phd programs in pharmacy

• 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.

• Download our PhD Viewbook

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. 
• Outcomes and 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

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Graduate Pharmacy Programs

With one of the oldest, most respected, and most comprehensive graduate programs in the U.S., Purdue College of Pharmacy prepares students for challenging, top-paying careers in the field of pharmacy. PhD degrees are available from each of the three departments of Purdue College of Pharmacy (see below); the Department of Pharmacy Practice also admits students for MS degrees.

• Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics
• Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Practice

Students are encouraged to evaluate the College's three graduate program so that they can determine which program best suits their interests and career goals. This is one of the most important decisions a prospective graduate student can make, since transferring between graduate programs usually involves starting one's graduate career over again.

Each graduate program has certain course, examination, and thesis requirements, but the length of time required to complete each graduate degree is tailored to meet the individual goals and interests of the students. The College of Pharmacy has established a maximum limit of 8 years for completion of any graduate program, although some programs in the College may have established shorter time limits for completion of certain degrees.

These research-based degrees typically qualify graduates for work in the following research-related areas:

• performing research
• technical writing
• technical marketing
• research administration
• regulatory affairs
• government regulation

Recipients of the PhD degree are additionally qualified for academic professorships. Students obtaining any graduate degree in pharmacy may simultaneously seek secondary education teaching certification through the School of Education and the appropriate state certification board.

NEXT: Graduate Pharmacy Programs Admissions

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 pharmacy schools in NIH and total research funding

Among pharmacy schools, Best World Universities in Pharmacy and Pharmacology QS World Rankings

Best World Universities in Pharmacy and Pharmacology QS World Rankings

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

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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 ~8-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.

PhD Program: Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist Program

The Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist Program is a specialty track/program in which students with expertise in pharmacotherapeutics investigate both the clinical and mechanistic elements of drug therapy issues.

• You will learn experimental design, experimental methods, data analysis, and data interpretation of human-based research projects.
• You will study how research discoveries are translated into practices that promote health and prevent disease.
• You will learn the process required to implement new therapies as standards of care through human-based research projects.

The is a specialized track within the graduate program that educates students to conduct pharmaceutical research at the interface of the bench and bedside. Learn more about the Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program »

Pitt is one of the first programs in the country to offer a PhD in clinical and translational research in the pharmaceutical sciences. To date, the program has graduated in excess of forty students who have been recruited to academic, government, and pharmaceutical industry positions. Learn more about why to choose Pitt for Clinical Pharmaceutical Science »

Individuals with a prior advanced degree in the health sciences (PharmD or other degree in the health sciences) will be considered for admission to the Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program .

The curriculum is composed of coursework and experiences designed to train students to achieve the core competencies   of clinical researchers in the pharmaceutical sciences.

We have identified the core competencies of clinical researchers in the pharmaceutical sciences. Our interactive tool details the skills that all students within the Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program achieve through graduate training and can be used to differentiate this training from traditional graduate and fellowship programs

View a list of all students currently in the Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program  »

View a list of all the Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program faculty »

View a list of frequently asked questions  »

Primary Contact  

Philip E. Empey, PharmD, PhD Associate Professor 205 Salk Pavilion Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Phone: 412-648-7219 Fax: 412-624-1850 E-mail: [email protected]

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PhD PROGRAMS OFFERED

A master's degree may be earned during the completion of the PhD.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must:

• Hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Degree holders from non-U.S. institutions should refer to Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions.

International applicants must:

• Take one of these English proficiency tests:

International applicants are exempt from submitting an official English proficiency score if:

• The degree was earned from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English. This exception does not apply if some classes completed were taught in a language other than English. Verification from the school may be required.
• The degree was earned from a country where the official language is English (e.g., United States of America, Australia, England).

The College of Pharmacy admits new graduate students for the fall term only. The deadline for each PhD program is:

• Medicinal Chemistry: December 1
• Pharmaceutical Sciences: December 1
• Clinical Pharmacy Translational Science:   December 1 

All applicants to our PhD programs use the online application provided through the Rackham Graduate School.

• Before applying review the Rackham Admissions website
• Read the "Applying to UM-Ann Arbor page and set up an Application Account
• Review the " How to Submit More Than One Application " page if you are applying to more than one program using the Rackham application

Note: Our PhD programs do not generally accept applications to do PhD work with specific faculty. The normal process is to apply to the PhD program through the Graduate School (as described).

Your application will then be considered along with all the other applications we receive. During their first year, our students perform research rotations in faculty labs, and at the end of the winter term, students are matched with a faculty member who will mentor them through their PhD studies.

• Fees are waived for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• $90 for international applicants

Rackham will not process an application without the application fee, nor can the College review applications prior to the payment of this fee. The fee is waived for applicants to the Clinical Pharmacy Translational Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and the Pharmaceutical Sciences programs who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Some fee waivers are available from the Rackham Graduate School; for more information click here.

