phd after m pharm how many years

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PhD After M.Pharm - Is This The Best Choice?

Nishka Agarwal ,

Mar 4, 2024

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Really wondering whether you can do PhD after M.Pharm? Get complete insights on how to do PhD after pursuing M.Pharm along with scopes of the course.

PhD After M.Pharm - Is This The Best Choice?

PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is the highest academic degree offered worldwide. Students can apply for a PhD after M.Pharm via UGC- NET entrance exam. PhD admission at most institutions is based on UGC merit score and PI rounds. If you have completed your M.Pharm, you can apply to universities like DIPSAR and NIPER.

This article will bring insight into the eligibility, scope and opportunities one can look for if they plan to do a PhD after M.Pharm.

Table Of Contents

Why PhD After M.Pharm
Eligibility And Admission Process
Specializations
Scope And Opportunities

Is This The Best Choice?

Why phd after m.pharm.

A PhD is considered the highest educational qualification in our country. No matter how challenging and time-consuming this career path is, it is the most recognised and esteemed course in India. A PhD is the perfect option for candidates who are keen to continue learning even after completing their masters. PhD allows the candidate to get an in-depth knowledge of the research subjects they opt for and give them a chance to do innovations within the fundamentals of the subject.

The duration of this course is nearly 3 years and one can take admissions on the basis of merit as well as an entrance exam, as may be the case. The Fees is around INR 1.5 LPA and is offered at top colleges like Christ University and NMIMS, Mumbai. After completion of a PhD, a graduate is offered mid-level to Top-level management jobs that are high-yielding and may offer a salary up to INR 20 LPA.

PhD After M.Pharm: Eligibility And Admission Process

Institutes offering programmes like PhD after M.Pharma does not follow a pre-set criteria for the admission process. However, there are certain requirements that every institute looks forward to in the candidate’s application form. The requirements are as follows:

To take admission in a PhD course, a candidate must have completed a Masters degree in either Science or Pharmacy from a recognized institute, with a minimum of 60% marks in totality.
Some colleges follow a reservation system for candidates of different categories. Their required aggregate scores are usually flexible according to the quota.
Though the aggregate score is a requirement, it does not ensure admission. Universities offer admission strictly based on the scores of the entrance exams like UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, GATE etc.
Institutes accept scores of both national and state-level examinations. The cut off marks vary from one institute to another.
For successfully enrolling for the entrance exam, a candidate must register his/her name by submitting their application form before the last date (changes every year).
Once these applications are assessed, the candidates are offered to admit cards to sit for the exam. Based on the scores achieved in the exam, the candidates are offered interview dates by the institutes.

Specializations For PhD After M.Pharm

A degree in PhD after M.Pharm comes with several options to choose from. The most sought specializations in the field are Pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacology. The key differences between these specializations are as follows:

PhD in Pharmacy: This course has been designed for advanced research work in the pharmaceutical field. This is a 3- years course and requires a minimum of 55% in a masters degree program. Through this, a student will understand and get expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and molecules. They can work in the field of research on topics like drug action and disposition. The average fees for this course are around INR 1 Lakh. Job profiles like Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist and Healthcare Unit Manager, etc.

Top Colleges For PhD After M.Pharm

A challenging and high-yielding course like PhD that too in pharmacy is offered all across the globe with colleges offering high-class facilities and experience to its students with a major focus on providing academic excellence to its students. Some of the top universities and institutes in India offering PhD after M.Pharm are -

Christ University, Bengaluru
NIMS University
JSS College of Pharmacy
Nirma University

Salary Of PhD Graduates

Pursuing a PhD is a matter of pride and not many can do. A person having utmost dedication and commitment towards academics can only pursue this course and build a career around this. Due to its academic excellence and superiority, this course is expensive in nature. Students often take education loans to pursue a course in PhD. It is crucial to have an understanding of the compensations one may be offered after graduation from a PhD.

We have listed some of the job profiles and their compensation plans below:

Scope Of PhD After M.Pharm

A degree in PhD is the highest degree that may be achieved in India. Thus it offers a stable profile with an attractive salary. This degree is highly marketable and respected throughout the globe. Employers actively look for individuals with PhDs. A PhD holder may also look forward to becoming a teacher, by clearing the competitive exams organised by the recruiters to hire the best individuals for the role.

A PhD holder has access to different fields like law, business, writing, research. They can continue their research work and then publish their research papers. Some of the prominent recruiters and job positions offered to candidates with PhD are marked below:

Pharmacy Manager
Medical Research Scientist
Management Consulting
Operations Research Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Clinical Pharmacist
Pharmacy Coordinator
Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

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Jobs for Pharm.D. vs. Ph.D. — What’s the Difference?

Written by Kelly Jeroski

April 20, 2023

NEOMED Pharmacy rename Soft Opening 4-2-19-87-1-1

Here’s something you might not know about pharmacists — pharmaceutical professionals can choose to focus their career on either patient care or research. In fact, there’s a different degree for each path.

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) prepares students to become Pharmacists focused on patient care, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares students for careers in academia or research and development.

Both patient-care and research positions within pharmacy are similar in that students receive formal training and education in common subjects such as drug development, drug delivery, and medicine chemistry, but their career paths and opportunities differ in several ways.

Let’s talk about the difference between patient-care and research within the field of pharmacy.

Find out if a career in health care is for you. Download the guide, Getting a Job as a Medical Professional with Your Health Care Degree.

The Patient-Care Track vs. the Research Track

The Pharm.D. track is a four-year program — ending with Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations and two personal and professional development courses. Once patient-care focused pharmacists enter the workforce, job opportunities after Pharm.D. focus on an individual’s treatment options when it comes to prescription pharmaceuticals. Pharmacists typically work as providers at pharmacies or hospitals throughout their career, and it is possible to advance into management positions.

The research track of pharmacology (Ph.D.) on the other hand, often extends beyond four years and ends in an extensive research project. Pharmacology researchers, generally, work on molecular targeting, drug design, and drug delivery in developing new approaches to treat disease. Research professionals may operate as researchers at universities, hospitals, private corporations, or laboratories. Many choose to work as professors within universities in addition to research work, but they do not serve as health care providers.

How to Become a Pharmacist — Types of Pharmacy Degrees

Doctor of pharmacy.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) includes a mix of classroom instruction and real-world experience to provide students with the skills to excel in pharmacy. The school targets active learning in at least 30 percent of each student's educational track. This cooperative learning model ensures that graduates have the communication skills and practical experiences to pass licensing exams and achieve pharmacist career path.

What Do Pharmacists Learn?

The program works closely with the College of Medicine to foster a team-oriented approach to pharmacy and medicine. The College of Pharmacy has two departments: pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice.

Ph.D. Programs

Students interested in research have a number of opportunities related to biomedical sciences. Graduate students receive a mix of classroom instruction and real-world research experience by working alongside faculty.

Pharmacology is the research side of the Pharm.D. program. Students in this area may develop expertise in molecular targeting, drug design, and drug delivery in specific response to disease. The program uses a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and the opportunity to work alongside faculty at NEOMED and Kent State University. Prior to starting a Ph.D. program, most students will need to earn a master’s degree after their four-year degree. Some programs may integrate the master’s and Ph.D. degrees where one builds upon the other.

Comparing the Job Markets for Pharm.D. vs. Ph.D.

Pharmacists.

In 2019, the median pharmacist salary was $128,090. For pharmacists, the number of hospital jobs is expected to grow by 4 percent by 2028. Pharmacists take prescriptions from medical doctors and administer medications to patients. They are also qualified to ask questions and provide information regarding the medicines they prescribe. The majority of pharmacists work in pharmacies within retail stores or medical facilities although the field is evolving with more and more recent graduates electing to work in clinical settings. There are even niche sectors of medicine different types of pharmacists can specialize in with a year or two of residency after graduation.

Working as a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy, known as a Pharm.D., which is a four-year degree. They are also required to pass two exams related to licenses.

Medical Researchers

Medical researchers (M.S. and Ph.D.) earned a median annual salary of $88,790 in 2019, and the field is expected to grow by 6 percent, which is a bit faster than the national average. Most researchers work full time in either a laboratory or a general office environment. These positions are responsible for the study of medical conditions and the development of treatments and medicines.

Working in this field usually requires a Ph.D., but many candidates are able to obtain rewarding positions based on experience or other academic accomplishments. For example, some medical researchers also have a medical degree in addition to a medical research background.

Jumpstart Your Health Care Career at NEOMED — Connect With Us!

Take the next step toward an exciting career in the medical field — we can help you get started.

If you need help deciding which of the above career paths is best for you, we invite you to schedule a career consultation with us. In order to do so, contact the College of Pharmacy at [email protected] or schedule a meeting . Best of luck!

Want to learn more about health care careers after NEOMED? Download our resource, "Getting a Job as a Medical Professional with Your Health Care Degree".

About the author

Kelly jeroski.

