About the Pharmaceutics Graduate Program
What's the difference between pharmaceutics and pharmacology?
Pharmaceutics is concerned with the quantitative aspects of drug delivery, and involves the design, development, and evaluation of drugs in combination with an appropriate dosage form.
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with biological targets in order to exert their effects on living systems.
Do I need a pharmacy background to apply?
No. Our students come from diverse academic backgrounds, including chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, computer science, biostatistics, and mathematics.
Do I need a master's degree to apply?
A bachelor's degree is sufficient. If you are admitted, any missing prerequisites will be built into your program of study.
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Students pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmaceutics generally finish within two to three years.
Students pursuing a PhD typically complete their program in four to five years.
How much does it cost?
We offer a competitive package for full-time PhD students, which includes a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a stipend for up to five years. PhD students are responsible for insurance co-pays, student fees, textbooks, and some course supplies.
MS students are expected to be financially self-supported through loans, grants, and scholarships. They are responsible for tuition, insurance co-pays, student fees, textbooks, and some course supplies. For detailed tuition information, please visit the One Stop Student Services website.
The application is paperless, but I have paper documents. What should I do?
You will need to scan and convert your paper documents into electronic files (like PDFs) to attach them to your online application.
Am I required to submit English proficiency scores?
English language proficiency exam scores are required for all applicants who have not completed secondary or post-secondary school in the U.S. or in a country on the English proficiency exemption list.
Not all countries where English is an official language or is widely spoken are included on the exemption list. The English Language Requirement is set by a University-wide English as a Second Language (ESL) Policy committee which includes representatives from the Undergraduate Admissions Office, Graduate Admissions Office, Minnesota English Language Program, International Student and Scholar Services, and University of Minnesota Duluth Graduate School.
For more information, please visit the University of Minnesota Graduate School's English proficiency requirements webpage.
I'd like a specific professor to be my advisor. Should I send my application directly to them?
All applications and required documents must be submitted electronically through the online application system. Within the application, you will be able to indicate the faculty advisor(s) you are most interested in working with. Once your application is complete, several Pharmaceutics faculty members will review it.
Can my application be evaluated if my English proficiency scores are pending?
No. Your application will not be evaluated until all required materials, including test scores, have been received.
Fully completed applications received by the application deadline be given priority consideration for admission. Early applications are highly encouraged; late applications will only be considered on a space and funds available basis.
Are GRE scores required?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required and will not be reviewed.
Can I apply to multiple programs with a single application?
No, a separate application and fee are required for each program.
I have funding from my home country. Can I join your program?
Yes. All applicants must submit a complete application packet and receive an official offer of admission from the Pharmaceutics faculty to be accepted into the program.
Does admission to the MS program guarantee admission to the PhD program?
No, but it can provide an advantage to your application. If you are a current MS student interested in the PhD program, you must submit a new online application and pay the application fee.
What is it like to live in Minnesota?
Minnesota has four beautiful seasons with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Spring brings hiking and biking on scenic paths, while summer is filled with outdoor sports, concerts, and free movies in the park. In the fall, you can enjoy the stunning colors of the changing leaves, and winter offers festivals, skiing, and ice skating.
To learn more about life in Minnesota, check out our Living in Minnesota page.