The following documents are required for application to our PhD programs and are due, with your online application, by the deadline:

• The GRE is not required.
• One set of official academic transcripts from completed degree(s)
•   Review this webpage for instructions regarding the submission of transcripts :  https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/transcripts/
• Review this webpage for instructions regarding the submission of Academic Credentials from Non-US Institutions:   https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/required-credentials-from-non-us-institutions/
• A concise (1-2 pages), well-written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how the PhD program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• A concise (500-word limit) essay that describes how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a PhD in our program. Please do not simply restate your Academic Statement of Purpose.
• These should be written by people capable of evaluating your academic progress and potential for graduate study. Letters must be submitted directly by each recommender.
• Recommenders should submit the Recommendation form and their letters using the online application site. This is the preferred method of submission; so please be sure to enter information for each of your recommenders on your application as required.
• If a recommender is unable to access the site after you have submitted your application, he or she can email the letter directly to the PhD program.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadline. Late letters may result in a delay in processing your application. Click here for more information on submitting letters.

International applicants must also submit:

• For transcript requirements for international applicants, please click here
• TOEFL scores are sent electronically from ETS directly to the University of Michigan (institution code: 1839).
• IELTS, ECPE, and MELAB scores are sent directly from the testing agency to the Rackham Graduate School at the following address:

Rackham Graduate School 915 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070

• After admission to the program: The Affidavit of Financial Resources and Immigration Information for International Students, with supporting documentation, is required. This form is necessary, regardless of funding.

General questions about applying to College of Pharmacy programs can be submitted by e-mail using the following addresses:

• Medicinal Chemistry: [email protected]
• Pharmaceutical Sciences: [email protected]
• Clinical Pharmacy: [email protected]

Complete department mailing addresses, as well as program information, are available via these links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, all applicants are required to apply online. This allows your application and fee to be sent directly to the appropriate places, enabling us to process your application much faster.

• The application fee is automatically waived for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Some applicants may qualify for application fee waivers or grants that are available from the Rackham Graduate School; for more information click here.

No. The fee must be paid before an application can be processed or evaluated.

Yes. Everything must be translated, and both the originals and translations must be submitted.

When evaluating applications, we look at the whole picture and every piece is important. This is why we wait until we have all of your documents before we will look at your application. Strong letters of recommendation are key.

International students must take one of the following English proficiency tests: the TOEFL , the IELTS , or the MELAB .

Official GRE scores: 

TOEFL, IELTS, and MELAB scores are valid for two years.

The minimum TOEFL score is 560 for paper-based tests and 84 for IBT tests; the IELTS minimum score is 6.5; the MELAB minimum score is 80.

No. If you have, or will have, a degree from a U.S. institution prior to enrolling at the University of Michigan, you will not need to retake the TOEFL (or the IELTS or MELAB).

The preferred method for submitting recommendations is via the online application. Those who are recommending you can complete this online form and attach the letter of recommendation online. Both the Recommendation Form and the letter are needed. You can forward the Rackham Graduate School link to your letter writers and they can download the form themselves.

Strong letters of recommendation are essential; therefore you should choose your recommenders carefully. Choose faculty who know you well and can speak to your strengths, preferably from your area of research interest. A letter from a professional, or a key educational administrator might also be appropriate. Letters from personal friends or family members are discouraged.

Both the Recommendation Form and the letter are needed. If necessary, you can forward the Rackham link to your letter writers and they can download the form themselves.

The College of Pharmacy offers a master's in Integrated Pharmaceutical Sciences. More information about this program can be found at the following link:  https://pharmacy.umich.edu/prospective-students/programs

This is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are. You should talk about your background, your educational, research, and career goals, and how our graduate program will help you realize those goals. Note that this differs from the personal statement.

• No. The department will use the transcript that is submitted with the applicant's online application. Only Rackham must have original, official transcripts or mark sheets, bearing the institution's official seal.
• Please note: Rackham Graduate School conducts a complete audit of each transcript. Due to the high volume of documents being audited, it may take 7 to 14 business days for the notice of receipt to appear online.

The College of Pharmacy has a long history of funding most, if not all, of its PhD students, but such support is not guaranteed. Financial aid comes in the form of departmental fellowships, research assistantships, and student instructorships. Funding for successive years is contingent upon the availability of funds and a student's academic performance for the previous year(s).

Graduate programs at the U-M College of Pharmacy are highly regarded for their interdisciplinary emphasis and are directed by faculty with international reputations for excellence in research and teaching. To learn more about their research, go to the department sites and click on the faculty links.

Rackham Graduate School will notify you to submit the Affidavit of Financial Resources and Immigration Information for International Students only if you are offered admission by the academic program. Please do not submit this form with your application.

PhD in Pharmacological Sciences

Fall 2025 Admission Deadline: December 2, 2024

UC Irvine’s PhD in Pharmacological Sciences program provides a unique opportunity for those interested in any scientific discipline represented by the Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty to have a year of broad, interdisciplinary training and self-selected lab rotations followed by focused doctoral research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences research group of their choice.

Students can choose from one of three tracks within the program: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology or Medicinal Chemistry.

