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.

Program Information

Degree Options

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.

Areas of Emphasis

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.

• Medicinal Chemistry

  Medicinal Chemistry encompasses both synthetic and natural products chemistry. Specific ongoing research programs include investigations on pathogenic streptococci, enterococci, and other microorganisms; biochemical studies of cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary diseases; and synthesis and evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy.

• Nuclear Pharmacy

  Graduate studies in nuclear pharmacy focuses on design and applications of novel radiopharmaceuitcals. Board-certified specialization is also available for students in the professional program.

• Pharmacology and Toxicology

  Pharmacology and Toxicology are concerned primarily with the actions and the adverse reactions of drugs, respectively. Ongoing research activities are found in the areas of wound healing, cancer chemotherapy, alcohol, infectious diseases, and pain management.
  
  Applicants who are interested in Pharmacology & Toxicology may apply to the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) to qualify for training opportunities with pharmacologists and toxicologists who may not hold appointments in the College of Pharmacy. Applications for training in Pharmacology & Toxicology will also be considered by the College of Pharmacy, and applications can be submitted to both programs.

• Pharmaceutics

  Pharmaceutics is focused primarily on the development and evaluation of drug delivery systems and encompasses biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, product formulation, and related areas.  Ongoing research in pharmaceutics includes the development of improved methods for pharmaceutical analysis; pharmacokinetic studies on a variety of drugs; and the design and development of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

• Pharmacy Administration

  Pharmacy Administration involves three strategic areas related to healthcare and pharmacy: the economics of pharmaceuticals and other health interventions; the marketing of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy services; and the management of healthcare resources. Research in this area is grounded in the fields of health economics, marketing, and the social and behavioral sciences.

Graduate Student Stipends

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.