Assistant Director of Admission

What can you do with a pharmacy degree, what do you learn in pharmacy school here are 6 surprising things, 4 tips for your pharmacy school interview.

PhD in Pharmacy

What does a PhD in Pharmacy Involve?

A PhD in Pharmacy can involve a wide range of subject areas to specialise in. These may include new drug discovery, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and microbiology (to name a few examples).

How long does it take to get a PhD in Pharmacy?

As a full-time doctoral student in the UK, it should take you 3 years to earn a PhD Pharmacy. If you’re studying for a part-time PhD, expect to need about 6 years to complete your research thesis. As is the norm in postgraduate research, you’re likely to register first as an MPhil student, with an upgrade viva at the half-way point leading you to fully enrolling as a PhD student. Postgraduate research programmes are designed on the basis of independent learning and development. As a doctoral student it’s ultimately your responsibility to maintain a focus on time management (with the support of your university supervisor) to ensure that you complete your postgraduate research in good time.

Browse PhDs in Pharmacy

A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, what are the typical entry requirements for a pharmacy phd programme.

In the UK, you should expect most universities to ask for a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from an institution outside of the UK. The degree will need to have been in a field that’s relevant to Pharmacy. You may still be eligible to apply if you have a grade lower than a 2:1, if you also hold a Master’s degree. If English is not your first language, then the University will ask for evidence of your English language proficiency. Usually this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another.

How much does a Pharmacy PhD cost?

In a UK university, UK based postgraduate research students should expect to incur annual tuition fees in the region of £4,500/year. With a full-time PhD lasting 3 years, this equates to £13,500 in fees. This is on the basis that you’re studying full time; part time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated. For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee costs around £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over the span of 3 years. As with all PhDs, potential students will need to consider living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school.

What can you do with a PhD in Pharmacy?

Two common career paths taken by Pharmacy PhDs are to continue into post-doctoral research roles , followed by lectureships and even professorships. The second route that many take is to develop their careers within the pharmaceutical industry. This may in itself involve further research, such as involvement in clinical trials. PhD graduates may become involved in regulation or perhaps move out of the field into areas such as medical writing and publishing. As a PhD holder you’ll have developed many valuable transferable skills in addition to your academic skills, including excellent communication skills, making you attractive to many recruiters.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

Caiaimage | Tom Merton | Getty Images

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner."

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master's and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase " all but dissertation " or the abbreviation "ABD" on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. "Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you're in and what other responsibilities you have in life," he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. "Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor," Curtis advises. "Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with."

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student's funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. "Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation," he says. "If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration."

He adds that prospective Ph.D. students who already have master's degrees in the field they intend to focus their Ph.D. on should investigate whether the courses they took in their master's program would count toward the requirements of a Ph.D. program. "You’ll want to discuss your particular situation with your program to see whether this will be possible, and how many credits you are likely to receive as the result of your master’s work," he says.

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Emmanuel C. Nwaodua, who has a Ph.D. degree in geology, says some Ph.D. programs require candidates to publish a paper in a first-rate, peer-reviewed academic journal. "This could extend your stay by a couple of years," he warns.

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. "Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.," Huguet wrote in an email. "The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience."

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university's history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. "Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities)," she wrote in an email.

Kee adds that humanities Ph.D. programs often require someone to learn a foreign language, and "fields like anthropology and art history require extensive field research." Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame. "Because of this, many if not most Ph.D. students must work to make ends meet, thus further prolonging the time of completion," she says.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

Online Doctoral Programs: What to Expect

Ronald Wellman March 23, 2018

Kristin Redington Bennett, the founder of the Illumii educational consulting firm in North Carolina, encourages Ph.D. hopefuls to think carefully about whether they want to become a scholar. Bennett, who has a Ph.D. in curriculum and assessment and who previously worked as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University , says a Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner." She says someone contemplating a Ph.D. should ask themselves the following questions "Are you a very curious person... and are you persistent?"

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. "A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it'll be easier on you if you are passionate about research," says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

"A Ph.D. isn't about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that," Lee says.

Curtis says a prospective Ph.D. student's enthusiasm for academic work, teaching and research are the key criteria they should use to decide whether to obtain a Ph.D. degree. "While the time it takes to complete a doctorate is an understandable concern for many, my personal belief is that time is not the most important factor to consider," he says. "Good Ph.D. programs provide their students with generous stipends, health care and sometimes even subsidized housing."

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student's academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

"The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two's difference," she wrote in an email. "When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it's usually related to the student's coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn't yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research."

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program's attritition and graduation rates.

"It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school's proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are," Skelly says. "That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program."

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School of Pharmacy MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The UCL School of Pharmacy is a world-leading centre for pharmacy education and research in pharmacy and biomedical sciences. The School has maintained this status over decades, being recently ranked 4th in the QS World Rankings by Subject (Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023). Furthermore, London was ranked 1st in the QS Best Student Cities 2023 list, making it an ideal location in which to study.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Entry requirements

A UK taught Master’s degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology pharmacy, pharmacology, or other relevant subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students work in several core research areas:

understanding the underlying basis of challenging human diseases
identification of new drugs and drug targets
medicine development, leading to effective medicines with optimised delivery, and minimising effects
pharmacy practice and medicines management, specialising in the influence of human behaviour on medicine use

Who this course is for

Our PhD programme is intended for students who wish to obtain high quality scientific training that will enable them to conduct independent research.

What this course will give you

In addition to an advanced hypothesis driven research project yielding top flight publications which change thinking in their chosen fields, students also acquire generic and transferable skills while undertaking their PhD. For example, students graduate with skills enabling excellent scientific presentation, both written and verbal, time management - an essential skill in today's busy world - and networking.

Students have ample opportunities to practice the art of networking with their peer group, both within the school and outside, as students often talk about their work within the school and many students travel the world speaking to scientists about their research work.

The foundation of your career

Understanding the approach of industry to the complex process of discovering, developing, formulating and licensing a medicine provides students with an outlook and expertise valued by employers. Recent PhD students have gone into research roles in the pharmaceutical industry and in universities in the UK and around the world. Others have found careers in regulatory affairs, the NHS or scientific publishing, drug licensing and clinical trial research.

Employability

Recent PhD students have gone into research roles in the pharmaceutical industry and in universities in the UK and around the world. Others have found careers in regulatory affairs, the NHS or scientific publishing, drug licensing and clinical trial research.

The School attracts the leading figures in the field to our diverse programme of events, seminars, lectures, debates and conferences, focusing on critical issues in pharmacy, biomedical research and pharmaceutical industry.

Teaching and learning

PhD research involves a wide variety of learning methods, but your self-directed research activities will be crucial. You can expect to be supported by your supervisor to develop your research skills, as well as learning from other colleagues in our thriving research community.

Assessment will involve an upgrade from MPhil to PhD, and then the final viva examination.

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Full-time research equates to approximately 37 hours per week and part-time research hours would not normally be less than 50% of the full-time equivalent 37 hours per week).

Research areas and structure

Research Clusters:

Age-Related Medicines Development And Use: The cluster aims to cultivate the research in the development of medicines tailored to the needs of patients accross the whole of the life course
Drug Discovery And Therapeutic Target Identification: The cluster aims to participate in all the stages of early phase drug discovery from chemical biology approaches to new target identification and validation
Fabrication And Synthetic Technologies For Advanced Drug Delivery: The cluster seeks to develop new dosage forms to optimise drug action
Medicine Use and Optimisation
Pharmacoepidemiology And Medication Safety: Researchers are engaged in projects to improve safety and benefit outcomes in the use of medicines
Translational Neuroscience: Researchers use a wide range of molecular, cellular and whole organism models as well as theoretical approaches to study normal brain function and uncover the fundamental causes of neurological and psychiatric diseases
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Research environment

Students participate in research projects in one of four research departments in the School of Pharmacy:

Research Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry
Research Department of Pharmaceutics
Research Department of Pharmacology
Research Department of Practice and Policy

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Full-time research equates to approximately 37 hours per week and students and supervisors decide how those hours are divided between contact and self-directed study.

An agreement is made by students and supervisors as to how their hours are divided between contact and self-directed study. Part-time research hours are agreed by the supervisor and student, but would not normally be less than 50% of the full-time equivalent (37 hours per week).

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Your research degree may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (AFE). The AFE (also known as bench fees) is an additional cost, incurred by yourself or your sponsor. It is levied to cover the costs related to consumables, equipment and materials etc which are not included in the tuition fee. As each research project is unique in nature, the AFE is calculated on a student by student basis and is determined by your academic supervisor.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

We post studentship information throughout the year. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/study/mphil-phd/studentships-and-funding for new opportunities.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Our diverse academic environment will give you the opportunity to develop strong transferable research skills and will support a wide range of future research and employment opportunities.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

School of Pharmacy

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a phd.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

Frequently asked questions: Graduate school

In the US, most graduate school applications require you to include:

Transcripts from previous educational institutions
Standardized test scores (such as the GRE or MCAT)
A graduate resume
2–3 letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose

Some programs may ask you to write a personal statement in addition to, or instead of, a statement of purpose. You may also be asked to an interview .

