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.
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Program Information
Program Type
Doctorate Program
Area of Study
Health and Social Services
Pharmacy
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
4 - 6 Years
Degree
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Program Location
Emphases
Pharmacognosy
Required Credit Hours
54 Hours
Pharmacognosy Program Details
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:
- 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.
- A statement of purpose
- 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.
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?
internationally-recognized research centers are housed in the School of Pharmacy and located on the Oxford campus.
publications authored by School of Pharmacy researchers in 2023.
DIRECT Program
The Diversifying Interdisciplinary Research Expertise through Community Building and Training (DIRECT) Program is a National Institutes of Health funded program offering financial, technical, operational, and professional resources for Ph.D. students interested in careers in the biomedical field. DIRECT trainees receive annual stipends, fully paid tuition, health insurance, conference travel support, and childcare cost reimbursement. The program emphasizes cohort building, mentoring, networking, and skill development.
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
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
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