Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Pharmacology/Toxicology

The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M University offers comprehensive programs of course work and research leading to the Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in pharmaceutical sciences. Specializations are offered in pharmacology/toxicology, medicinal chemistry, environmental toxicology (Ph.D. degree only) pharmaceutics, and health outcomes research and pharmacoeconomics. Each program of study is under the direction of a supervisory committee which oversees development of each student's curriculum and general progress and monitors adherence to general degree requirements. Graduates of these programs will find a wide spectrum of employment opportunities in academic institutions, pharmaceutical industry, and government.

Pharmacology comprises the study of the interaction of drugs with various biological and physiological systems. Scientists in this area investigate the mechanism of drugs that produce therapeutic actions and their side effects. Such studies often improve the use of existing drugs, enhanced approaches to control side effects, and the discovery of new mechanisms of action or biochemical pathologies of certain diseases.

Toxicology is a subdivision of pharmacology that focuses on the various toxic effects of drugs and household, industrial, and environmental chemicals upon the different physiological systems of the body. Scientists specialize in analytical methodology, risk assessment, and toxicological testing techniques.

The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program welcomes applications from students who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with an earned Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work or hold a graduate degree in a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants must have a combined score of 300 on the GRE.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL= 550/paper-based; 80 internet-based) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (6.5) sent directly to FAMU from the Testing Service if an applicant is from a country in which English is not the official language, or if an applicant's degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, or if an applicant did not earn a degree in a country in which English is the only official language, or if the applicant is from a university where English is the only official language of instruction.