Always carefully read the application instructions for the specific program you’re applying to.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

Some students apply to graduate school straight from undergrad, but it’s also common to go back to school later in life. The ideal time to do so depends on various financial, personal, and career considerations . Graduate school is a big commitment, so you should apply at a time when you can devote your full attention to it.

Your career path may also determine when you should apply. In some career fields, you can easily progress without a graduate degree, while in others—such as medicine, business, and law—it’s virtually impossible to move up the career ladder without a specific graduate degree.

Most graduate school applications for American graduate programs are due in December or January for a September start.

Some types of programs, especially law school, are rolling applications, meaning that the earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll hear back. In this case, you should aim to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.

Medical school follows a completely separate timeline with much earlier deadlines. If you’re applying for medical school, you should speak to advisors at your university for more information.

A good starting point to aim for is about 18 months before you would start the program, or 6–9 months before the applications are due.

In the first few months of the process, research programs and study for any standardized exams you might need.

You can then begin writing your personal statements and statements of purpose , as well as contacting people to write your letters of recommendation . Ensure that you give recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters (ideally around 2–4 months).

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

It’s best to ask in person if possible, so first reach out and request a meeting to discuss your graduate school plans.

Let the potential recommender know which programs you’re applying to, and ask if they feel they can provide a strong letter of recommendation . A lukewarm recommendation can be the kiss of death for an application, so make sure your letter writers are enthusiastic about recommending you and your work!

Always remember to remain polite. Your recommenders are doing you a favor by taking the time to write a letter in support of your graduate school goals.

This depends on the program that you are applying for. Generally, for professional programs like business and policy school, you should ask managers who can speak to your future leadership potential and ability to succeed in your chosen career path.

However, in other graduate programs, you should mostly ask your former professors or research supervisors to write your recommendation letters , unless you have worked in a job that corresponds closely with your chosen field (e.g., as a full-time research assistant).

Choose people who know your work well and can speak to your ability to succeed in the program that you are applying to.

Remember, it is far more important to choose someone who knows you well than someone well-known. You may have taken classes with more prominent professors, but if they haven’t worked closely with you, they probably can’t write you a strong letter.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

Professional experience
Voluntary and extracurricular activities
Publications
Awards and honors
Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

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Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

PhD dissertations
Research proposals
Personal statements
Admission essays
Motivation letters
Reflection papers
Journal articles
Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

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PhD/MPhil Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

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Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a “lifelong learner.”

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master’s degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master’s and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase “ all but dissertation ” or the abbreviation “ABD” on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. “Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you’re in and what other responsibilities you have in life,” he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

[ READ: What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree? ]

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. “Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor,” Curtis advises. “Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with.”

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student’s funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. “Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation,” he says. “If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration.”

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. “Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.,” Huguet wrote in an email. “The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience.”

[ READ: Ph.D. Programs Get a Lot More Practical. ]

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university’s history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. “Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities),” she wrote in an email.

[ READ: 4 Fields Where Doctorates Lead to Jobs. ]

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. “A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it’ll be easier on you if you are passionate about research,” says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

“A Ph.D. isn’t about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that,” Lee says.

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student’s academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

“The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two’s difference,” she wrote in an email. “When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it’s usually related to the student’s coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn’t yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research.”

“It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school’s proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are,” Skelly says. “That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program.”

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Graduate School

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Graduation

Featured Expert: Dr. Charlene Hoi, PhD

How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, PhD programs are 4 or 5 years long. The time it takes to get a PhD is slightly longer in the US, between 4-6 years, because these programs tend to be more structured. If you want to know how to get a PhD in Canada or Europe, you can expect it to take 3-5 years. However, there are PhD programs that take longer, such as part-time programs, or are extremely short, like online accelerated PhD programs. Ultimately, how long it takes to get a PhD is up to you. In this article, we’ll look at the average PhD program lengths, the typical PhD timeline, and tips on how to get your PhD finished faster.

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Article Contents 13 min read

How long does it take to get a phd.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. In the US, most PhD programs are between 4-6 years, while in Canada they are typically shorter, around 3-4 years.

Some students take longer than 6 years to complete their PhD, but in general the longest time it takes to get a PhD is capped at 8 years. If you’re enrolling in a part-time PhD program, for instance, your timeline will probably be extended to 6-8 years.

The shortest PhD programs out there are accelerated or sometimes online PhD programs. Some of these are only 1-2 years long, but there are comparatively fewer programs available, and they are only suitable for certain fields and careers which require less intensive research which defines most PhD programs.

One of the main reasons why it takes many years to get a PhD is because these programs are comprehensive and the requirements to graduate are extensive. Most have a set number of credit hours you need to complete, examinations to write, plus you’ll need to write your PhD thesis or dissertation, unless you pursue a PhD without dissertation .

There are certainly ways to shorten the PhD application timeline and time to graduate, which includes enrolling in a shorter program if possible, increasing your course load or the number of research hours you can dedicate per week, but generally a PhD will still take some time.

Even if you want to do a PhD without a master’s degree first, such as by applying to a direct entry PhD program, the program is still usually 4-5 years long.

We’ll take a look at the typical PhD timeline and how long it takes to get a PhD normally. After, we’ll cover some tips on how to get your PhD done faster or how you can avoid dragging things out.

In North America, the typical PhD program is divided into two stages. The first stage is where you complete all the required coursework, comprehensive exams and other academic requirements, depending on the program. The second stage is when you submit a proposal for original, independent research, get it approved and start working on your thesis or dissertation. Your PhD culminates with your thesis defense. Once your thesis has been approved, you’ll be eligible to graduate.

This timeline is somewhat flexible, as you might complete the first stage in 1 or 2 years but take longer to complete your dissertation. For the purpose of this general PhD schedule, we’ll assume your PhD program is a typical length of 4-6 years.

Application Stage

We’ve included the application stage of getting your PhD here first because the grad school application timeline can take several months to put together your application package and hear back about acceptance to a program. Secondly, because the application stage involves some critical steps you’ll need to complete in order to get your PhD.

1. Research proposal

To apply to a PhD program, you’ll most likely be required to submit a research proposal and be prepared to answer any research proposal questions your advisor will have. This is your “proposal” of what research question you will explore during your studies at a program, or an outline of what research topic you want to pursue. If you’re not sure how to write a research proposal, check out these Oxford PhD proposal samples or a Cambridge PhD proposal sample.

2. Application materials

The admission requirements for a PhD can vary from program to program, but here are the general components of a PhD application:

Required prerequisite coursework
Official transcripts (and minimum GPA)
Graduate school statement of purpose
CV for graduate school or research resume
PhD motivation letter

Some programs may also ask you to submit additional essays, such as a letter of intent, research interest statement or grad school career goals statement .

Many PhD programs also invite you to a grad school interview to get to know you better. Be ready for common graduate school interview questions such as “ tell me about yourself ” and “ why do you want to do a PhD ?”

Writing a grad school statement of purpose? Check out these examples:

PhD Years 1-3: Coursework Stage

1. orientation.

Your PhD program will usually begin with your orientation, where you’ll learn about the program’s individual structure, requirements and expectations. You’ll also either choose or be assigned an academic advisor and schedule an initial meeting with them. Your advisor will be a member of the university faculty who will act as your support while you complete your research and write your thesis.

2. Coursework

The first year or two of your PhD will involve completing required advanced coursework in your field. You’ll attend lectures and seminars and you may participate in research projects with department faculty or fellow graduate students or even lab work, depending on your field.

3. Electives

Along with required coursework, you’ll have the chance to take elective courses that interest you or relate to your field. It’s important to choose electives that will enrich your program. Choose ones that really interest you, that might help inform your PhD research or that will help you fulfill your credit requirements.

4. Extracurriculars

PhD programs sometimes have extracurricular activities or additional requirements outside the classroom. This can include internships or a practicum you need to complete for credit, or you might be interested in attending academic conferences or relevant events to socialize and network you’re your colleagues in the field.

5. Comprehensive exams

The coursework stage of your PhD program will end with comprehensive exams , sometimes called qualifying or preliminary exams. These are your “final exams” to make sure that you completed the necessary PhD coursework and that you’re ready and qualified to take on your own independent research in the next phase.

1. Thesis proposal

You may recall that you submitted a research proposal as part of your PhD application, and this step of the process is similar. Your thesis proposal is just like your research proposal, but it’s a more refined and developed version. Throughout your coursework, your research question might have changed or you might have changed course a little bit. If you’re still thinking about your PhD topic , take the time to solidify it before you reach the thesis proposal stage.

Your research proposal might have been a first draft, while your thesis proposal is your official announcement of: this is what I propose to research in this PhD program.

Depending on your field and the program, you thesis research might involve a great deal of lab work, or data collection or fieldwork. Whatever the case, your thesis proposal is a complete outline of what you intend to do for this independent research project and the steps you’ll take.

