Introduction:
The college of Pharmacy offers a sequential Pharm.D./Ph.D. degree track
program to qualified pharmacy students. This program combines the
features of a professional Pharm.D. degree with the advanced training and
research of a pharmaceutical sciences Ph.D. degree. Students who complete
the Pharm.D./Ph.D. degree track will be uniquely qualified to translate basic
pharmaceutical sciences research into clinical applications. Graduates of
the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program will be well qualified to pursue careers in
teaching and/or research in academia, industry, or in a variety of other
settings. The areas of emphasis of the program are: Medicinal Chemistry,
Pharmacology-Toxicology, and Pharmaceutics.
Goals and Philosophy
The Pharm.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Texas at Austin is designed for
highly motivated and qualified individuals who are seeking a combination program
in the clinical and basic sciences that will prepare them for a career in
academics, research, or other areas in which the ability to translate basic
science research into clinical applications is sought. By carefully structuring
a dual degree program, it is possible for students to complete the requirements
for both the Pharm.D. and Ph.D. degrees in a shorter time than would be the case if
the two degrees were obtained separately. The Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is available to
students who have already been admitted to and are enrolled in the Pharm.D.
program, but only a few select Pharm.D. students will be able to meet the rigors
and demands of this program.
The Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is not a new curriculum per se; but rather a restructured
program flexible enough to serve a dual purpose. Students in the program will
engage in research and training activities while completing the Pharm.D. degree.
This early exposure to research will enable them to subsequently complete their
Ph.D. degree requirements in a shorter period of time when compared to completing
each degree separately. The program is integrated with the Colleges Honors
Program.
Duration of the Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program.
Unlike the Pharm.D. component, which has a fixed curriculum, the Ph.D. is a research
degree, and so it is impossible to put a firm timetable on the duration of the
program. Traditional Ph.D. students typically require five years to complete their
degree. However, the efficiencies built into the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program should
shorten the time required to complete the Ph.D. degree. We estimate that students
will be able to complete their Ph.D. degree within three years after the Pharm.D.
degree.
Outline of the Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program
Enrollment in the program is restricted to currently enrolled Pharm.D. students.
The enrollment process consists of two phases. Phase I is the recruitment and
discernment phase that occurs between the semesters of the first and
second professional years. Students who have demonstrated exceptional
performance at the end of the semester of the first professional year will
be invited to join Phase I of the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program. During this phase, students
with will enroll in a research seminar course (PHR 051R) and complete a minimum of
three exploratory research rotations. In addition, students in Phase I will be
encouraged to take course work required for admission to the Ph.D. degree. At the
end of the P2 semester, students will formally apply to the Pharm.D./Ph.D.
program. Application materials consist of current GRE scores (verbal, math, and
quantitative but not subject area), transcripts, a statement of purpose, and
letters of recommendation. Phase II begins when a student is accepted to the
Pharm.D./Ph.D. program. Phase II students will be guaranteed admission to the
Graduate School through the University's Graduate Select Admission Program.
During Phase II, students will continue the Pharm.D. curriculum while also carrying
out research and taking additional course work geared towards the Ph.D. degree.
During the fourth professional year, Phase II students will continue their
research during three research rotations. Upon graduation with the Pharm.D.
degree, these students will be officially enrolled as Ph.D. students. It is
expected that these students will take their Ph.D. candidacy exams within 9-12
months of completing their Pharm.D. degree. After entering candidacy, students
will complete their Ph.D. research and defend their dissertation to obtain a Ph.D.
degree.
Pharmacy Student Research Training Program (PSRTP)
The objective of this program is
to provide a broad-based support mechanism for academically strong
pharmacy students so that they are better informed and more prepared to
enter advanced degree programs, postgraduate fellowships, or other
research careers. Please see our PSRTP website for more
information.
College Information
Mailing Address:
College of Pharmacy
Admissions Office
The University of Texas
at Austin
2409 University Ave. Stop: A1900
Austin, TX
78712-01200
USA
Email Address:
pharmdadmissions
@austin.utexas.edu
Phone:
1-512-471-1737