PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences trains future leaders and innovators in the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, research institutions and universities through basic, translational and clinical research. Strengths include well-funded research faculty, multidisciplinary training and cutting-edge technologies.

Faculty: School of Pharmacy | Department: Graduate Programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Intake: Fall only (no Spring admission); applications accepted from August 13, 2026, deadline January 3, 2027, semester start August 23, 2027 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Students specialise in one of six tracks: Biochemical Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist Program, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology. Each student writes a dissertation presenting substantive original and independent research.

Career pathways

Leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, research institutions and universities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Previous undergraduate degree; three references submitted online; CV and transcripts uploaded via PharmGrad. Holistic review; GRE not required but evaluated if submitted. Research experience recommended. English proficiency waived if English is the official language of the applicant's country or the applicant graduated from a US institution; otherwise TOEFL (new scale minimum 5.0 composite with subscores of at least 4.0), IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 140 (institution code 2927); lower scores are not reviewed. Faculty within the chosen track review applications and interview qualified applicants. Highly competitive teaching assistantships are available.

Domestic applicants: USD 32,140 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Pharmacy, Graduate, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 36,340 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Pharmacy, Graduate, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall only (no Spring admission); applications accepted from August 13, 2026, deadline January 3, 202

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