2. Thesis approval

Once your proposal is written, you’ll submit it for approval. Your academic advisor, PhD supervisor or the PhD committee overseeing your program will review it and either approve it or make suggestions for changes. Once it’s been polished and finalized, you’ll be given the go ahead to start conducting your research.

3. PhD research

Your research alone will probably take you several semesters to complete. On top of the fieldwork, lab work or data collection and analysis you’ll be completing, you’ll be using this time to write and review. Writing your thesis or dissertation takes a fair number of hours to outline, draft, edit and complete. It also means hitting the books to complete a literature review of your research topic so you have a complete background understanding of your chosen topic and how it will inform your research.

Your research and the preparation of your thesis is really the biggest part of this second stage, and is probably the longest part of your PhD altogether.

4. Extra requirements

When you’re not deep in your research, you’ll be completing other requirements of your PhD program or additional duties that enrich your education. Some programs require you to dedicate some hours to teaching, whether it be leading seminars for undergraduate students or acting as a teaching assistant for university faculty.

You’ll also be strongly encouraged to publish as a graduate student , so you may be involved in the research projects of faculty members or other grad students when you’re not working on your dissertation.

5. Thesis submission and preparation for thesis defense

When you’re finished writing your thesis and you’re ready to submit it, it’s critical to know how to prepare for thesis defense . Because not only do you have to complete this original, new body of research work, you have to get the approval of your PhD committee to put it out into the world.

Your thesis defense is essentially the final presentation of your PhD.

6. Thesis defense

Your thesis defense is an oral presentation of your research project, but it also involves submitting your written document to be reviewed. Essentially, you’ll present the entirety of your thesis to the PhD supervising committee, including your findings and conclusions. From there, the committee will ask thesis defense questions . Your answers will defend your methodology and results to the committee, basically proving the value and validity of your work. While this is an evaluation of sorts, it is also your opportunity to share your original ideas and invite further research into your topic.

After your defense, the PhD committee will either approve your thesis or send it back to you with edits or changes to be made before it can be formally approved.

Graduation and Postdoc

Once your thesis has been approved, congratulations! You’ll be eligible for graduation and be awarded your degree. Now that you’ve finished this marathon, you can choose to pursue further studies or start looking for a job after grad school .

With a PhD, you have many different options for positions in your field. You might want to know how to find a job in academia or how to get a tenure track position at a university if you’re interested in teaching others. PhD graduates who decide to transition from academia to industry or who would rather work outside the realm of academia can find industry jobs after PhD that suit their skills and experiences.

Either way, you’ll need to prepare for how to find a postdoc position, explore what the career options are for you, decide what your career goals are and start sending out applications. Remember to prep your postdoc resume and get read for postdoc interview questions , since the job hunt will begin soon after you finish your PhD!

Is it possible to get your PhD done faster? What are some ways you can speed up the process and avoid taking 8 years to complete your graduate studies? Luckily, there are many key ways you can make your journey through grad school easier and speed things up a little, from the type of PhD program you choose to the habits and skills you cultivate during your program.

#1 Enroll in an accelerated program

The first way to guarantee it will take less time to get your PhD is to, of course, enroll in a shorter PhD program. Direct entry PhD programs allow you to enroll once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances. Note that these are not the easiest PhD programs to get into , as your academic record needs to be excellent, and you’ll likely need prior research experience and you may even need to have publications already. However, a direct entry PhD program is around 4-5 years, but it allows you to skip the 1-2 years it would take to earn a master’s degree.

You can also choose to enroll in an online or accelerated PhD program that is designed to be much shorter than the traditional PhD. Once again, though, these programs are not available to students in every field, so you may need to research whether there are any options for you.

#2 Choose the right mentor

One of the first things you can do to ensure your PhD is smooth sailing is to choose the right mentor or academic advisor. Many programs allow you to choose your advisor, while some assign one to you. Whatever the case, it’s important to establish a strong working relationship and clear expectations early on.

One of the first things you’ll do as a PhD student is meet with your advisor. Take the time to discuss with them what your expectations for the program are, ask questions and ask them what their expectations are of you. Your advisor is there to help you and advise you, and they have resources and connections you can use to your advantage. But they are also working with a busy schedule and might be advising more than one PhD student, too. A mutually respectful relationship with open communication will ensure fewer interpersonal hurdles down the road.

#3 Earn credit hours faster

One way you can shave some time off your PhD is by earning your credit hours faster and getting to the research and thesis-writing stage faster. This might mean you take on a full-time course load or ask your advisor for ways to earn extra credit, such as participating in research projects. Some PhD programs will give you course credit for previous graduate level coursework you might have completed during your master’s degree, or for certifications and professional education you completed outside of school.

#4 Keep your thesis focused

When you get started on your research, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work you need to complete, with the writing of your thesis on top of it all. One way to keep your research hyper-focused and on point is to keep your thesis topic narrow. If your subject is too broad, you’ll be spending way too much time in your research. Give yourself clear objectives and scope, and don’t deviate from your PhD proposal if you don’t have to.

There may be a million questions you want to explore within your PhD topic, but there will be other opportunities to explore them. Keep your focus narrow so you don’t spend years and years asking and answering research questions!

One of the best things you can do to get your PhD done faster and adjust to the experience of graduate school is to change your thinking. Adopt a growth mindset so that you’re open to new learning, willing to listen to constructive feedback on your proposal or thesis and willing to grow your skills. A PhD is an advanced program, and you’ll already be very skilled, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow. There will be challenges for you, so be ready to meet and overcome them instead of letting them draw you back or slow you down.

#5 Develop your professional skills fast

A PhD is an opportunity to grow your professional skillset as much as it is an opportunity for you to contribute meaningfully to your field. If you haven’t already been working on skills such as communication, presenting or lecturing and writing, now is the time to start.

Strong writing skills will help you get your thesis finished and edited faster, as you’ll be more familiar with the process and understand what makes a strong document. It’s also a useful skill to learn how to write effective funding proposals or grant proposals. You may need to do so to secure funding for your research, but it’s a highly valuable skill in the workforce, too.

Good presentation skills will help you during your thesis defense or if you’re asked to present during a conference. They will also help you build confidence in your voice and ideas and make you a better communicator when you’re networking or job searching.

#6 Keep to your schedule

This is maybe the most important skill if you want to finish your PhD faster: make a detailed schedule and hold yourself accountable to it. If you like, you can plan out your entire PhD week by week from Day 1. Write down what your course schedule is, when you’ll do research and how many hours, when you’ll write and how many hours, what extracurriculars or personal activities will take up your time and so on.

A detailed schedule gives you an overview of your PhD and a timeline of when you’ll finish. It will keep you organized and accountable, so you can avoid procrastinating or avoidable speed bumps that might slow you down. It also helps you compartmentalize the many items on your to-do list so you don’t stress out about how much you need to accomplish.

When creating your schedule, especially during the research stage when there is no formal class schedule for you to adhere to, focus on deliverables. Set a date when you will submit a section of your thesis to your advisor, or when you will complete your literature review. Setting goals and clear outcomes will keep you on track and focused.

#7 Take initiative and be independent

The last tip to help you get your PhD done faster is to take initiative. Remember that a PhD is a largely independent endeavor. You’ll have the support of a committee or advisor, but you can’t rely on them to do the work for you or put everything on hold if they aren’t available when you need them. Be flexible and adaptable so you can keep working and moving forward, even if your schedule gets interrupted or needs to change to suit your situation.

It's also important to take the initiative in your learning. Take advantage of opportunities for growth, networking, and gaining experience where you can. Get the most out of your PhD program and use your experiences to fuel your end goal of completing your thesis.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to get a PhD. There are a few factors that can influence the time it takes to complete your PhD, from program length and structure to what country you are earning your PhD in, to your own personal work ethic and schedule.

PhD programs in the US are on average 4-6 years. In Canada and the UK, they are usually 3-5 years long. Part-time PhD programs may take up to 7-8 years to complete. Direct-entry PhD programs and dual master’s and PhD programs are typically 5 years long. If you’re enrolling in an online, hybrid or accelerated PhD program, the timeline is usually 2-3 years, but there are some extremely short 1-year PhD programs offered online for specific disciplines.

Yes, you can finish your PhD before the “normal” timeline. For example, if you complete your coursework early, if you finish writing your thesis faster than average and get it approved, or if you otherwise complete all your PhD program requirements before the anticipated finish date.

Yes, there are online PhDs available for certain fields and disciplines. These typically range from 2-3 years, although there are some traditional 4-year PhD programs offered online. There are also some “accelerated” online PhDs which last 12-18 months.

A PhD program is not necessarily shorter if you first complete a master’s degree, but having gone through a master’s program can better prepare you to finish your PhD faster. Some PhD programs accept credit hours from your master’s degree towards the coursework requirements for a PhD, and if you’ve previously written a master’s thesis or completed some research during your graduate studies, this will be an advantage. Since you’ll already be familiar with the process of writing a thesis and conducting your own research, you can avoid some stumbling blocks in your PhD program that might otherwise slow down your progress.

