About the Program

The graduate programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences provide the foundation for academic excellence in the college through the pursuit and discovery of new knowledge based in critical inquiry, scientific method and original research.  The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides students with the fundamental knowledge, technical skills and advanced scholarly preparation to become independent, creative and responsible researchers, scientists and teachers.   The Ph.D. curriculum provides academically rigorous, scientifically strong and technically state-of-the-art courses for the training of scientific researchers and academicians specializing in the biopharmaceutical sciences.   The program will prepare professionals committed to highest ethical standards in their professional conduct and in fulfilling their responsibilities in the community.    The research will help advance knowledge in the biopharmaceutical sciences and gain national recognition for the college.

Degrees are awarded in the following areas of specialization: medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology or industrial pharmacy.  

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts in their area of specialization.   

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, or industrial pharmacy.
  • Understand how the basic principles and concepts are derived from and contribute to current research in area of specialization.


Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the scientific literature and state of art research in their area of specialization with the ability to read and critique scientific papers

  • Present, discuss, and critically evaluate current research papers in their discipline in weekly journal club meetings.
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of research presentations at various professional meetings, scientific symposia, and doctoral seminars by scientists who are considered experts in their respective fields.
  • Evaluate the design and methodology of experimental approaches in area of specialization.

Design and carry out experiments to test scientific hypotheses and add to the knowledge base of their discipline

  • Demonstrate competence in the technical tools and procedures necessary to carry out state of the art research in their discipline through hands-on laboratory courses.
  • Design and carry out original, independent research in their discipline.
  • Understand the application and limitations of statistical tools.
  • Determine the validity of conclusions drawn from experimental data by the application of statistical tools
  • Conduct research that will contribute to knowledge in their discipline.

Conduct scientific research meeting the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • Develop competence in ethical standards of research, work with human subjects and animal experimentation. 

Present the results of scientific experiments to professional peers and engage in discussion of interpretation and significance.

  • The ability to communicate with professionals in their discipline through oral and written presentations. 

Demonstrate the skills needed to write scientific research papers publishable in peer- reviewed journals.

  • Communicate with professionals in their discipline through written presentations.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with scientific journals in chosen discipline and the process for reporting scientific data
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically read scientific literature in the field

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to function as competent professionals in various settings that include pharmaceutical industry, research laboratories, and academia. 

  • Demonstrate through employment in area of specialization use of doctoral training as a basis for successful employment