The current areas of study in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department include:

• Structural and chemical biology
• Medicinal chemistry
• Structure-based drug design
• Molecular neuropharmacology
• Pharmacology of aging
• Molecular evolution
• Synthetic biology
• Natural product biosynthesis and synthase engineering
• Cancer prevention and therapy
• Gene regulation and intercellular signaling
• Computational biology and bioinformatics
• Nanomedicine for targeted drug and gene delivery

“The school has rotations that are longer than most departments – lasting a full quarter as opposed to a few weeks – which allows you to get a taste for what research is like in the industry and to really figure out what environments are best suitable for you.” David Wych, PhD ’21

About Our PhD Program

The Pharmacological Sciences PhD program is flexible and tailored to the needs of each individual student. Students are actively engaged in research throughout their training: In the first year, laboratory rotations ensure exposure to a variety of techniques and research problems. By the end of their first year students have worked with several faculty members and selected a lab to join. During their third year, students are considered for advancement to PhD candidacy on the basis of academic standing, laboratory performance, and a qualifying examination. After advancement to candidacy, students devote their time to completion of an original research dissertation.

CLICK HERE  to view the sample curriculum for the Pharmaceutical Sciences Track.

CLICK HERE  to view the sample curriculum for the Pharmacology Track.

CLICK HERE  to view the sample curriculum for the Medicinal Chemistry Track.

For more details regarding the required course work, please visit our program’s section in the  UCI General Catalogue .

Application Instructions

Complete the  Online Application  which is submitted to the UCI Graduate Division. When completing the “Degree Program” section of the online application for admission, please make the following selections:

• School/Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Major/Degree: Pharmacological Sciences-PhD

Students are admitted to the Pharmacological Sciences PhD program on an annual basis in the fall quarter only. The admissions committee screens applications immediately after the application deadline. First round applicants selected to interview will be notified by early January. Admitted applicants can expect to receive an offer of admission in late January through mid-March.

Submit applications by December 1 for full consideration

The online application and supporting materials should be received by December 1, 2023.

Applicants are required to submit:

• An official  online application  including the application fee ($135 for domestic applicants, i.e. US citizens and permanent residents and $155 for international applicants)
• For application review purposes only, scan and upload copies of transcripts for all institutions attended since high school. In the online application, you will be prompted to upload your scanned documents. Please upload both the front and back sides of the transcript. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits and grading legend. Official transcripts will be requested by the Graduate Division if and when you are admitted and decide to attend UCI. Do not send official transcripts until this time.
• A Statement of Purpose – must include your specific research interest and three possible research advisors you would be interested in working with. You can describe your research interests, career goals, and other related information.
• A Personal History Statement – this can discuss how your personal background– including any relevant educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges or opportunities– informs your decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacological Sciences. If you have overcome socioeconomic or educational challenges, please indicate that you are a diversity candidate and describe your experience in detail. 
• Three letters of recommendation – uploaded to the online application by your recommender.
• UCI no longer requires the GRE.
• International students are also required to submit TOEFL scores (Code: 4859)

Applicants are encouraged to upload the following in their application:

• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• List of publications

For additional details about applying to the PhD in Pharmacological Sciences program, view our information sheet here .

Prerequisites

• An MS degree is  not  required for consideration. However, research experience (laboratory or fieldwork) is  a primary criterion  for acceptance into our graduate programs.
• Some biology and chemistry courses are required. However, because we are an interdisciplinary program, we admit students from various academic backgrounds, so there are no specific course requirements. Applicants recently admitted to our program have undergraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including molecular biology, psychology, and chemical engineering, as well as chemistry and biology.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Admission Statistics

The acceptance rate for the Pharmacological Sciences program is approximately 23%, and admitted applicants from previous cycles had the below characteristics:

• Average undergraduate GPA: 3.32

Student Funding

Admitted applicants receive funding for tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend/salary through a combination departmental or university fellowships and/or teaching assistant (TA) and graduate student researcher (GSR) positions in their first year. In years two through five, students are generally funding by their faculty advisor as GSRs, as well as through a combination of university fellowships, extramural grants/fellowships, and/or TA positions.

Diversity Fellowships

UCI is committed to the recruitment, admission, and retention of a high quality and diverse graduate student population and has several  diversity fellowships  for new and returning students who qualify.  If you have overcome socioeconomic or educational challenges, please indicate that you are a diversity candidate and describe your experience in detail within the Personal History section of the application.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

TOEFL or IELTS

All graduate applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admissions consideration. Applicants are waived from the English Language Proficiency requirement if they have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the  World Higher Education Database (WHED) .  Please see  WHED’s instructions  on how to search for your institution. If English is not the sole language of instruction listed or if no language is listed at all, the waiver does not apply and the applicant is required to take and pass an approved English proficiency test.  Approved tests and minimum scores are outlined in the next section.  

Please note: Test results that are two years old or older are not acceptable.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If a student will be supported as a Teaching Assistant (TA), please read the  English proficiency summary chart for teaching assistants . Students who have not earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to WHED are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to serve as a TA when they apply to the program. 

