institutions, including 11 ranked in the top 50.

USF’s highest-ranked programs are industrial and organizational psychology at No. 3, criminology at No. 18 and audiology, which comes in at No. 22. 

Among USF Health’s ranked programs, nursing anesthesia jumped 58 spots into the top 50, the physical therapy program rose by double digits to No. 33 and the nursing master’s program now sits in the top 25 at No. 24. 

In addition, USF’s social work and part-time MBA programs both saw double-digit gains and the education program broke into the top 50.  

“We are thrilled that many University of South Florida graduate programs are included among the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings,” USF President Rhea Law said. “This recognition underscores the commitment of our faculty and staff, who continue to provide high-quality programs that empower our students to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge and progress in their careers by earning an advanced degree.”

Full list of USF’s top 50 programs:

Industrial and Organizational Psychology* – 3 Criminology* – 18 Audiology – 22 Nursing – Master’s – 24 Library and Information Studies* – 27 Public Health – 29 Physical Therapy – 33 Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice – 34 Nursing – Anesthesia – 36 Rehabilitation Counseling* – 46 Education – Overall – 48

Full list of USF’s 51-100 programs:

Healthcare Management*– 52 Speech-Language Pathology – 52 Business ‐ Part‐time MBA – 53 Earth Sciences* – 54 Pharmacy – 60 Physician's Assistant/Associate Studies* – 65 Fine Arts* – 73 Social Work – 83  Statistics* – 86  Business – Full-time MBA – 87  Sociology* – 92 Psychology* – 97  

As U.S. News does not release new rankings for every program, every year, rankings denoted with an asterisk have been republished this year. U.S News also announced that medical, engineering and clinical psychology school rankings will be released at a later date. 

According to U.S. News, rankings are generated through “ranking indicators” derived from reputation and/or data reported by each institution.  For some programs, U.S. News evaluates key areas such as expert opinions in the field, opportunities for student engagement, resources for student support and career success, as well as faculty and student performance, in terms of existing credentials, research impact and metrics such as student job placement.

In addition to the graduate program rankings, in September 2023 U.S. News ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for the fifth consecutive year , and the university earned its highest ranking ever among all universities public or private. 

Return to article listing

U.S. News and World Report

News Archive

Learn more about USF's journey to Preeminence by viewing Newsroom articles from past years.

USF in the News

Business observer: usf embraces opportunities to connect with more businesses.

April 10, 2024

NPR: A professor worried no one would read an algae study. So she had it put to music

April 4, 2024

Tampa Bay Times: Tampa doctors fit device that restores arm movement to stroke victims

March 27, 2024

Associated Press: Debate emerges over whether modern protections could have saved Baltimore bridge

More USF in the News

Binghamton University graduate programs ranked among best in nation by U.S. News

Business and pharmacy programs reach top 100.

• share twitter
• share linkedin
• share email

Several of Binghamton University’s graduate programs placed prominently on this year’s prestigious U. S. News & World Report’ s Best Graduate Schools list.

This year’s highlights include business and pharmacy programs cracking the top 100; and three programs from the College of Community and Public Affairs.

“I’m happy to see so many Binghamton graduate programs recognized on this well-respected list,” said President Harvey Stenger. “These are top-tier programs that provide students with the knowledge and preparation they need to become experts in their fields, and this ranking affirms that.”

Each year, U.S. News ranks graduate programs based on business, education, law, nursing and other fields; more than 80 programs were ranked this year. Rankings are based on statistical surveys of programs and reputation surveys sent to academics and professionals. Some programs are ranked by a unique methodology. For example, business rankings compare full-time MBA programs on “career placement success, student excellence and qualitative assessments by experts.”

Rankings for 12 of the disciplines this year are based on surveys from academic leaders at peer institutions. Highlights from this year’s rankings include:

• The College of Community and Public Affairs saw its public administration program jump from #72 to #65; social work was ranked #77 and education was ranked #130.
• The School of Management jumped from #104 to #90 for business , reaching the top 100 for the first time.
• The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences was tied for #95 for pharmacy .
• Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science saw its computer science program jump from #105 to #96.
• Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences was ranked #102 for nursing and #159 for occupational therapy .