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without first completing a master’s degree. There are direct entry PhD programs that allow students with a bachelor’s degree to enroll, so long as they meet the admission requirements and have exceptional academic records. Some online PhDs also waive the master’s degree requirement.

Yes, it is possible to complete a traditional PhD program in a shorter amount of time than anticipate. This usually means dedicating yourself to full-time study or taking on a larger course load and increased research hours. It takes significant work, but it can be done with the right schedule and commitment.

The fastest PhD programs are the short, 1-year accelerated programs. These programs have fewer credit hours to complete, and some have no dissertation requirement, only qualifying exams to finish. However, there are not many programs out there, and they are not available for every field of interest.

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College of Pharmacy

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Pharm. D. Frequently Asked Questions

General questions, what is the doctor of pharmacy degree.

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree (often abbreviated Pharm.D. or PharmD) is required to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). The NAPLEX is one component of the licensure process required to practice as a pharmacist. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree similar to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in health care systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists. After earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and passing licensure examinations, College of Pharmacy graduates can practice pharmacy anywhere in the country.

How long does it take to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree?

Three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework, followed by four academic years in the professional program. Most students need four years to complete their prerequisite courses. Thus, it usually takes eight years of college study to earn a Pharm.D. and become a pharmacist.

What if I already have a related graduate or professional degree, such as a M.S. in Biology?

While your previous coursework has likely helped you fulfill many of the program prerequisites, you should still expect to spend a full four years in pharmacy school.

What is the difference between the Pharm.D. program and the Ph.D. program?

The Doctor of Pharmacy program is for people who want to work as pharmacists. The Ph.D. program is intended for people interested in careers in research.

The College of Pharmacy offers a dual Pharm.D./Ph.D. degree program for students with a strong interest in research who also want to practice as pharmacists. Contact us as [email protected] for more details!

Does OSU have a pharmacy technician training program?

OSU does not offer a pharmacy technician program. Several Oregon colleges have pharmacy technician programs, including Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore.; Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Ore.; and Linn Benton Community College in Albany, Ore.

Can I visit the OSU campus?

Yes. You are welcome to visit OSU’s campus. Information on scheduling a campus visit is available from OSU’s Visitor Center .

Applications

Does osu use pharmcas.

Yes. The OSU College of Pharmacy will review only complete, on-time applications submitted via PharmCAS . Applicants must also submit a supplemental application.

Does OSU require a supplemental application?

Yes, but instead of a separate application, you will complete the supplemental requirements in PharmCAS.

Does OSU College of Pharmacy require the PCAT?

No. OSU does not require the PCAT. PCAT scores are not considered in the evaluation of applications.

Can I apply even though I did not major in pre-pharmacy as an undergraduate?

Definitely, as long as you will be able to complete all the prerequisite courses by next June. Pharm.D. students come from a wide range of undergraduate majors.

Does OSU accept out-of-state students?

Do you participate in wiche.

Yes. Residents of Nevada and Alaska may be eligible to participate in the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Please note that the WICHE program has its own application process and deadline. Call 303-541-0214 or go to wiche.edu/psep for more information.

Is there a minimum GPA to be considered for admission?

It is recommended that applicants have a minimum science GPA of 2.75 to be competitive. Science GPA is calculated by PharmCAS based on applicants' performance in undergraduate science courses and will not be recalculated by the College of Pharmacy.

What is the average GPA of students admitted to the program?

The average pre-pharmacy science GPA of applicants who have been admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program in recent years is approximately a 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale).

When can I apply to the program?

Applications for Fall admission will be available on PharmCAS two summers before you would start the program in July.

Can I reapply if I am not admitted?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant can apply to Oregon State's Pharm.D. program. Applicants who are denied admission should consider meeting with our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), to discuss the possibility of reapplying.

How many people usually apply to the Pharm.D. program?

OSU normally receives 300-400 Pharm.D. applications each year.

How many applicants were invited for interviews?

Approximately 150-200 applicants are invited to interview each year. Interview selection is made based on several factors: prerequisite science GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement and the OSU supplemental essay.

How many SEATS are available in the Pharm.D. program each year?

About 90 seats are available in each entering class.

Is a bachelor's degree required for admission?

No. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the Pharm.D. program. However, the College of Pharmacy strongly recommends completing a bachelor's degree before beginning the Pharm.D. program. Applicants who have earned bachelor's degrees (or who are about to earn bachelor's degrees) receive preference in our admissions process. Approximately 99% of students admitted in recent years earned their bachelor’s degree before entering the Pharm.D. program.

Is First Aid/CPR certification required at the time of application?

First Aid/CPR certification is not required at the time of application. However, all admitted applicants must have current First Aid and Health Care Provider CPR certification prior to their first day of class in the Pharm.D. program. Entering Pharm.D. students will have the option of taking First Aid and CPR certification courses during their orientation program in September.

When will I hear back about my application?

This is the tentative timeline for the Doctor of Pharmacy admissions process in 2023-2024:

Does OSU use rolling admission?

Yes, we make offers of admission throughout the application cycle. While our final deadline is June 3, applicants should apply earlier to maximize their chances of admission.

Prerequisite Courses

Do i have to complete all of the prerequisites before i apply to the program.

You must complete all the prerequisites by the start of Fall term of the year in which you would enter the program. Therefore, you can apply while still having some prerequisites in progress. Generally, most students apply during the fall as they complete their final year of prerequisite coursework.

For example, if you are applying for Fall 2024 admission, the final application deadline is June 3, 2024. You will need to complete all the prerequisites by September 2024. Some prerequisites may be completed during summer. Please contact our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), to discuss completing the prerequisites during the summer before you start the program.

Can I take the prerequisites at another university or community college?

Yes. Prerequisites can be completed at any accredited college or university.

Upper-division level coursework is strongly encouraged for several prerequisites. Whether you are attending Oregon State University or another institution, it is important to plan your program of study with an academic advisor at your institution and our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ).

I took the prerequisites outside the United States. Will they count?

Courses completed outside the U.S. may or may not fulfill OSU’s Pharm.D. prerequisites. The answer varies depending on the course content, the date completed, and the country in which the course was taken. It is extremely rare for foreign credits to fulfill all the Pharm.D. prerequisites, and it is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation plan to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology) at a U.S. university.

For specific information about foreign credits for Pharm.D. prerequisites, applicants can submit a request for transcript evaluation to [email protected] .

How can I find out if the courses I've taken fulfill the prerequisites?

We encourage prospective students to submit a request for a transcript evaluation to determine how your coursework applies to the Pharm.D. prerequisites.

Instructions for requesting a transcript evaluation:

Submit copies of your transcripts via e-mail to [email protected] , fax 541-737-3999 attn: Transcript Evaluation or mail (Transcript Evaluation; 203 Pharmacy Building; Corvallis, OR 97331). Unofficial transcript copies are sufficient for the informal evaluation. Include your full name and e-mail address so results can be communicated to you. Make sure your unofficial transcripts include the name of your college or university, the name and number of each course you took, and the grade you received in each cours e. It is also helpful if you include a link to your college or university's course catalog.

Allow 4-6 weeks to receive the results of your evaluation. Results will be sent by e-mail to the address you provided. Transcripts will not be returned.

Do my prerequisite courses expire after a certain amount of time?

As a general rule, upper-division science coursework should be no more than seven years old at the time of application. However, each situation is reviewed on an individual basis. Please contact the College of Pharmacy (541-737-3424) for more information.

Can I take my prerequisite courses pass/no-pass or credit/no-credit?

No, you should take them for a letter grade.

What is the minimum grade required for a PREREQUISITE COURSE?

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum of C- grade on a 4.0 scale. Any prerequisite course that is a D+ or below must be retaken.

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters of recommendation are required when i apply for admission.

You must submit at least two recommendation letters with your Pharm.D. application. A maximum of four letters will be accepted. Letters must be submitted directly to PharmCAS and received by the application deadline. Visit pharmcas.org for details. Letters submitted directly to OSU will not be accepted.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

People who know you well and can comment on the qualities that will make you a successful pharmacist. Professors, employers, and practicing pharmacists are good sources of recommendations.

Family members or friends should not write letters of recommendation for you .

Is an interview required for admission?

Yes. Interviews are conducted via Zoom.

Who will interview me?

A combination of faculty members, students, and alumni participate in the interview process.

What should I wear?

Professional attire.

What will they ask me?

You can expect to be asked questions designed to gauge your communication abilities, leadership, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and motivation. You will also be asked to produce a writing sample that will be conducted during the interview.

Financial Aid and Costs

What scholarships and financial aid are available for students.

The College of Pharmacy awards more than $150,000 in scholarships each year. These scholarships are usually only available to Pharm.D. students after successful completion of the first year. A limited number of scholarships may be available for incoming Pharm.D. students but an application is not necessary or required.

