Introduction:

The college of Pharmacy offers a sequential PharmD/PhD degree track program to qualified pharmacy students. This program combines the features of a professional PharmD degree with the advanced training and research of a pharmaceutical sciences PhD degree. Students who complete the PharmD/PhD degree track will be uniquely qualified to translate basic pharmaceutical sciences research into clinical applications. Graduates of the PharmD/PhD 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 PharmD/PhD 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 PharmD and PhD degrees in a shorter time than would be the case if the two degrees were obtained separately. The PharmD/PhD program is available to students who have already been admitted to and are enrolled in the PharmD program, but only a few select PharmD students will be able to meet the rigors and demands of this program.

The PharmD/PhD 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 PharmD degree. This early exposure to research will enable them to subsequently complete their PhD 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 PharmD/PhD Program.

Unlike the PharmD component, which has a fixed curriculum, the PhD is a research degree, and so it is impossible to put a firm timetable on the duration of the program. Traditional PhD students typically require five years to complete their degree. However, the efficiencies built into the PharmD/PhD program should shorten the time required to complete the PhD degree. We estimate that students will be able to complete their PhD degree within three years after the PharmD degree.

Outline of the PharmD/PhD Program

Enrollment in the program is restricted to currently enrolled PharmD students. The enrollment process consists of two phases. Phase I is the recruitment and discernment phase that occurs between the Spring semesters of the first and second professional years. Students who have demonstrated exceptional performance at the end of the Fall semester of the first professional year will be invited to join Phase I of the PharmD/PhD 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 PhD degree. At the end of the P2 Spring semester, students will formally apply to the PharmD/PhD 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 PharmD/PhD program. Phase II students will be guaranteed admission to the Graduate School through the Universitys Graduate Select Admission Program. During phase II, students will continue the PharmD curriculum while also carrying out research and taking additional course work geared towards the PhD degree. During the Fourth professional year, Phase II students will continue their research during three research rotations. Upon graduation with the PharmD degree, these students will be officially enrolled as PhD students. It is expected that these students will take their PhD candidacy exams within 9-12 months of completing their PharmD degree. After entering candidacy, students will complete their PhD research and defend their dissertation to obtain a PhD 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.