The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

• Please select institution code  4859  to have your official score sent to UCI. No department code is needed.
• We only accept scores submitted electronically by ETS.
• Test results that are two years old or older are  not acceptable .
• We do not accept  MyBest  scores; you must submit all individual test scores.
• Results of institutional (non-ETS) administrations of the TOEFL are  not acceptable .
• We will accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test.  The same minimum score applies.
• We do  NOT  accept the TOEFL ITP Plus test for China or the TOEFL Essentials test.
• For more information, please visit their website at  www.ets.org/toefl

TOEFL Score Requirements for Admission Consideration:

• An overall minimum score of  80 
• A minimum score of 26 on the speaking section to be eligible for a Teaching Assistant position

As an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

• We only accept scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted.
• We will accept the IELTS Indicator test.  The same minimum score applies.
• An institutional code is NOT required. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system. All IELTS test centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution. 
• For more information, please visit their website at  www.ielts.org

IELTS Score Requirements for Admission Consideration:

• An overall minimum score of 7 for admission, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.
• A Minimum score of 8 on the speaking module to be eligible for a Teaching Assistant position.

Ph.D. Program in 'Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development'

Graduate education in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development (PSDD) provides training in research strategies in the design and development of novel therapeutic agents to improve human life in disease and health. The PSDD training area will provide translational sciences research training that bridges basic sciences and clinical research for the purpose of addressing the world’s challenges in unmet therapeutic needs. Research in pharmaceutical sciences encompasses multi-faceted, interdisciplinary drug development research.

Training in PSDD for the Ph.D degree with the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program is described at:  https://biomedsci.ucsd.edu/training-areas/molecular-pharmacology.html

This web site includes information for student applications to the PSDD Ph.D program.

Ph.D Training in ‘Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development’ (PSDD)

Faculty Leader Contact:

Vivian Hook ([email protected])

Summary of PSDD Research Training

The Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development (PSDD) training area is a unique joint effort between the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), Center for Drug Discovery Innovation (cDDI), the UCSD Drug Development Pipeline , the Center for Compound Resources, the Center for Computer-Aided Drug Design, with programs of the School of Medicine , School of Engineering , and UC BRAID . The overall goal of this training area is to provide students with a visionary perspective on the drug discovery and development process.

Graduate education in “Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development” (PSDD) provides training in research strategies in the design and development of novel therapeutic agents to improve human life in disease and health.  The PSDD training area will provide translational sciences research training that bridges basic sciences and clinical research for the purpose of addressing the world’s challenges in unmet therapeutic needs to improve human lives.  Research in pharmaceutical sciences encompasses multi-faceted, interdisciplinary drug development research in (a) design and discovery of drug molecules targeted to regulators of disease processes, including marine natural products, (b) in vitro and in vivo efficacy of candidate drug therapies, (c) chemical optimization by medicinal chemistry approaches, (d) drug pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics in ADME research based on drug delivery strategies, (e) safety and toxicity of drug molecules, and (f) advanced analytical technologies of drug molecule properties.  Graduate students will be trained in these disciplines through a complete curriculum and state-of-the-art research strategies for drug development.  Faculty of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) and the BMS program will train students in the area of PSDD.  PSDD training will provide students with exciting opportunities in the professional field to become leaders in academic, government, private industry, biotechnology, and related areas to advance innovative drug development via pharmaceutical sciences research.

PhD degree:

Students apply for admissions to the UCSD ‘Biomedical Graduate Program’ (BMS) for training by faculty in ‘Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development (PSDD).  Research training in PSDD is associated with the BMS areas of ‘Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery’.   Graduate students of the BMS program deveop their Individual Development Plans (IDP) with faculty advisors of the program.  The IDP plans the research, coursework, and degree requirements for the student.

How to Apply

Training Areas

Individual Development Plans

PharmD/PhD degree:

First year pharmacy students can pursue the PharmD/PhD degree by conducting 3 research rotations with faculty on research topics of PSDD during years 1-2 of the pharmacy curriculum.  Pharmacy students in their 2nd year can apply for admissions for the PhD program of the Biomedical Sciences graduate program at UCSD (see previous paragraph).  See information about the dual PharmD/Ph.D degree at

https://pharmacy.ucsd.edu/degree-programs/dual-pharmd-phd-program

Core Graduate Courses in ‘Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development’

SPPS 263A   Principles in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development: Pre-Clinical Drug Discovery and Development

PPS 263B     Principles in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development: Pre-Clinical to Clinical Drug Development

Courses in Selected Areas of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development

SPPS 226     Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics

SPPS 219     Pharmacogenomics

SPPS 222     Pharmaceutical and Physical Chemistry

SPPS 223     Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

SPPS 224     Biopharmaceutics

SPPS 225     Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems

SPPS 268     Systems Mass Spectrometry

SPPS 281     Medicinal Aspects of Natural Products

Faculty in Drug Discovery & Development in Pharmaceutical Sciences

PhD Program Overview

The  Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison provides a rigorous background in scientific disciplines that are critical to the preparation of the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists. With approximately 30 faculty trainers and approximately 65 graduate students, the program’s interdisciplinary training combines pharmaceutically relevant aspects of classical disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and engineering. This training allows our graduates to pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and other sectors.

