PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

Doctoral students combine formal courses with hands-on laboratory research aimed at finding and developing new therapies. The shared curriculum draws on pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics and biomedical science. Departmental research is concentrated on five areas: cancer, delivery of drugs, genetics, eye disease and neuropharmacology. Each student pairs the courses with concentrated research in one of these specialties, which builds the foundation for careers in academia, industry and other research settings. Candidates choose either a 60-credit or a 90-credit plan and should expect to spend three to five years on the degree. The department looks for applicants who completed undergraduate or professional training in pharmacy, biology, chemistry or a similar science, enjoy laboratory investigation, like solving problems, think analytically and collaborate readily with research colleagues. Career destinations listed include the drug industry, universities, regulatory affairs and national labs. Study is located on the Brookings main campus, and students are admitted in the fall.