A student using a pipette in a lab.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A rigorous and comprehensive academic program designed to cultivate advanced research and scholarship in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Drug Discovery & Development

Students in this program will gain a comprehensive understanding of drug development, including process chemistry, bioassay cascades, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutics. By combining these diverse areas of knowledge, graduates will be prepared to tackle the complex challenges of finding and developing new drugs in the modern era.

Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics

A multidisciplinary track focused on drug delivery science and technology. Students will explore the use of nanocarriers made from safe and biodegradable materials to deliver various types of therapeutic agents, such as small molecules, genetic materials, and large proteins.

Pharmacology & Toxicology

The Pharmacology and Toxicology research track trains students to determine mechanisms of action for pharmaceuticals, identify potential drug targets, and define adverse effects of chemicals such as drugs, industrial chemicals and environmental pollutants.

Application Requirements

Start your path to a rewarding career as a pharmaceutical scientist, academician or researcher by following these steps: 

All applicants to the graduate program must apply through the UA Graduate College.  Unless an applicant has been invited to apply as a "direct admit" by a sponsoring faculty member, applicants need to apply through the Arizona Biological & Biomedical Program (ABBS).

 

Applicants should have earned a Recognized Bachelor's Degree appropriate for their desired program track

Suitable Undergraduate Degrees for the Drug Discovery & Development, Pharmacology & Toxicology, or Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Tracks

 

  • Pharmacy
  • Chemistry or the biological sciences
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) with adequate preparation in mathematics

Suitable Undergraduate Degrees for the Health & Pharmaceutical Outcomes Track

  • Pharmacy
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
  • A related undergraduate Degree

The GRE will no longer be required as part of the application packet

Students have the option of reporting scores but can submit an application without them.  The institution GRE code is 4832. The average scores in the COP graduate programs in previous semesters are:

  • Verbal: 154 (61%)
  • Quantitative: 152 (52%)
  • Analytical Writing: 4.5 (82%)

You are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university you have previously attended or currently attending. Transfer credits indicated on another school's transcript are not accepted in lieu of submitting the original institution's record. The transcript must contain the official school seal or stamp and the signature of the Registrar. Once you have been admitted, originals of your transcripts must be mailed to:

University of Arizona
R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy
Graduate Affairs - Attention: Graduate Coordinator
Roy P. Drachman Hall Building B
Room 306E
Tucson, AZ 85721-0202

View Transcript Requirements

The Graduate College requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, either cumulative or for your last 60 units of coursework. The average admission GPA in the Coit College of Pharmacy graduate programs is 3.6. Admission preference is given to applicants who have graduated with high academic standing.

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, preferably addressed specifically to our program. Letters should be from people with direct knowledge of your academic and/or professional performance and potential. Ideally, at least one or two would come from a former professor - who has had you in class and can speak to your educational skills and performance. Letters from employers and supervisors are also acceptable.

When you submit your online application, you will be prompted to enter the email addresses of the people who will be writing your letters of recommendation. The system will automatically generate a "Request for Recommendation Email" to each person. You will be able to monitor the status of your letters by logging back into the system.

All letters must be on letterhead stationery and signed by the author. 

Applicants must submit a personal statement that is 1-2 pages and single spaced. It should include the following:

  • Your career goals and how graduate study would contribute to their realization
  • How professional, educational and life experiences have influenced your desire to pursue graduate study
  • Your goals and objects for graduate stud

Applicants must submit a resume that presents your background and skill set. Be sure to include a summary of relevant job experience and education.

Funding & Research Fellowships

Director of Graduate Studies

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Georg Wondrak

Georg Wondrak, PhD
Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Director of Graduate Studies
Member, University of Arizona Cancer Center

Email Georg Wondrak
520-626-9009

Interested in a 
PharmSci degree?

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