Students earn a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, concentrating in one of three research cores:   Drug Discovery ,  Drug Action , or  Drug Delivery .

Research in  Drug Discovery  focuses on areas related to medicinal chemistry such as small molecule development, natural products isolation and characterization, organic synthesis, chemical biology, and rational drug design.

Drug Action   research focuses on areas related to pharmacology, toxicology, cellular differentiation, development, and disease. Interests include the impact of drugs and toxins on biological systems, mechanisms of normal biology, and mechanisms of disease. These are studied at the cellular, genetic, molecular, and biochemical levels using diverse model systems.

Drug Delivery research emphasizes principles in physical chemistry and drug transport, aiming for advances in formulation, drug targeting, and multi-modal therapy. This includes research involving biomaterials, cell engineering, immunotherapy, liquid biopsy, molecular recognition, molecular imaging, nanomedicine, pharmacokinetics, and solid-state chemistry.

We invite you to explore our webpages to learn more about the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, our PhD program, and life in Madison.

Lara Collier, PhD Director of Graduate Studies Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program

Contact us at: [email protected]

Other Degrees in the School of Pharmacy

Bs pharmacology – toxicology.

An interdisciplinary, research-driven, biomedical health focused undergraduate major

Doctor of Pharmacy

4-year program that trains students to become a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation, MS

An interdisciplinary Master’s program focused on the psychoactive pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries (psychedelic, entheogen, and cannabinoid research/application)

Applied Drug Development, MS

An accelerated master’s program focused on developing practical and professional skills needed across the lifecycle of drug development, manufacturing, and ongoing safety management

Health System Pharmacy Administration, MS/Residency

A combined Master’s degree and residency that provides a solid background in academics and the administration of exemplary pharmacy services across an integrated health system

Health Services Research in Pharmacy, PhD

Prepares health services researchers to best meet the needs of patients and the communities in which they live, with a focus on improving medication outcomes

Questions about our program?

Check our FAQ page for detailed answers to common questions

Visit FAQ page

We’re here to help – send us your questions at any time!

Send us an email

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Why study pharmaceutical sciences.

Unleash your potential in the dynamic field of pharmaceutical sciences through our PhD program. Designed to inspire and challenge, our comprehensive curriculum combines cutting-edge coursework with advanced research, allowing you to delve into captivating areas such as pioneering drug development, unraveling the intricate impact of medications on the body, exploring breakthrough drug delivery techniques, and maximizing the therapeutic potential of medications for optimal patient outcomes. With flexible scheduling options available, including online and in-person formats, you can tailor your learning experience to fit your needs and preferences. 

Become part of our program and unleash your potential to make groundbreaking contributions that will shape the future of pharmaceutical sciences.

Choose Your Specialization

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

Biomembrane Sciences Track

In the Biomembrane Sciences track, students delve into captivating research projects encompassing drug delivery strategies, cosmetic product safety assessment, mathematical modeling of membrane transport, innovative drug formulations, nanocarrier design, and advancements in skin and hair development.

Experimental Therapeutics Track

Discover a world of possibilities in our Experimental Therapeutics track, where we bridge the gap between innovative therapeutic entities and real-world applications. Explore captivating research opportunities in areas ranging from cancer biomarkers to neuropharmacology, stroke, epilepsy, and more.

Health Outcomes Track

The Health Outcomes track aims to train interdisciplinary scholars in pharmaceutical sciences, economics, business, and quantitative analysis. By conducting research in this emerging field, students develop expertise that can improve patient health. This track offers exciting opportunities to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry's growing demand for scientists skilled in social and administrative aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. Students in the Health Outcomes track explore diverse research projects, ranging from drug safety and pharmacovigilance to pharmacy facility design, operation, and pharmacoeconomics.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related fields from a regionally accredited institution are eligible to apply for our full-time, research-intensive PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Similarly, those with a completed professional degree like PharmD, MD, or DVM also meet eligibility requirements. Interested applicants can directly apply without prior completion of an MS degree. Admission to our competitive program, which offers supervised, full-time research training, is based on a selective process. 

Programmatic minimum admission criteria include:

• A U.S. bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from outside of the U.S.
• A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 or non-U.S. equivalent
• A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 290/3.0 obtained within the past 5 years
• International Applicants: qualifying English language profiency score

Application Documents

To be considered for admission, please complete the UC Graduate Admissions Application and submit the following documents electronically within the application: 

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

Statement of Purpose: Explain your motivation for pursuing a research-intensive PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of Cincinnati. Include your desired research focus area within the broad field of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Submit all university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are sufficient for initial review)

• Three letters of recommendation are required, and we strongly recommend that applicants seek letters from individuals who can provide insights into their research experience. Please note that letters of recommendation from family members, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy will not be accepted. 

