Pharmaceutics Program Requirements & Standards

This program of advanced study is designed to prepare you for teaching and research in educational institutions and productive careers in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and related fields.

You will acquire a comprehensive background in the theoretical aspects of design and utilization of dosage forms and the delivery of drugs, including a consideration of their physical, chemical, and physiological properties. Theory is supplemented with practical application in areas ranging from the development and manufacture of dosage forms to pharmaceutical research, including studies in conventional, cellular, and implantable drug delivery, as well as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug product development, and stability.

USP offers a PhD, MS (thesis), and MS (non-thesis) options.

MS Thesis Option

This degree is awarded upon the completion of at least 20 non-research credits in courses acceptable for the degree and at least 10 research credits.  The courses are from the Required and Program courses listed under the Curriculum and from courses selected by the Research Advisor/ Research Advisory Committee.  A minimum 6 credits at the 800 level, a maximum of 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level, and the remainder at the 700 or 800 level are required.  Registration (for 1 or 0 credits) and participation in Seminar (PH 890) is required each semester, but only one credit may be applied toward the 20 credit requirement. 

MS Non-Thesis Option

This degree is awarded upon the completion of at least 30 credits of courses acceptable for the degree.   These courses are from the Required and Program courses listed under the Curriculum and from courses approved by the Advisor/ Program Director.  A minimum 6 credits at the 800 level, a maximum of 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level, and the remainder at the 700 or 800 level are required.  Registration (for 1 or 0 credits) and participation in Seminar (PH 890) is required each semester, but only one credit may be applied toward the 30 credit requirement.

PhD Program

The requirements for this degree are at least 20 credits of acceptable non-research graduate level courses and at least 20 research credits.  The courses are from the Required and Program courses listed under the Curriculum and from courses selected by the Research Advisor / Research Advisory Committee.  A minimum 6 credits of 800 level courses and the remainder at the 700 or 800 level are required.  Registration (1 or 0 credits) and participation in Seminar (PH 890) is required each semester, but only one credit may be applied toward the 20 non-research credit requirement.

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