Graduate

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research-focused programs for students interested in the discovery, development, and health outcomes of pharmaceuticals with career paths in academia, industry, consulting, and government.

PhD Student showing poster during conference.

"Immersing in the School of Pharmacy Ph.D. program has elevated my learning and research prowess to new heights, shaping me into a cutting-edge scholar in Pharmaceutical Sciences."

Eslam Elhanafy

Ph.D. Student

About this Program

Take your studies in pharmaceutical sciences to the next level. Our Ph.D. programs will give you the chance to conduct groundbreaking research and learn from faculty at the top of their profession.

You'll not only learn from our faculty and researchers, but you'll also work alongside them in the discovery and development of new medicine. Want to help shape the future of health care? Then our programs are for you.

We've got your back

The School of Pharmacy is dedicated to supporting our students in their work. You'll have access to the school's facilities and the support of our staff. We also offer many opportunities for networking and professional development. Build your legacy at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Doctorate Program

    Area of Study

    Health and Social Services

    Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology

    Pharmacy

    Duration

    4-6 Years

    Degree

    Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Emphases

    Environmental Toxicology;
    Medicinal Chemistry;
    Pharmaceutics;
    Pharmacognosy;
    Pharmacology;
    Pharmacy Administration

    Required Credit Hours

    54-75

    Emphases & Program Highlights

    student performing experiment
    fish lab exposition

    Environmental Toxicology

    You will participate in research and educational activities seeking to identify and resolve environmental and human health issues.

    faculty member conducting research
    students looking at equations

    Medicinal Chemistry

    An interdisciplinary field of chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical sciences. You will be involved in the development of new therapeutics for diseases.

    student showcasing 3d modeling
    student conducting an experiment

    Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery

    You will participate in research to identify, understand, and resolve problems in drug delivery through dosage form design.

    student performing experiment
    student observing bacteria

    Pharmacognosy

    You will research the chemistry and pharmacology of bioactive natural products and their application in disease treatments.

    students looking at monitors
    faculty member and student looking at research

    Pharmacology

    Research how chemical agents, including potential therapeutic candidates, act on biological systems.

    student showcasing poster
    teacher lecturing

    Pharmacy Administration

    You will study pharmaceutical marketing and management and socio-behavioral sciences and take part in health outcomes research. 

    Did You Know?

    Top 20

    in the nation for school of pharmacy federal research funding

    108

    graduate students enrolled from 24 countries

    5

    internationally-recognized research centers are housed in the School of Pharmacy and located on the Oxford campus

    74

    full-time faculty members

    307

    publications authored by School of Pharmacy researchers in 2023.

    $19.1

    million research dollars in 2023.

    Where our students go

    • U.S. Food & Drug Administration
    • ThermoFisher Scientific
    • Takeda
    • Biogen
    • Trinity Life Sciences
    • Johnson and Johnson
    • Xcenda
    • M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
    • Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
    • National Institute of Health
    • Many other organizations and institutions

    Begin Your Journey

    All applications must be made via the UM Graduate School’s online application portal.

    We strongly urge you to visit the department’s website to which you are applying, as that site will offer detailed information about the specific program.

    The following materials must be on file in the Graduate School before the deadlines in order to be assured consideration.

    1. A completed online application, including the application fee
    2. Official transcripts from all institutions from which a degree was obtained AND from any institution attended for graduate work –junior/community college transcripts are NOT required
    3. If required, official test scores
    4. Letters of recommendation
    5. Department requirements such as statement of purpose, resume, and interview. Please check with the individual department for all requirements.

    Environmental Toxicology

    • Fall: February 1
    • ​​​​​​​Spring: October 1

    Medicinal Chemistry

    • ​​Fall: February 1
    • ​​​​​​​Spring: October 1

    Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery

    • Fall: April 1 (rolling)
    • ​​​​​​​Spring: October 1 (rolling)