Our program opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organizations, academia, and government sectors. Upon graduation, you may find yourself in roles such as a scientist, clinical pharmacologist, clinical trial manager, post-doctoral fellow, or regulatory affairs manager.

Furthermore, there are additional career paths available, including positions as a medical science liaison, pharmaceutical consultant, medical writer, or chemist, providing you with diverse avenues to pursue your passions and contribute to the advancement of the field.

The graduation requirements for this program include: 

Completion of Plan of Study

Successful passing of the PhD qualifier and research proposal

Verification of at least one (1) first-author manuscript related to PhD dissertation research that is accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal

Compliance with degree-required seminar and journal club credit hours per semester

Cumulative grade point average of all didactic courses ≥3.0

Min of 90 credit hrs from track-based curriculum outline

No failing “F” grade in any of the degree-associated graduate courses

Successful upload of a chair-signed dissertation through the Graduate College ETD portal by the specified deadline

• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Biomembrane Sciences Track
• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Health Outcomes Track
• Guide: Pharmaceutical Sciences- Experimental Therapeutics Track

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

All application documents must be electronically submitted through the online application. When completing the online application, please select the desired degree path carefully, as document switches between different tracks are not permitted. Applications are reviewed with the following timeline:

Fall semester applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee in May, with submissions accepted until August 1st

Spring semester applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee in October, with submissions accepted until December 1st

Typically, the Fall semester provides more opportunities for incoming applicants

For further inquiries, contact [email protected] .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Medicine & Health
• Natural Science & Math

Program Code: 25DOC-PCEU-PHD

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice .

• Admissions and Academics

M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the UConn School of Pharmacy offers graduate programs to prepare students for bright futures in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies careers. MS and Ph.D. degrees are available in Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology. Details on specific areas of research emphasis can be found on our faculty research page . Scientists from major pharmaceutical companies in the region provide support to our graduate programs through collaborative research engagement and teaching in our graduate courses. We also work closely with UConn Technology Commercialization Services , a group that specializes in transforming UConn team inventions into products, services, and companies that help society. Please email [email protected] to be connected to a faculty member in your area of interest or fill out our inquiry form.

M.S. and Ph.D. Application Details

Once you are ready to apply all graduate level students must complete and submit an application to the University of Connecticut Graduate School , not directly to the School of Pharmacy or the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

More detail on the Masters and Ph.D. application process along with commonly asked questions.

Apply to The Graduate School

Request Information about our M.S. and Ph.D. programs

Pharmaceutical Sciences brochure

Connect with Student Ambassadors

AAAPS Student Chapter

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Doctor of pharmacy/direct entry.

Combining the best in classroom, laboratory, and experiential learning under the direction of a world-class faculty, right in the heart of Boston. 

With an average class size of 100 students, the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences provides the personal attention of a small program backed by the resources and opportunities of a large university—the best of both worlds. As part of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences , the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences embraces an interdisciplinary emphasis that reflects today’s team approach to health care. State-of-the-art labs, high-tech classrooms, and affiliations with more than 120 teaching sites, provide our students with the required tools for innovative and interactive learning.

Our students promote and ensure the safe and effective use of drugs and provide medication therapy management services. In addition to preparing and dispensing prescribed medications, our students provide information to patients about medications and their uses; advise physicians, other prescribers, and other healthcare practitioners on medication selection, dosages, interactions, and adverse effects; and monitor patient responses to drug therapy.

Our students are well equipped to provide patient care services in a variety of settings. Most of our graduates work in community pharmacies or in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and ambulatory clinics. Additional practice opportunities exist in health maintenance organizations, private practice groups, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, the Public Health Service, the armed services, and law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Graduates may also find employment in drug development, marketing and research within the pharmaceutical industry, colleges of pharmacy, and professional association management. In addition, many of our graduates go on to pharmacy practice residencies, fellowships, and leading graduate programs. The pharmacy curriculum includes introductory (cooperative education) and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. These pharmacy practice experiences are provided primarily under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacist preceptors and occasionally with other qualified healthcare professionals.

More Details

Unique features.

• The only PharmD co-op program in the country
• Students complete both Introductory pharmacy practice experiences and advanced pharmacy practice experiences
• Graduates will be eligible to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination TM (NAPLEX®).

Program Objectives

The goal of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is to prepare graduates for the present and future practice of pharmacy and the advancement of the profession by providing a strong foundation in science and practice that stresses integration and application. Graduates will be prepared to deliver patient-centered care, provide safe and effective medication therapy management, work as members of interprofessional teams, and make significant contributions to contemporary healthcare environments.

Accreditation Description

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Northeastern University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education through June 30, 2024. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education. ACPE (until 2003 known as the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education) was established in 1932 for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy, and in 1975 its scope was broadened to include accreditation of providers of continuing pharmacy education. The mission of ACPE is to assure and advance quality in pharmacy education. ACPE is an autonomous and independent agency whose Board of Directors is appointed by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (three appointments each), and the American Council on Education (one appointment). Since the inception of its accreditation agency recognition program in 1952, ACPE has been recognized continuously by the U.S. Department of Education, and it gained recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in April 2004. State boards of pharmacy require that licensure applicants from the United States have graduated from an accredited pharmacy degree program to be eligible to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX ® ).

