On Campus
Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
Prepare yourself for a meaningful role in the field of pharmacy with Creighton University's PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. This program is ideal for those with goals to teach or 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.
At Creighton, your PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences can be customized to fit your interests and career goals. Students will complete a series of required and elective courses and perform original research, culminating in a dissertation based on their research outcomes.
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
Creighton’s PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences prepares students for careers as pharmaceutical scientists, either as educators or researchers in the pharmaceutical industry. The program can be adjusted based on the background and career objectives of each student.
At the beginning of the program, you’ll choose a principal advisor and build a thesis committee that will help you formulate a plan of study tailored to your needs.
They’ll help you choose a thesis topic from areas such as pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry and social and administrative pharmacy.
Curriculum
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 your area of emphasis as approved by your thesis committee.
The core areas are:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Medical Microbiology
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.
Faculty
This doctoral degree is completed through the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, which includes 100 outstanding and dedicated faculty members. Inspired by Jesuit, Catholic 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.
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.
“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 Dash, RPh, PhD
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, including coursework in biological sciences, chemical sciences, biochemistry and mathematics.
- 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
- Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
Official transcripts should be sent directly to Creighton from the originating institution. Transcriptions from all institutions attended must be submitted, even if credit was earned and transferred elsewhere in the meantime.
You have two options for submitting official transcripts:
- Official transcript(s) requested electronically should be sent to: enrollmentservices@creighton.edu
- If a physical copy is requested, please mail to the following address:
Enrollment Services
Creighton University
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
If you are unable to obtain an official transcript, please contact an Enrollment Specialist at 402.280.2703 to discuss your options.
A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in person or virtually.
International Students
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
Students in this program will start classes in August. Applications are due by February 15.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.
To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance.
“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.”
Anthony E. Kincaid, PhD, PT
Professor
Department of Pharmacy Sciences