“That several programs across a wide variety of disciplines were named to this year’s list speaks to the strength of our graduate offerings and the breadth of knowledge the University has to offer,” said Provost Donald Hall. “We’re ready to train tomorrow’s healthcare workers, scientists, engineers and leaders across society.”

Not every graduate program is ranked annually by U.S. News ; here is a list of other Binghamton programs that have been previously recognized:

• Watson was ranked #112 for engineering in 2023.
• Harpur College of Arts and Sciences has had numerous programs ranked in recent years. In 2023, chemistry was #101, physics was #123 and mathematics was #103. In 2022, political science was #59, history was #67, economics was #79, statistics was #72, geology (earth sciences) was #89; English was #73, psychology was #88, biology (biological sciences) was #119, and sociology was #70. In 2020, clinical psychology was ranked #37.

A full list of the University’s U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings can be found online .

Related Stories

PhD Students Anjali Dixit and Yijun Gu Honored as Vertex Scholars at 2024 Vertex Day

On March 28, 2024, the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences hosted another successful Vertex Day!

Vertex Day, an annual collaboration between Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences going back 15+ years, is a one-day event that features presentations from faculty, Vertex scientists, and the year’s Vertex scholars, as well as a Vertex career panel. Founding Dean Jan Hirsch welcomed everyone to the event, with Dr. Brian Paegel (Associate Dean of Research) providing introductions and Dr. Benita Sjogren serving as UCI faculty speaker. Vertex Pharmaceuticals was represented by Sabine Hadida (Senior Vice President and San Diego Site Head), AJ Roecker (Executive Director, Medicinal Chemistry), Lily Feng (Research Scientist, High Throughput Biology), Anne Phan (Senior Research Scientist, Molecular and Cell Biology) Les Dakin (Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry), Jamie Arterton (Executive Director Project Management & Strategic Operations), and Britt Davis (Senior Director, Human Resources). Dakin presented “Discovery of Inaxaplin for APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)” during the event.

Anjali Dixit and Yijun Gu were honored as the 2024 Vertex scholars!

Dixit is a fifth-year student in the PhD in Pharmacological Sciences program, co-advised by Dr. Brian Paegel and Dr. David Mobley . She is a UC Santa Barbara alumna, with a BS in Pharmacology and BA in Psychology. Following her undergraduate research on fMRI imaging, Dixit has centered her studies on finding a closer relationship with current pharmaceutical development and the intricacies of drug design and informatics-based design and synthesis of novel compounds for activity-based screening using DNA-encoded libraries.

“Being chosen as a Vertex scholar is an honor!” said Dixit. “It is so exciting to showcase my work and that of my lab in front of industry professionals, especially the highly innovative minds at Vertex. I’d like to thank Vertex for their continued support of our program, as it facilitates groundbreaking research and fosters the culture of technology development and drug discovery at UCI.”

Gu is a researcher in Dr. Claudia Benavente’s lab who earned her BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UCI. Entering the PhD in Pharmacological Sciences program with an interest in cancer biology and biochemistry, Gu’s research focuses primarily on translational study, developing RNA tools, and the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. She aims to identify the driver of tumors with Retinoblastoma1(Rb1) gene inactivation, particularly small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In 2023, Gu and Dr. Benavente were awarded a grant from the American Lung Association to support their research into SCLC therapies.

“I am deeply grateful for being chosen as a Vertex scholar,” Gu shared. “It is indeed an honor to have my research in small cell lung cancer supported by Vertex, which is renowned for its significant contributions to the treatment of cystic fibrosis.”

“We are thankful to Vertex Pharmaceuticals for their continued support of our PhD students,” said Sonia Batra, Director of Development for the UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Anjali Dixit and Yijun Gu are stellar students and are very deserving of this honor.”

Check out photos from this year’s Vertex Day here !

Share this post: