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, pharmacokinetics and bioanalysis, gaining expertise in designing, optimizing and developing 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 or academic leaders in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions or academia, shaping the future of drug development and patient care.

How to Apply

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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 drug formulation, delivery, pharmacokinetics and bioanalysis for novel drug product development. Through a blend of advanced coursework, research projects and collaboration with leading experts in the field, students gain a deep understanding of pharmaceutical dosage form and product development. 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.

For questions about our program, email us at sopgradadmit@vcu.edu or complete our Request Info Form.

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Application Info

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How to Apply

Due Date for Fall Entry Decision Notification
Feb. 1 Rolling

Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email sopgradadmit@vcu.edu.

Financial Resources and Support

Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how assistantships and aid can help make your degree affordable.

Career Paths

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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.

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 product development

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.

a lab worker using a dropper to put liquid into test tubes