How to Earn a PHD in Pharmacy

The minimum requirements for a doctorate in Pharmacy depend on the university you attend, but most require an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology or pharmacy. Pharmacy programs are competitive and have limited openings so you must plan and apply early.

Instructions

1. Earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in your undergraduate coursework to apply to a doctorate program. Gather three letters of reference, a written personal statement and submit your Graduate Record Examination scores. You may be required to attend an interview.

2. Chose and advisor upon admittance to the program. Complete all formal coursework during the first two years of doctoral study.

3. Before being the dissertation research, preferably during your second year, choose a doctoral advisor to work with you and monitor your progress throughout your dissertation. Also choose your doctoral committee and complete the preliminary evaluation.

4. Pass your comprehensive exams upon completion of the required coursework. These examinations test your knowledge, understanding and research goals for your dissertation.

5. Begin work on the dissertation. During this phase of the program you must devote yourself to your research and writing your dissertation. Successful completion of the program requires you to publicly defend your dissertation and present your contributions to the Pharmacy field.