Many Doctor of Pharmacy students receive federal financial aid through Oregon State University. Information on financial aid (grants, loans and scholarships) available through Oregon State University can be found at https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu /.

Additional information about financial aid opportunities for pharmacy students is available through the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy online .

Information about aid available to Doctor of Pharmacy students .

How can I gain Oregon residency?

Information regarding Oregon residency requirements can be obtained from the OSU Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192.

https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/residency

Facts about Doctor of Pharmacy Students

How many doctor of pharmacy students are oregon residents.

Approximately 65% to 70% percent are considered Oregon residents for tuition purposes.

What is the gender breakdown in the program?

Recent entering classes have been 35% to 40% male and 60% to 65% female.

What is the average age of students in the program?

The average age of students when they begin the program is 24 to 26. Many begin immediately after their undergraduate studies, but there are also many students who start the program later in their careers and are student parents.

How do OSU graduates do on the NAPLEX and MPJE exams?

Quite well! Our students consistently perform at or above the national average. Read more about the success of our students .

Transfer Students

Can i transfer into the pharm.d. program.

The College of Pharmacy will consider applications from students currently enrolled in another Doctor of Pharmacy program who wish to transfer to OSU. Students may only transfer at the beginning of the fall term and must meet with our Admissions & Recruitment Manager, Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ), prior to applying.

Transfer applicants must submit the following materials to the Office of Student Services by March 1:

Complete official transcripts of all college coursework (pre-professional, professional, and any other programs of study).
A formal statement of interest in the OSU College of Pharmacy.
A letter of support from the dean or chief academic administrator of their current School or College of Pharmacy indicating that the applicant is in good standing and eligible to continue in their current program.

Applications will not be considered from students who are not in good standing or ineligible to continue in their current program.

Applicants’ materials will be reviewed by the Office of Student Services. If an applicant is deemed to be a potentially acceptable candidate, an interview will be scheduled. The Office of Student Services will forward a recommendation regarding admission, and professional year of entry, to the College Admissions Committee for consideration, following completion of the interview and review of the applicant's supporting materials.

Transfer students admitted to the professional program by the Admissions committee will be asked to provide detailed documentation of all coursework and experiences already completed. The Director of Student Services and Executive Associate Dean will consult with course coordinators and recommend an appropriate program of study to the Academic and Professional Standards (APS) Committee. The decision of APS committee regarding required coursework will be communicated to the student prior to matriculation and is final.

International Students

Are international students admitted to the doctor of pharmacy program.

Yes. Like all students, international applicants to the Pharm.D. program must complete the Pharm.D. prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission. Our admissions committee strongly encourages international applicants to complete some of their prerequisite coursework in the United States. Contact Melissa Lee ( [email protected] ) for more information.

Will my coursework in another country help me fulfill the Doctor of Pharmacy program prerequisites?

Courses completed outside the U.S. may or may not fulfill OSU’s Pharm.D. prerequisites. The answer varies depending on the course content, the date completed, and the country in which the course was taken. It is extremely rare for foreign credits to fulfill all the Pharm.D. prerequisites, and it is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation plan to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology) at a U.S. university.

For specific information about international credits for Pharm.D. prerequisites, applicants can submit a request for transcript evaluation to pharmacy @oregonstate.edu.

I have a bachelor of pharmacy degree from another country. Can I apply to the Pharm.D. program?

All applicants to the Pharm.D. program must complete the Pharm.D. prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission. While courses completed in a foreign bachelor of pharmacy program may fulfill some of the Pharm.D. prerequisites, it is extremely uncommon for the previous coursework to fulfill all requirements. It is strongly recommended that applicants in this situation enroll at a U.S. university to complete the upper-division prerequisites (organic chemistry, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy).

How should I handle my international transcripts when applying?

Applicants are instructed not to list individual foreign courses on the PharmCAS application (unless they are credits from a Study Abroad program). Applicants should send transcript evaluation reports (NOT original or copies of their foreign transcripts) to PharmCAS before the application deadline.

An official, translated copy of the transcript will be required by OSU’s Office of Admissions if the applicant is admitted to the Pharm.D. program.

Health Requirements

Do i need any immunizations or certifications before beginning the program.

Because student pharmacists work in health care settings, it's especially important that they complete immunizations to protect themselves and their patients. You can read about the College of Pharmacy's immunization requirements in the Pharm.D. Student Handbook . These requirements can generally be completed after you are admitted to the Pharm.D. program.

Do I need health insurance as a student?

Yes. Because they work in health care settings, student pharmacists are exposed to more health risks than a typical university student. Furthermore, many experiential education sites require participants to have health insurance. Therefore, all Doctor of Pharmacy students are required to have high-quality health insurance. Students must either participate in OHSU's student health insurance program or request a waiver. Waivers can be requested by students who already have health insurance (such as a parent or partner's group medical insurance plan) and whose coverage meets specific criteria. Students who anticipate requesting a waiver should carefully review the detailed information and waiver criteria on the OHSU student health insurance program website.

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College of Pharmacy Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 Main Office: 541.737.3424 CE Phone: 541.737.4015 Fax: 541.737.3999

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Masters abroad: preps and steps

M Pharma in USA...

M Pharma in USA: Guide for International Students on Masters in Pharmacy in US

Considered as the top study abroad destinations across the world, the US will offer you the best quality of education with the best infrastructure interns of their academia and career prospects, to complete your masters in pharmacy in USA. Pharmacy deals with the medication production, dispensary and the correct uses of drugs in the healthcare industry.

A Pharmacy Masters degree in the USA is an industry currently in high demand globally. Be it the scope of pharmacists, an excellent educational environment or a high paying scale upon graduation, you will get countless reasons to pursue your m pharm in USA. This blog will give you all about the Masters in Pharmacy in the USA, along with the requirements, and some of the best universities for m pharm in the USA.

Why Study Masters in Pharmacy in the USA?

Before discussing the top universities, let's first make you familiar with the reasons why studying for a master's in pharmacy in the USA is considered to be popular among the international students.

Growth of Pharmacy: The pharmacy market in the USA is set to increase rapidly because of its high consumption of pharm products. As per the data, the market size of US pharmacy in 2020 was USD 534.21 billion. It is projected to grow from 560 billion in 2021 to 861.67 billion USD in the year 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3% in 2021-2028 period.
Academics: USA is known for offering international students with academic education which is exemplary and best in the world. The pharmacy colleges in the USA are especially known for their groundbreaking research in the field.
Top Universities: A majority of the top US universities offering a Master's degree in Pharmacy are ranked among the top 100 universities globally in QS World University Rankings 2023. Even some universities like University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of California, Purdue University are ranked in the Top 50 QS Rankings For Psychology Subject.

Suggested: Guide to Bachelor of Pharmacy in US

Course Curriculum For Masters in Pharmacy in USA

Master in Pharmacy in USA is a tad bit different from several other master's degree programs taught in the country. The M Pharm course in the USA is offered as a thesis or non-thesis and research course. Let's look at the course curriculum of the course.

Duration: A typical master's degree in Pharmacy in USA takes around two to three years to complete depending upon your selection of course and the university.
Content: The Psychology masters degree at most universities focuses on courses such as the principle of drug discovery, development, pharmacology, macromolecular structure, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics etc.
Curriculum: The masters in psychology program is of minimum 35 credits, including 19 credits of some core courses, 13 credits of research and 3 credits in elective courses.

Suggested: Spring intake universities in US

In order to get admission to Masters in Pharmacy in USA, Indian students must fulfil certain eligibility criteria, which has been discussed in the next section.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Masters in Pharmacy in USA

The requirements for masters in pharmacy courses in USA are somewhat similar and basic. You must have to clear these criteria for the program. Let us check out the requirements to study masters courses after b pharmacy in USA.

Bachelor's Degree

Language test scores.

Student Visa and Passport

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree with a minimum B grade. A bachelor's degree in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical sciences etc is also favoured. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred with your overall quality of transcripts.

The language test scores are required for all international students to get into universities in the USA for Pharmacy masters admission. The minimum scores as per two popular tests are TOEFL (80-100) and IELTS (6.0-7.0). Also make sure you appear in the tests at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the deadline to get the scores in time.

The GRE score is not essential for applying for MS in pharmaceutics in the USA. Most of the colleges and the degrees have their own minimum acceptable score ranges. For instance, for an MBA in pharmaceutical management in USA, a score of 650 or above is considered. Whereas for other master courses a score of 600 or more is needed. However some universities also offer admissions to MS in pharmacy in USA without GRE .

Passport and Visa

A valid passport and student visa are a must to study masters in pharmacy in USA for Indian students. Do keep in mind to apply for your student visa as early as possible before travelling to the country.

