Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Xiangming Guan, Assistant Dean for Research
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Avera Health and Science Center 271, Box 2202C
605-688-5314 or 605-688-5598
E-mail: xiangming.guan@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/pha/pharmSci/

Program Information
The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers courses and research opportunities in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences to fulfill the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Department also offers a curriculum and research opportunity for combination Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)/Ph.D. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The core courses, along with the concentration in a major area of research, provide a valuable broad background of preparation for an academic or industrial career. The major objective of the program is to provide the student an opportunity to gain high quality graduate education and research experience.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences will:

Demonstrate knowledge in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.
Carry out research/creative activities with skill and competence.
Provide high quality professional communication in both the written and verbal forms.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
Possess the necessary skills for careers in academia and industry.

Course Delivery Format
Coursework is provided primary through lectures, discussion and laboratory work.

Facilities and Services
The graduate program is housed in the Avera Health and Science Center on the Brookings campus. The Avera Health and Science Center has well-equipped classrooms that utilize modern technology for delivering the curriculum. The facility has modern research laboratories that support our growing research program.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
Graduate students may choose to take part in Peer Mentoring or get involved with the College’s Honorary societies and other student organizations including the student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

PHA 820 - Advanced Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry Credits: 3
PHA 840 - Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology Credits: 3
PHA 846 - Techniques in Pharmaceutical Research Credits: 3
PHA 847 - Grant Writing and Academic Development Credits: 3
PHA 859 - Advanced Concepts in Pharmaceutics Credits: 3
PHA 890 - Seminar Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
Note: The first credit of PHA 890 will be taken at the early stage of the program and the second will be taken at the later stage of the program.
PHA 898 - Dissertation Credits: 1-10 (50 credits required)
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
Electives: 20

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: General GRE required
TOEFL: Minimum score of 550 paper-based, 79 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0 or higher

Students will need to complete the application form through the Internet by visiting this link. The application fee of $35.00 can be paid via credit card, online, or by mailing a check or money order to the graduate school (see the address below) with the rest of the application materials (see below). No application will be processed until the application fee is paid. After submitting an application, send the following documents by post to the graduate school.

Letters of Recommendation Two personal reference letters from people acquainted with the academic ability and professional competence of the applicant are required.
Official Transcripts Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework, provisional or degree certificates for all degrees held must be evaluated course by course by World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org). Please request that the evaluation be sent directly to the Graduate School (see address listed below). International students must have completed four years of post-secondary education and must hold a Bachelor’s degree before applications will be reviewed by the Graduate School or respective department.
TOEFL/GRE Scores Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required of all International students. Minimum scores of 550 paper-based, 79 Internet-based or above is required. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score is also acceptable (6.0 or higher). No minimum score is set for GRE test. The Institutional Code for SDSU is 6653.
A Statement of Personal Goals and Philosophy The statement should be brief and no more than one page.
Financial Support All admitted students will be supported by a teaching or research assistantship from the department. No financial support statement is needed from applicants.
Physical Examination Record A record of two (2) immunizations for measles and two (2) for rubella is only required after the applicant is admitted to the program.

Application package must be received by the graduate school before April 15:

Graduate School
South Dakota State University
Morrill Hall 130
Box 2201
Brookings, SD 57007-1998

For more information on applying to the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences visit www.sdstate.edu/pha/phd/howtoapplyphd.cfm.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .