Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
Prepare yourself for a significant role in the field of pharmacy with Creighton University's PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. This program is ideal for those with aspirations to educate, forge a career in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, manufacturing or regulatory affairs.
The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhDPS) program is designed to prepare scientists for a future career in drug discovery, development, delivery and education. The pharmaceutical sciences graduate program encompasses a multi-disciplinary approach to graduate training, culminating in the PhD degree.
This program is administered by the Department of Pharmacy Sciences, located within the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. The program of study integrates the Jesuit charisms, tailored to the individual needs of each student and is based on the background and career objectives of each student. Students will complete a series of required and elective courses and perform original research, which will culminating in submitting of a dissertation based on their research outcomes.
At Creighton, you’ll have access to the specialized equipment, resources and broad expertise of a large university, but with smaller class sizes. You’re given the personalized attention of faculty, who support you throughout your doctoral program. They’ll help you choose a thesis topic from areas such as pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry and social and administrative pharmacy—and they’ll advise you every step of the way.
Research at Creighton is mission-driven, making your work part of a greater effort to serve others and create a more just world. Our students and faculty live out the Jesuit tradition of justice for all and service for others. For example, pharmacy students have offered immunization clinics at homeless shelters and participate in an annual service trip to Heartland Hope Mission to serve those in need.
Your research passion is our priority.
At Creighton, your PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences can be customized to fit your interests and career goals. At the beginning of the program, you’ll select a principal advisor and assemble a thesis committee that will help you formulate a plan of study tailored to your needs.
Your professors will work closely with you—guiding your studies and acting as teachers, advisors and mentors throughout your degree and career. Many of our faculty members collaborate and work with students long after they earn their degrees.
Program Details
Program Goals and Curriculum
Creighton’s PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences prepares students for careers as pharmaceutical scientists, either as educators or researchers in the pharmaceutical industry.
To earn this pharmaceutical science degree, you must complete 90 credit hours of graduate coursework, including 30 credit hours of required courses. The remainder of the credits can be obtained via elective courses in the student’s area of emphasis as approved by their dissertation committee.
Elective Courses in Core Areas (choose based on research topic)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Medical Microbiology
Faculty
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions comprises 100 outstanding and dedicated faculty members. Inspired by Jesuit values, our faculty members bring a passion for service, research and patient care to their work. They work closely with students throughout their graduate education as research partners, advisors and mentors.
Hear from Our Faculty
“The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhDPS) program is designed to prepare scientists led by the Jesuit Charisms for a future career in drug discovery, development, delivery and education. This training provides cutting-edge research focused on the discovery of novel drugs and dosage forms, effects of drugs in the body and delivery of drugs to enhance therapeutic outcomes.”
Alekha K. Dash, R.Ph., Ph.D.
Professor, Pharmacy Sciences
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the PhD in pharmaceutical sciences program, applicants must:
- Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Include coursework in biological sciences, chemical sciences, biochemistry and mathematics.
- Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts.
- Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement (see application for specific requirements).
- Submit three letters of recommendation from persons other than friends or family members.
- Provide a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score—use code 6121 for this program.
A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in person or virtually.
International students are welcomed into this program, and F-1 visas will be supported upon admission.
International applicants must:
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Complete and submit a Certification of Available Finances Form through the Global Engagement Office if admitted
Dates and Deadlines
View the enrollment deadline and starting date of courses for the current academic year below. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an admissions advisor for personalized assistance.
ON-CAMPUS
- Start Classes in August
- Apply by March 15
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.
Financial Aid
To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available, including Creighton scholarships specifically for biology majors. Explore scholarships.
Hear from Our Faculty
“The PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Creighton is carefully designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to further our understanding of the design and delivery of drugs to patients in a safe and effective manner that improves their quality of life. This objective is met through didactic course work, attendance at seminars and conferences and by performing experimental work done in a lab. The new knowledge created through this process is then disseminated to colleagues and the public through publications and presentations. The expectation is that graduates will be positioned to have their choice of employment upon graduation, in either industry or academia.”
Anthony E. Kincaid, PhD, PT
Professor, Department of Pharmacy Sciences