Documents Required for Masters in Pharmacy in USA

To apply for masters in pharmacy in USA for international students, you must require some sets of documents to submit in the application. These may includes

Official Academic Transcripts
Bachelor's Degree Certificate
Test Scorecards
Letter of recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Updated CV or Resume
Work Experience Certificate (if required)
Proof of Financial Resources

Admission Process for Masters in Pharmacy in USA

The admission process for different M Pharm in USA for international students is quite easy to go, and cannot look more tedious, provided you have all the essential documents. Here is a step-by-step process to follow

Choose the type of specialisations you want to pursue and find out the best university offers it.
Visit the official website of your selected university and gather information about entry requirements.
Fill out the desired application form with the required details.
Scan and upload the required documents such as transcripts, scorecards, resume, etc.
Complete the admission form and pay the application fees.
Appear in the university interview (if required) with the respective director and show your soft skills.
Once you are selected, you will get a conditional letter, accept it and book a seat at the university.
You have to pay the deposit fees to book your seat by agreeing to all terms and conditions.

Now that you know much about the requirements for master in pharmacy in USA. Let's look at some best universities for the program.

Top Universities in USA for Masters in Pharmacy

M Pharmacy Colleges in USA are known for having stellar research opportunities along with its top notch academic education. With its high tech infrastructure, hands-on experience and outstanding career opportunities, pharmacy universities in USA have stood in various disciplines. Here we have curated a list of the best universities for MS in Pharmacy in USA.

Purdue University

University of pittsburgh, university of southern california.

North East University

University of South Florida

Let's discuss each university

Purdue University offers admissions to masters degree in clinical pharmaceutical sciences. The university provides flexibility to students in selecting coursework to meet the individual needs and career objectives. It starts with the foundation of core courses of pharmaceuticals that focuses on designing and implementing research as well as on the discipline related background related to the research.

The MS in pharmaceutical sciences in USA at the university trains the students to improve the health of the community through outstanding basic, clinical and translational research. The masters in pharmacy program at Pittsburgh is a one year program for students focusing on drug discovery, its development, novel dosage formulation, and drug therapy optimization. It is offered in six different areas of specialization such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, etc.

The M Pharm program at University of South Carolina is offered in pharmaceutical sciences majors. To earn this degree students are required to complete at least 24 units of formal coursework along with 4 units of thesis. Its three courses which is of 12 units are offered by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences along with a 4 units degree specific course.

Northeastern University

The pharmacy masters program at this university evaluates the critical topics of contemporary focuses in the pharmaceutics and drug discovery. The course is integrated with cross-disciplinary knowledge about drugs and their therapeutic value. The program offers courses focused on novel drug delivery systems, biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, physical pharmacy and polymeric dosage, or drug metabolism.

The MS in Pharmaceutical programs at the university is designed to prepare the students with the required skills needed to understand the burgeoning technological advances in science at nanoscale. This course is all about how new nanomaterials and practicals can be applied in the drug delivery, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, tissue regeneration, personalised medicines and more. The major research areas are pharmacy, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical at nano level.

Suggested: Comprehensive guide on MS in US

Cost of Studying Masters in Pharmacy in USA

When it comes to studying at top destinations, like the USA. The cost is an important factor. The M Pharm in USA fees depend upon various factors. Broadly speaking the majority of the fees will be spent on your tuition fees and the cost of living. Let's discuss each one.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for Pharmacy in the USA may vary based on the type of programs and the university you choose. On an average, the fees for an M Pharm in USA ranges from 22,400 USD to 73,000 USD. Whereas for pharmaceutical mba in USA it is slightly more.

Cost of Living

The living costs in the USA will depend upon your lifestyle and preferences. An estimated cost for international students varies from 1,250 USD to 2,700 USD per month. It may cover all essential amenities such as transportation, housing, food, stationary, study materials etc.

Moving on from the cost of studying, let us take a look at the scholarships for Pharmacy courses in the USA.

Scholarships For Masters in Pharmacy in USA

Studying MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in USA or any masters degree while staying in the country seems high to you. So to cope up with the expenses you can get your hands on numerous scholarships offered by the different pharmacy universities in the USA.

Some of the scholarships for master in pharmacy in USA for international students are given below.

Suggested: Which scholarships are suitable for Indian students in US

Jobs After Masters in Pharmacy in USA

After completing MS in Pharmaceutics in USA, you have several options. Either you can opt for your higher education in PhD in Pharmacy or to get into a M Pharmacy Jobs in USA. Talking about higher studies you can pursue PharmaD in different specialisations such as pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, pharmacy management etc.

The other option is to get into some jobs after MS in Pharmacy in USA. For a better understanding about the jobs here we have tabulated the job profiles along with their salaries in USA.

Suggested: Highest Paying Jobs in USA for International Students

Now that you know all about the important information regarding the best universities for MS in pharmacy in USA, ranging from its admission requirements to the job opportunities in this domain. If you have any further questions, comment down below. For personal assistance regarding the admission process of M Pharm in USA, get our Yocket Premium . This will definitely be your second best decision after choosing an MS degree in US.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Pharmacy in USA

Is GRE required for masters in pharmacy?

The GRE is not mandatory for Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree programs in the USA.

What is the cost of pursuing MS in Pharmacy in the USA?

The cost of Studying an MS in Pharmacy in the USA ranges from 22,400 USD to 73,000 USD per month. It is mostly tuition fees for the course. Also an international student requires an additional 2,500 USD per month to study in the US.

How many years does it take to study MS in pharmaceutical sciences in the USA?

The length of an MS in pharmaceutical sciences degree in US universities takes 2 to 3 years to complete.

What is the minimum GPA required for a Masters in Pharmacy in USA?

The minimum GPA score you must have to pursue a Masters in Pharmacy degree in USA is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 with quality academic transcripts.

What are the functional areas after Masters in Pharmacy?

The field after pharmaceutical sciences are vast and there are several areas attached to the pharmacy sectors which are 1. Biotechnology 2. Analysis and Pharmaceutical Quality 3. Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Research 4. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics 5. Physical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutics 6. Drug Design and Discovery

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List of M.Pharm Entrance Exams in India: Dates, Application, Admission Process

Updated On: December 06, 2023 10:39 am IST

Get all the details about M.Pharm Entrance Exams in India in this article such as Application Start Date, End Date, Examination Date, Result Date etc.

M.Pharma Entrance Exams Eligibility Criteria

List of m.pharm entrance exams in india, top national level m.pharm entrance exam, top state level m.pharm entrance exam, admission process of m.pharm entrance exam, more related articles.

List of M.Pharma Entrance Exams in India

Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) is one of the most chosen career courses in India. Candidates can sit for the M.Pharm Entrance Exams after they have completed their undergraduate degree in Pharmacy or other relevant subjects. Most of the M.Pharma Entrance Exams are conducted at both state and national levels.

Over the last few years, many students have opted for Pharmacy as their career choice due to the rapidly growing Pharmaceutical and Medical sciences industry. There are many globally recognized colleges and universities in India that provide admission to the M.Pharm course.

The duration of the M.Pharm course is 2 years and it has 4 semesters . The course analyses, tests, and researches drugs for disease which is caused to the human body. The modernization of the Pharmaceutical industry has made a huge impact on the development of the medical field. M.Pharm course can help build a well-established career as a Pharmacist .

Admission to the M.Pharm course is done on the basis of entrance tests. Some universities take national-level entrance test scores for admission to M.Pharm whereas many consider state-level exams for admissions.

Before going through the list of entrance exams for M.Pharma Entrance Exams in India, candidates should go through the eligibility criteria that are required to sit for the tests. These criteria are set by the exam conducting committees. Those criteria are listed below:

Candidates have to study science stream in their higher secondary education level with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the core subjects
A Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or any other relevant subject
It is mandatory to score at least 50% in the undergraduate degree
Some institutions also ask for 60% aggregate marks in the bachelor's degree level for admission purpose

Check out the list of M.Pharm entrance exams in India along with important dates below:

Candidates can find the top National Level M.Pharm Entrance Exam in the table mentioned below:-

Here, candidates can check out some of the top entrance exams at the state-level law in the table given below:

The admission process of all M.Pharm Entrance Exam is listed below:-

GPAT Admission Process

The GPAT 2020 admission process starts with the test registration. The applicant needs to first register on the official website. After the registration process has been completed, applicants can fill out the GPAT application form. After the application form has been submitted successfully, then the application form of the applicant will be reviewed. The GPAT admit card shall be given to applicants whose application form has been accepted/ approved by the NTA. Selected applicants will then need to appear for the online entrance test. The candidates who have qualified for the online entrance test will then have to appear for the counselling process of the GPAT.

AP PGECET Admission Process

The AP PGCET is an entrance examination administered by Andhra University. In order to compete in the AP PGCET entrance exam, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for the entrance exam. AP PGECET is an online computer-based entrance exam. Only Andhra Pradesh candidates can only apply for AP PGCET Entrance Exam. Usually, during the first week of May, the AP PGECET entrance exam is carried out. The candidates who have passed the AP PGECET entrance exam will only be able to appear in the AP PGECET counselling process.

