Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Program Coordinator/Contact

Hemachand Tummala, Department Head, Graduate Program Coordinator, and Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Avera Health and Science Center 255, Box 2202C
605-688-4236

Program Information

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers courses and research opportunities in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Department also offers an opportunity for a combination Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)/Ph.D. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The didactic courses, along with the research concentration in a specific area of pharmaceutical sciences, provide a strong foundation for academic, regulatory affairs, industry, and other research careers. The program places a strong emphasis on comprehensive and high-quality graduate education and research experience for the students.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences will:

Integrate and apply knowledge of the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences to problems in drug discovery and development.
Conduct research with skill and competence, including hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Critically evaluate scientific literature and analyze contemporary scientific issues.
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms to a wide range of audiences.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.

Course Delivery Format

Coursework is provided primarily through lectures, discussions, 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 become involved with the College’s Honorary societies and other student organizations including the student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

60 Credit Plan

PHA 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1
PHA 847 - Grant Proposal and Academic Development Credits: 3
PHA 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-10 (30-50 credits required)
Other coursework as required by graduate advisory committee Credits: 6-26

90 Credit Plan

PHA 721 - Advanced Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry Credits: 3
PHA 725 - Advanced Concepts in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Credits: 3
PHA 740 - Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology Credits: 3
PHA 760 - Advanced Concepts in Pharmaceutics Credits: 3
PHA 765 - Techniques in Pharmaceutical Research Credits: 3
PHA 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1
PHA 847 - Grant Proposal and Academic Development Credits: 3
PHA 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-10 (58 credits required)
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
Electives Credits: 9*
*Elective courses may be selected from the pharmacy (PHA) and related disciplines (e.g. BIOS, BIOL, CHEM, ABS, STAT prefixes)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0 or higher
Duolingo: 100

Letters of Recommendation Two personal reference letters from people acquainted with the academic ability and professional competence of the applicant are required.
TOEFL/GRE Scores Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required for international students from non-English speaking countries. A minimum score of 550 paper-based, 71 Internet-based or above is required. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score is also acceptable (6.0 or higher). 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.

For more information on applying to the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences visit the program website. The Department admits students based on the availability of funds and research openings in faculty laboratories. Applicants should check for research openings with the individual faculty before submitting their application materials. The faculty contact information can be found on the department website.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisors before registering for graduate coursework.

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