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation (recommended sources: pharmacist, employment supervisor, science faculty)
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal statement
• TOEFL for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• PCAT scores are optional
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Undergraduate prerequisites

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Deadline: June 1

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The proximity to Boston’s world renowned healthcare institutions provides the backdrop for a cooperative/experiential education program that is second to none. Our affiliations with such institutions provide our students with a variety of exceptional introductory (IPPE) and advanced (APPE) pharmacy practice experiences. At the heart of the Northeastern model is the cooperative education program, the only program of its kind among U.S. pharmacy schools. Co-ops are four-month experiences that fulfill the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience, which is required in all pharmacy schools.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

You can see the faculty associated with the Doctor of Pharmacy program here .

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Whether it’s placement in a post-graduate fellowship or residency, passing the NAPLEX exam, securing employment, or pursuing an advanced degree, Northeastern  PharmD students are well prepared  and poised to succeed.

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College of Pharmacy

Graduate Studies

Financial support :  students are provided tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend in exchange for part-time employment as a research or teaching assistant..

How to Apply

Request Info

PhD in Health Services Research

PhD in Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics

PhD in Pharmaceutics

Become a Graduate Student at Iowa

You'll Love it Here!

"After researching the UI’s rankings, research strengths, and faculty projects and publications, I was confident that I found the ideal place to further my career. A colleague who completed his degree at the UI College of Pharmacy told me I would not be disappointed"   -Wesam Ismail, PhD Candidate

Where do our Graduate Students Go?

Pharmaceutical Industry

Academia, Tenure-Track

Postdoctoral Positions

Government - Other

M.S. and Ph.D. Programs

Choose pharmacy at the university of texas at austin.

The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy operates longstanding and well-developed graduate training programs in pharmaceutical sciences and translational sciences.

The goal of graduate study at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy is to develop the intellectual breadth and specialized training necessary for a career in teaching, research or advanced professional practice.

Emphasis is placed on the knowledge, methods and skills needed for scholarly teaching; original research and problem solving; intellectual leadership; creative expression; and professional prominence and recognition.

We are committed to eliminating disparities, raising awareness and fostering a culture where everyone has equal opportunities and a sense of belonging in our graduate training program.

The graduate training programs are dedicated to nurturing a culture of acceptance and support and are committed to ensuring that aspiring Pharmacy Longhorns from all backgrounds have equal access to the graduate programs through intentional outreach and engagement efforts.

Ready to apply?

Let's Get Started

Interested in learning more?    Download the UT Austin College of Pharmacy graduate brochure .

Pathway Programs

The UT Austin College of Pharmacy is committed to ensuring that aspiring Pharmacy Longhorns from all backgrounds have equal access to the college through intentional outreach and engagement efforts. The college has multiple programs that demonstrate a commitment to providing a supportive and collaborative approach to student and trainee success.

• LEADER - A Summer Undergraduate Research Program
• BOOT Program - Building Our Own Talent

Visit our Pathway Programs page to learn more.

Pharmaceutical Science Degrees

Pharmaceutical Science is an interdisciplinary field that includes areas of study in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacotherapy, and health outcomes. Students applying to the graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences will select a division-specific training track that most closely matches their interests. The University of Texas College of Pharmacy offers a Ph.D. program with specialization in each of these areas of pharmaceutical sciences and a M.S. degree program that is limited to the pharmacotherapy and health outcomes areas of research.

Graduate training in the pharmaceutical sciences program is housed within five different divisions. Students applying to pharmaceutical sciences select a division-specific training track that most closely matches their interests. Visit each of the division homepages to learn more about faculty research and to get details on the division specific graduate program objectives and curriculum.

Courses of study leading to a master of science degree are only offered in pharmacotherapy and in health outcomes.

Each graduate student’s course of study may be uniquely tailored to meet the specific learning objectives of the student.

• Health Outcomes
• Pharmacotherapy

Graduate education, research, and scholarly work leading to a Ph.D. are developed uniquely for each student as part of his/her plan of work.

Students applying to the graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences will select a division-specific training track that most closely matches their interests.

Each of the five division specific tracks, listed below, have course work and research training specifically tailored for training in the track-specific field.

• Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry
• Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery
• Pharmacology & Toxicology

Translational Science Degree

The Translational Science program is designed to provide training in the area of translational science toward the goal of applying basic biomedical scientific discoveries into strategies that will improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and community health.

For many years, extensive national resources have been devoted to basic biomedical (bench) and clinical (human subject) research; however, significant barriers continue to exist in moving knowledge bi-directionally between basic research, clinical research, and applications to improve health outcomes in individuals and the community. These barriers make it difficult to efficiently and effectively translate new knowledge into improved patient care.

