The concurrent dual-degree program is to offer students the opportunity to combine in-depth professional education and advanced research training in two degree fields so that they will be equipped and prepared to teach and conduct pharmaceutical research. The graduates of this program will possess the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary for working with colleagues across multiple disciplines essential to performing integrated and translational medical research. Graduates will have the ability to conduct academic research and also translational medical and pharmaceutical research at private, public, and governmental regulatory agencies/institutions as well as pharmaceutical companies.

A traditional PharmD/PhD program typically requires students to spend about 9 years to complete both degrees. With the proposed concurrent dual-degree program, students will require about 7 years to complete both PharmD and PhD degrees. Thus, the students will realize about 2 years of time-saving with the accelerated dual-degree program.

The proposed accelerated dual-degree program is intended to attract outstanding students who are committed to earning professional degrees and entering academic careers that require competence in both teaching and research. Scholarships will be available to outstanding students.

The program offers two tracks*:

• PharmD/PhD in Medicinal Chemistry
• PharmD/PhD in Pharmaceutics

*As the graduate curriculum continues to evolve, students are advised to contact the PharmD/PhD committee for the most recent changes. However, the core requirements for the PharmD/PhD will remain the same.