PhD Degree

The Ph.D. is offered in the Social and Administrative Pharmacy track.

Requirements for Ph.D. Degree

Coursework leading to the Ph.D. degree consists of study in major field, a minor field, or a collateral field of knowledge and/or a special research technique. The total content of the major is individually and flexibly constructed by the student in consultation with the major advisor based upon the needs of the student and the advice of the major advisor. The minor area will include a minimum of one-sixth of the total coursework. A collateral field of study or a special research technique must include a minimum of nine credits.

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 34 graduate credits in the Social and Administrative Pharmacy core. In addition, 12 credits of a minor or supporting program are required. The doctoral program requires a minimum of 46 graduate credits excluding the 24 Doctoral Thesis credits required by the Graduate School.

Examinations

Successful completion of two written preliminary examinations is required. One written exam concentrates on research design, methodological issues, and statistical analysis. The second written examination covers material specific to the area of Social and Administrative Pharmacy. In addition, students must make an oral presentation to a meeting of department faculty and graduate students on the rationale for the thesis and the proposed methodology.

The final oral examination for the Ph.D. is a defense of the thesis. This must be done within five calendar years after passing the preliminary oral examination.