To remedy these problems, Translational Science has emerged as an academic and scientific discipline. Translational Science (TS) is a scientific discipline that investigates methods to move discovery more efficiently and effectively into application. TS investigators must respond, interact, facilitate change, and conduct research within and among varied organizational behaviors, structures, and cultures. TS conducts rigorous studies that close the knowledge gaps between different levels of the research process – the basic science laboratory, clinical research discoveries, and application of these research findings toward disease prevention and management, and strategies to improve human, community, and global health.

The doctoral degree program in Translational Science is offered as a multi-institutional joint degree program between The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), and The University of Texas at San Antonio, in collaboration with The University of Texas School of Public Health regional campus in San Antonio. Graduate students complete their research on the campus of the university of their faculty mentor.

The Translational Science graduate program is designed to leverage the existing resources and expertise in specific key areas of each university to offer a strong, diverse, and competitive Ph.D. training program. This program is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists to lead multi-disciplinary biomedical research teams in increasingly complex research environments. These scientists will advance knowledge in the area of translational research toward the goal of applying basic biomedical scientific discoveries into strategies that will improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and community health.

A complete description of the objectives of this graduate training program, course curriculum and milestones, eligibility for admission, and application process can be found on the UTHSCSA Translational Science site .

Graduate Research Tracks at the College of Pharmacy

Academic Advising

Dr. Maria Croyle , the Graduate Advisor in the College of Pharmacy has overall responsibility for counseling and academic advising of graduate students in pharmaceutical sciences. However, each division within the College of Pharmacy appoints a Division Graduate Adviser, (DGA) who aids the students with course selection and programmatic progress. Each student must be advised by their DGA each semester before registering until they enter candidacy, to ensure the student is on track to graduate.

Contact the Pharmacy Graduate Coordinator in PHR 4.220 (512-471-6590) for an appointment or contact your supervising professor.

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College of Pharmacy - Chicago | Rockford

Guaranteed admissions programs.

The UIC College of Pharmacy offers two types of programs that guarantee a PharmD Program admissions interview to prospective students: UIC's Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) and  State Affiliate Programs (listed below).

We encourage interested prospective students to contact us at PharmD@uic .edu so we can set up a time to meet and discuss these guaranteed programs with you.

Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) Heading link Copy link

GPPA is a UIC program for exceptional high school seniors applying to UIC who want the security of guaranteed admission to a graduate or professional school while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

The program guarantees a number of UIC undergraduate students a seat in the PharmD degree program provided they maintains certain criteria during their undergraduate studies at UIC. The candidates must also successfully fulfill all our admissions and interview criteria.

Undergraduate students admitted to GPPA program must maintain their  Conditions of Acceptance  requirements that will prepare them for their professional school experience in the College of Pharmacy.

Learn more about GPPA

For additional information about GPPA for PharmD, please write to [email protected] . Include in subject line: GPPA information request. And visit the GPPA website for general information for prospective students.

GPPA vs. Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)

GPPA is separate from the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) program, but students can be both GPPA and BSPS students if they are admitted to both. Unlike GPPA, the BSPS program does not guarantee admissions to the PharmD program.

UIC students who have GPPA are not required to major in Pharmaceutical Sciences/BSPS, however it is the only UIC major that will allow them to reduce the total time to the PharmD degree by one full year.

State Affiliate Programs Heading link Copy link

The UIC College of Pharmacy has partnered with Illinois universities and colleges listed below to form the State Affiliate Programs. These programs guarantee a PharmD admissions interview to exceptional undergraduate students who maintain certain academic criteria and successfully fulfill all admissions criteria.

• City Colleges of Chicago (CCC)
• Eastern Illinois University (EIU)
• Heartland Community College (HCC)
• Illinois State University (ISU)
• Northern Illinois University (NIU)
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
• Western Illinois University (WIU)

Admission Requirements to State Affiliate Programs

To be eligible for consideration for admission to a State Affiliate Program, prospective undergraduate students must:

• Complete a minimum of three, semesters (two at community colleges) full-time (minimum of 12 credits) of college coursework at their respective State Affiliate Program institution and have at least 4 full-time semesters (does not apply to community colleges) of coursework remaining in their program. Preference will be given to undergraduate students who have completed some pre-pharmacy coursework.

[Students who began their academic careers outside of a State Affiliate institution and are transfer students into a State Affiliate institution are   not   eligible for the State Affiliate Program. Only students who directly matriculate to these institutions from high school are eligible.]

• Have a minimum cumulative (all coursework) GPA of 3.5/4 at their respective schools.
• Successfully complete an on-site College of Pharmacy interview (UIC campus).
• Demonstrate expressed interest in the profession of pharmacy/healthcare through work or volunteer activities.
• Participate in extracurricular activities at the collegiate level.

Contact us at [email protected] for more information and application materials.

Conditions of Acceptance

If successfully admitted to a State Affiliate Program, a student must meet all  Conditions of Acceptance  to be eligible to matriculate into the UIC College of Pharmacy.

Conditions of Acceptance for:

Illinois Universities Affiliate Programs Illinois Community Colleges Affiliate Programs