    Pharmacognosy

    • Fall: February 1
    • ​​​​​​​Spring: October 1

    Pharmacology

    • ​​​Fall: February 1
    • ​​​​​​​Spring: October 1

    Pharmacy Administration

    • ​​Fall: January 10

    Pharmacy Graduate Program Coordinators
    ProgramGraduate Program Coordinator

    Environmental Toxicology

    Dr. Kristine L. Willett

    kwillett@olemiss.edu

    662-915-6691

    Medicinal Chemistry

    Dr. Jing Li

    jli15@olemiss.edu

    662-915-1071

    Pharmaceutics

    Dr. Eman Ashour

    eashour@olemiss.edu

    662-915-1587

    Pharmacognosy

    Dr. Cole Stevens

    stevens@olemiss.edu

    662-915-5730

    Pharmacology

    Dr. James A. Stewart

    jastewa7@olemiss.edu

    662-915-2309

    Pharmacy Administration

    Dr. Marie Barnard

    mbarnard@olemiss.edu

    662-915-1946

    Headshot of Melissa

    We're Here for You!

    Welcome! I am the program manager for the School of Pharmacy Graduate Programs and am here to help you with whatever you may need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance.

    Melissa King

    Program Manager

    Experience Ole Miss Pharmacy

    The School of Pharmacy prides itself on preparing our students to be leaders in the biomedical and biopharmaceutical world. We provide many professional development opportunities to promote leadership, and our graduates are successful at securing leadership positions in academia, industry, and government.

    Other opportunities for leadership development & advocacy include:

    • Serve on School of Pharmacy committees.
    • Serve as an officer in a student organization.
    • Pursue leadership positions in professional organizations, both locally and nationally.
    • Be a teaching assistant and lead discussions with professional pharmacy students.
    • Interact with seminar speakers and alumni, networking with national and international leaders in the biomedical and biopharmaceutical world.

    Get involved and belong! In addition to the various campus activities such as recreational sports, social clubs, theater and arts, academic clubs, and other extracurricular activities, the School of Pharmacy offers several student organizations and activities for graduate students to join and participate in. We believe your experience, outside of the classroom and inside, is important to your success, professional development, and career readiness.

    American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Student Chapter

    AAPS is a professional and scientific organization that promotes the advancement of the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health.

    BioMolecular Sciences Student Advocates (BSA)

    BSA promotes fellowship, embracing diversity, leadership development, public service projects, and providing an avenue for student-initiated departmental advancement.

    Glycoscience Student Advocates (GSA)

    Glycoscience Student Advocates (GSA) is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students interested in or conducting glycoscience-related research at The University of Mississippi. GSA strives to promote the field of glycoscience by encouraging the research, education, and training of interdisciplinary glycoscience trainees, as well as hosting seminars and knowledgeable speakers during monthly meetings.

    International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Student Chapter

    ISPOR is the leading professional society for health economics and outcomes research. Our student chapter has won the ISPOR Outstanding Chapter award for multiple years.

    Minority Association of Successful Scientists (MASS)

    MASS runs and extends the mission to diversify the biomedical field by providing unique and focused scientific and professional development opportunities.

    Explore! Engage in cutting-edge research and work with internationally recognized faculty!

    The School of Pharmacy is globally recognized for its multidisciplinary research in discovering, developing, and translating innovative solutions to healthcare problems. Key strategic impact areas for the School of Pharmacy include cancer, cardiometabolic disorders, neuroscience and drugs of abuse, infectious diseases, and medication optimization.

    As a graduate student, you will be deeply immersed in research with our faculty. The school’s faculty and scientists maintain active, funded research programs in a variety of biomedical, social administrative, and clinical sciences. Each competes for funding from a variety of sources, including the National Institutes of Health, other federal agencies, foundations, and the pharmaceutical industry.

    Our students and faculty also engage in the community!

    • The faculty and graduate students in the Department of BioMolecularSciences test lead water levels for our local communities.
    • Faculty and graduate students in the Department of Pharmacy Administration work with local Lafayette country high schools to engage in research.
    Photo of Doctoral Student

    My Doctoral Journey

    "I'm constantly inspired by the diversity, kindness, and support found within our academic community. Our faculty, staff, and fellow students bring a wealth of unique perspectives, skills, and knowledge, making our learning environment truly exceptional. What sets our School of Pharmacy apart is not only the multidisciplinary approach but also the genuine concern for our well-being. The Biomolecular Sciences department, in particular, excels in organizing professional and networking events while also prioritizing mental health through training staff and faculty as mental health first aiders. The open-door policies and receptivity to graduate student input within BMS and the School of Pharmacy as a whole serve as shining examples for academia."

    Tonia Voke Aminone

    Ph.D. Student