Department of Graduate Pharmaceutical Sciences offers programs leading to both the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These programs are designed to prepare scientists, educators and practitioners for careers in pharmaceutical education, research, industry, and related areas of specialized practice. The Graduate Affairs Committee, along with the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, administers the admissions, academic standing, curriculum and related affairs of the Department.
Graduate education is highly individualized with respect to both course work and research requirements. After admission, the Graduate Affairs Committee will meet with the student to develop a plan of study. As the student progresses through the curriculum, a faculty mentor and advisory committee will be selected for development of a research project to satisfy the requirements for the graduate degree. The advanced degree is awarded after completion of the approved individual program, which includes a thesis or dissertation based upon the student's research. This research will be original work of a quality that merits publication following critical peer review.
The specialized nature of individual graduate programs of study should not detract from the holistic outlook of the Graduate College. Scientists must be willing to apply information and methods from other fields in the study of their own disciplines. Graduate faculty and students together participate in a wide variety of interdisciplinary seminars, symposia, and related activities at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.
The course of study in the Department of Graduate Pharmaceutical Sciences can vary considerably, depending on the area of specialization and the academic background of the student. However, all students are expected to complete coursework in statistics, ethics, specialized research methods, and seminar. Examples of typical curricula are listed in the Graduate Program Handbook, which can be downloaded from the link given above.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree (Major Code 1211R) is the preferred degree in most career fields requiring graduate education in the pharmaceutical sciences, and the college gives precedence for admission to applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy programs.
The Ph.D. degree in Graduate Pharmaceutical Sciences requires a minimum of 90 semester hours of approved coursework, and a doctoral dissertation. The degree normally takes four to five years to complete. Students may be admitted into the doctoral program without first obtaining a Master of Science degree.
The Master of Science degree (Major Code 1211M) in Graduate Pharmaceutical Sciences requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved coursework, and a master's thesis. The degree normally takes two years to complete.
Graduate students may train in various areas of specialization within the pharmaceutical sciences. The specific research specialization within each of these areas is quite diverse, but in every case highly interdisciplinary.
The College of Pharmacy attempts to provide stipends for all full-time students admitted into the Doctor of Philosophy program. Students in the Master of Science do not receive scholarships or other forms of financial support. As a condition for receiving a stipend, the student may be asked to participate in the teaching or service missions of the College. In some cases, students may receive a stipend to conduct research in the laboratory of their faculty mentor, but this designation is normally reserved for advanced students in the final stages of their program of study. No separate application forms are necessary to apply for financial aid.