In their first two years (P-1 and P-2), the Pharm.D./Ph.D. students will complete the required Pharm.D. curriculum while attending research seminars, and possibly pursue graduate courses as electives. After admission into the graduate program, the students will take required graduate courses in lieu of Pharm.D. courses during their P-3 (G-1) year followed by graduate research during the summer. During their G-2 through G-4 years, the students will complete the graduate course requirements and their required Pharm.D. clerkships and work on their graduate research project. Stipends and tuition may be provided for students serving as graduate teaching or research assistants. During that period, the student will follow procedures prescribed to Ph.D. students in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Students can focus on the following research areas within the School of Pharmacy: pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutical analysis, pharmaceutics/physical pharmacy, pharmacy administration and medicinal chemistry. Also, students may focus on the following research areas within the School of Medicine: pharmacology and toxicology. The choice of research area determines the required graduate course work.

The combined Pharm.D./Ph.D. program in the School of Pharmacy is a full-time program of professional education while offering an opportunity for advanced study in pharmaceutical sciences. The program recognizes the need for pharmacy practitioners with excellent research skills in clinical, academic, industrial and regulatory environments. The programs are designed to take advantage of efficiencies in both the Pharm.D. and the M.S. or Ph.D. programs, and allow students in the combined programs to complete the program requirements of both programs after five or six years with both degrees being awarded at the same graduation ceremony.

Students may be admitted into the program before or during their first two years of enrollment in the Pharm.D. program. Applicants must demonstrate a good academic record, experience in research (e.g., during summer research fellowships with the school’s graduate faculty) and successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Additionally their application must be sponsored by a graduate faculty member.