Graduate

Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy

Investigate the chemistry and pharmacology of bioactive natural products and their potential in disease treatment through this dynamic Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences, with an emphasis in pharmacognosy.

About this Emphasis

Are you intrigued by the potential of nature to drive groundbreaking scientific discoveries? Our Ph.D. program in Pharmacognosy offers an exciting opportunity to explore natural products research, focusing on the chemistry, origins, and biological functions of small molecules derived from plants, animals, fungi, and microbes across diverse environments. From ancient herbal remedies to cutting-edge drug discovery, this field continues to play a critical role in modern science.

In our program, you’ll have the chance to engage in both traditional techniques, such as compound isolation and structure analysis, and cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. We use molecular biology and advanced analytical chemistry to uncover how natural products are biosynthesized and how they function within ecosystems.

Beyond drug discovery, natural products research extends to biotechnology, contributing to innovations in cell biology probes, agricultural pest control, cosmetic ingredients, and dietary supplements. This research also provides vital insights into the ecological roles of these compounds, supporting conservation efforts and offering new avenues for pharmacological exploration.

If you’re excited about joining a research-driven program that combines ancient knowledge with modern science and leads to breakthroughs in therapeutics and beyond, our Ph.D. program in Pharmacognosy is the perfect path forward.

About Pharmaceutical Sciences

Do you want to be involved in the development of new medicine? Want to conduct new and exciting research? Then, a degree in pharmaceutical sciences is for you.

At the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, you won't just learn from our team of faculty and researchers. You will work alongside them and help explore the future of health and medicine.

We offer various disciplines, from environmental toxicology to pharmacy administration. Join us and find the right path for you.

Being an Ole Miss Pharmacy graduate student allows you to be part of a diverse community that is comprehensive in scope yet relatively small in size. This provides an excellent opportunity for advanced studies in a supportive and nurturing environment.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Doctorate Program

    Area of Study

    Health and Social Services

    Pharmacy

    Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology

    Duration

    4 - 6 Years

    Degree

    Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Emphases

    Pharmacognosy

    Required Credit Hours

    54 Hours

    Pharmacognosy Program Details

    Ready to take the next step? Get to know our program better and find out more on how to apply.

    Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

    MINIMUM TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 54

    COURSE REQUIREMENTS

    The respective program description sections provide requirements for each emphasis area. Students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework and 18 hours of dissertation.

    Emphasis - Pharmacognosy

    GOALS/MISSION STATEMENT

    The academic mission of the Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, is to apply natural products-related sciences to the teaching of professional pharmacy students and graduate students. The department's research mission is the discovery, design, analysis, and further development of potential drugs and the discovery of potential drug targets.

    COURSE REQUIREMENTS

    Requirements for the Ph.D. with an emphasis in pharmacognosy include:

    • Graduate Student Survival Strategies (BMS 601) (2 hours);
    • Biosynthesis (Phcg 627) (3 hours);
    • Advanced Biochemistry (Phcg 620, or equivalent) (3 hours);
    • 500/600/700-level (500-level courses require adviser approval) elective courses (19 hours);
    • Original Research Proposal (BMS 605) (1 hour).

    Seminar Requirement

    Students are required to register for BMS 643 (Z-grade) every semester, with the exception of those semesters in which the student presents a seminar and instead registers for BMS 641 (graded). No more than eight seminar hours can be used toward the 54 minimum total credit hours.

    OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

    Oral/Cumulative Exam

    Students must design, write, submit, and successfully defend an Original Research Proposal (ORP). The department will provide procedures for this requirement. Students will register for BMS 605 (Original Research Proposal—BioMolecular Sciences) in the semester they anticipate defending their ORP.

    Dissertation

    A student must prepare and orally defend a dissertation based on original, independent research in partial fulfillment of their Ph.D. degree.

    The deadlines for application are:

    • Fall: February 1
    • Spring: October 1

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

    All application materials must be submitted only through the UM Graduate School’s online application system. Application materials should not be sent directly to the department. The following items must be included in the online application:

    1. Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member in the applicant’s major study area. The letter writers will need to submit their letters themselves through the online system.
    2. A statement of purpose
    3. Undergraduate/graduate transcript(s). Please arrange for the official transcript(s) to be sent directly from your university to the graduate school. Only the graduate school can post the transcript(s) to the application system.

    It is also possible to submit supporting documentation through the UM Graduate School’s online application system, such as:

    • List of publications
    • Research interest areas
    • Prior work experiences relevant to biomolecular sciences

    Please arrange for the IELTS/TOEFL score to be sent to the graduate school. The institutional code for the University of Mississippi is 1840, and the department code for the TOEFL is 99. A GRE score is NOT required for admission.

    A pharmacognosy student works in a research lab.

    Pharmacognosy Research

    As a graduate student in the BioMolecular Sciences (BMS) programs, you’ll thrive in a collaborative environment focused on improving health and quality of life through innovative research. Our programs emphasize both basic and applied research, offering many pathways to explore cutting-edge solutions for global health challenges.

    Did You Know?

    5

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

    307

    publications authored by School of Pharmacy researchers in 2023.

    Cole Stevens

    Meet the Program Coordinator

    If you have any questions about the Pharmacognosy emphasis, don't hesitate to reach out!

    Cole Stevens

    Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy and Research Associate Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

    You May Also Be Interested In These Pharmaceutical Sciences Programs

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?