Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Pharmaceutics Concentration
Preparing innovators, entrepreneurs and experts for futures in academia, research, industry and regulatory agencies
Our Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Pharmaceutics provides a robust curriculum that integrates advanced scientific principles with hands-on research. Students delve into drug formulation, delivery systems and pharmaceutical technology, gaining expertise in designing and optimizing drug products.
This program prepares graduates to lead innovations in pharmaceutical research and development, advance drug delivery technologies, and address critical healthcare needs. Graduates typically embark on careers as research scientists, formulation specialists or academic leaders in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions or academia, shaping the future of drug development and patient care.
Program Details
About
Four-to-five-year, full-time in-person program
The Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with a concentration in pharmaceutics program offers advanced training in the formulation, delivery and optimization of pharmaceutical products to enhance patient care. Through a blend of advanced coursework, research projects and collaboration with with leading experts in the field, students gain a deep understanding of drug delivery systems, dosage forms and drug stability. Graduates are prepared as skilled pharmaceutics experts, equipped to pioneer novel drug formulations, improve drug delivery methods and shape the future of pharmaceutical development, impacting both industry practices and academic research in health care advancement.
Administration and Research
This degree is administered by the Department of Pharmaceutics.
- Program director: Masahiro Sakagami, Ph.D.
- Research focus areas
- Info for current students
For questions about our program, email us at pharmsciadmit@vcu.edu or complete our Request Info Form.
Key Degree Links
The links below are to entries in VCU Bulletin, the official source for course and academic program information.
Application Info
How to Apply
- Complete the VCU graduate application ($70 fee)
- Submit the following materials with your application:
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent
- International student? Visit the VCU Graduate International Applicants page for requirements and materials you'll need to provide
| Due Date for Fall Entry | Decision Notification |
|---|---|
| Feb. 1 | Rolling |
Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email pharmsciadmit@vcu.edu.
Financial Resources and Support
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how assistantships, aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Career Paths
Where will your degree take you?
There are many career paths for pharmaceutical scientists. The VCU School of Pharmacy has a diverse curriculum, experiential opportunities and
the right support to help you along the path you choose.
Learn more about what careers are available to you when you earn this degree.
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page for a list of frequently asked questions or feel free to reach out to us according to the topics you are interested in learning more about below.
- Questions about our program or admissions? Contact us at pharmsciadmit@vcu.edu or complete our Request Info Form.
- Questions about financing your degree? Visit VCU Admissions' Financial Guidance page.
- Questions about our areas of research? Visit the Department of Pharmaceutics research page or reach out to any of the department's faculty on their faculty and staff directory.
Why VCU?
UNLIMITED Potential
At VCU School of Pharmacy, we're committed to an education that's focused on you, your goals and your unlimited potential. As a Ph.D. student in the pharmaceutics concentration, you will:
- take courses across disciplines such as statistics, physical pharmacy, biopharmaceutics,
drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical analysis and seminars in drug development - gain hands-on experience through research presentations, publications and participation in teaching and professional activities
- engage in one-on-one mentoring experiences and research-training with world-class faculty
- acquire advanced research training using state-of-the-art equipment
- find your community in our graduate student association and other student groups
- graduate with the knowledge and advanced research training to become a researcher and a leader in drug delivery and optimization
Recent graduates of the Ph.D. concentration in pharmaceutics have progressed to senior professional careers in different settings, especially the pharmaceutical industry, academia and government agencies.