TANCET Admission Process

The TANCET entrance exam is a state-level entrance exam that normally takes place every year in the month of June. The TANCET entrance exam is a 120-minute entrance exam consisting of 100 types of objective questions. Applicants who have passed the TANCET entrance test would also have to take part in the counselling process. In order to participate in the TANCET Counselling Process, applicants must visit the TANCET official website and complete the TANCET Counselling Application Process.

TS PGECET Admission Proces

TS PGECET is also a state-level entrance examination conducted in Telangana State. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for the entrance exam may appear for TS PGECET. TS PGECET is an online entrance exam with 120 multiple-choice questions. The entrance exam will take place in two sections- Morning and Evening. The results of TS PGECET are usually announced in June. Applicants who have cleared the entrance examination will then have to appear in the TS PGECET counselling process.

OJEE Admission Process

The Orissa Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) is a state-level entrance examination conducted and organized by JEE Cell of Odisha. OJEE is an entrance exam that is carried out in both online and offline mode. A total of 60 questions will be asked in the entrance exam with a total duration of 60 minutes. Candidates will be allotted seats on the basis of the merit list and marks secured by candidates in the entrance examination. Applicants who have completed the entrance examination will then have to appear for the OJEE counselling process. OJEE Counseling will begin from the last week after the declaration of the OJEE Result.

HPCET Admission Process

HPCET is a state-level entrance test conducted by the HPTU (Himachal Pradesh Technical University). HPCET is an entrance exam which is conducted for three years with 150 MCQs question. Every year the Application form of HPCET are usually made available by the 1st Week of March. The results are made available by the 4th Week of May. Candidates who cleared the HPCET entrance test will then need to appear for the HPCET Counselling Process which will be conducted in the 1st Week of June every year.

NIPER JEE Admission Process

NIPER Joint Entrance Exam (NIPER JEE) is a national level entrance exam conducted by NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research). NIPER JEE is conducted to assess the skill of candidates who are seeking admission in the field of pharmacy for various post-graduate and doctoral courses. The candidates who have cleared the NIPER JEE Entrance Examination will then appear for the NIPER JEE Counselling process. Only qualified candidates can download the counselling letter of NIPER JEE. To know more information about NIPER JEE refer to the link mentioned below

Click here to learn more about Pharmacy:

If you are looking forward to applying for admissions at M.Pharm colleges in India or want to know more regarding the same, fill our common application form and get expert advice.

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The course duration of M.Pharma is 2 years. The course curriculum is divided into 4 semesters.

No, it is not mandatory to appear in the NEET exam for admission to the M.Pharma degree. There are several other M.Pharma entrance exams in India that are designed specifically for admission to the course.

There is no upper age limit for appearing in the M.Pharma entrance exam. However, there are other academic criteria that candidates must meet before sitting for the test.

There are several entrance exams for M.Pharma admission in India. Some of the popular ones are GPAT, NIPER, OJEE, HP CET etc.

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PhD After M.Pharm: Eligibility, Specializations, Career Scope
A degree in PhD after M.Pharm comes with several options to choose from. The most sought specializations in the field are Pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacology. The key differences between these specializations are as follows: PhD in Pharmacy: This course has been designed for advanced research work in the pharmaceutical field.
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Apply to the Pharmacology PhD Program. Learn the requirements for the Pharmacology PhD Program. Doctoral students receive funding, which includes full tuition, healthcare benefits, and a stipend. The first year of funding comes directly from PIBS. Then Pharmacology coordinates funding through graduation from a wide variety of sources.
A journey from PharmD to PhD
The PhD program, which consists of 2 years of class study followed by 2 years of dissertation work, is excellent preparation for this role. ... a PhD degree will open doors to many alternative pharmacy careers. Opportunities include FDA, the National Institutes of Health, MTM or insurance companies, university professorships and research ...
Jobs for Pharm.D. vs. Ph.D.
A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) prepares students to become Pharmacists focused on patient care, while a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares students for careers in academia or research and development. Both patient-care and research positions within pharmacy are similar in that students receive formal training and education in common ...
PhD Pharmacy: Course, Admission, Entrance Exam, Fees ...
PhD Pharmacy Syllabus. The PhD program in Pharmacy, typically spanning 3 to 5 years, involves a rigorous investigation into the actions of drugs and their distribution within organisms. Through intensive research endeavors, students analyze the complex pathways and effects of pharmaceutical substances in biological contexts.
Ph.D. (Pharmacology) Course Admission, Eligibility, Fees 2024-2025
The students will have to submit their research papers or thesis at the end of the course. The average fees for PhD Pharmacology ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000, depending on the type of the institute. According to NIRF Ranking 2024, the top Pharmacy colleges in India offering PhD Pharmacology course are: NIRF Ranking 2024.
PhD in Pharmacy
How much does a Pharmacy PhD cost? In a UK university, UK based postgraduate research students should expect to incur annual tuition fees in the region of £4,500/year. With a full-time PhD lasting 3 years, this equates to £13,500 in fees.
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Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame ...
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The UCL School of Pharmacy is a world-leading centre for pharmacy education and research in pharmacy and biomedical sciences. The School has maintained this status over decades, being recently ranked 4th in the QS World Rankings by Subject (Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023). Furthermore, London was ranked 1st in the QS Best Student Cities 2023 list, making it an ideal location
Master's vs PhD
The two most common types of graduate degrees are master's and doctoral degrees: A master's is a 1-2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers. A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3-7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research. A master's is also the necessary first ...
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Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Jan 31, 2024. A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline. A PhD, or doctorate degree, is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to ...
How long does it take to get a PhD?
In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5-7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3-5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation. In the rest of the world, students normally have a master's degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3-5 years.
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Our most recent UCSF PharmD-PhD graduates have, in general, gone on to careers in the academic setting and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. These are the most frequently asked questions about the UCSF PharmD-PhD dual degree program. How many students apply for admission to the UCSF PharmD-PhD each year, and how many of those ...
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For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows: PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000. International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500. PhD (part-time)
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With the average PhD Pharmaceutical Science salary ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 3,00,000, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, CellDex therapeutics, Covance, Glaxo, Cyprotex, etc are some of the top recruiters of this domain. Following are some of the PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences jobs, along with the job description and the average salary offered.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey. Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means ...
How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD? A Go-Getter's Guide
On average, it takes 4-5 years to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. In the US, most PhD programs are between 4-6 years, while in Canada they are typically shorter, around 3-4 years. Some students take longer than 6 years to complete their PhD, but in general the longest time it takes to get a PhD is capped at 8 years.
Pharm. D. Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage prospective students to submit a request for a transcript evaluation to determine how your coursework applies to the Pharm.D. prerequisites. Instructions for requesting a transcript evaluation: Submit copies of your transcripts via e-mail to [email protected], fax 541-737-3999 attn: Transcript Evaluation or mail (Transcript ...
M Pharma in USA: Guide for International Students on Masters in
As per the data, the market size of US pharmacy in 2020 was USD 534.21 billion. It is projected to grow from 560 billion in 2021 to 861.67 billion USD in the year 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3% in 2021-2028 period. Academics: USA is known for offering international students with academic education which is exemplary and best in the world.
Career After M Pharm: A complete Guide on Career Options After Master
For M.Pharm and PhD graduates, teaching offers a lot of potential. Salary Prospects: Private institutions may offer a starting salary of up to INR 25,000, whereas government colleges may offer a starting salary of up to INR 30,000 to INR 35,000. As you gain experience and expand your skills, your compensation will rise.
PhD Pharmaceutics Course, Eligibility, Syllabus, Career, Top
Ans: The average salary of a fresher after pursuing a PhD Pharmaceutics is INR 5,00,000 - 15, 00,000 per annum. Ques: Is a PhD Pharmaceutics a good course to study? Ans: Yes, this is a very good course to study as there are many career opportunities associated with this Doctorate course.
List of M.Pharm Entrance Exams in India: Dates ...
Over the last few years, many students have opted for Pharmacy as their career choice due to the rapidly growing Pharmaceutical and Medical sciences industry. There are many globally recognized colleges and universities in India that provide admission to the M.Pharm course. The duration of the M.Pharm course is 2 years and it has 4 semesters ...
MPharm: Full Form, Course, Duration, Syllabus, Fees, Salary
There are about 158 MPharm colleges in India with specialized courses like Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Quality Assurance. As M.Pharm is a professional course, the average course fee for two years is 2.5 lakh, and it may exceed depending on the type of college.

PhD After M.Pharm - Is This The Best Choice?

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PhD After M.Pharm: Eligibility And Admission Process

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School of Pharmacy MPhil/PhD

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Graduation

Article Contents 13 min read

Application Stage

1. Research proposal

2. Application materials

PhD Years 1-3: Coursework Stage

2. Coursework

3. Electives

4. Extracurriculars

5. Comprehensive exams

1. Thesis proposal

2. Thesis approval

3. PhD research

4. Extra requirements