Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines rigorous coursework with an independent research project leading to a dissertation. Core study areas include advanced pharmacology and toxicology, drug delivery and formulation, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, research design and biostatistics, and health services research. Students also study topics in pharmacy administration such as health policy, pharmacoeconomics, leadership and organisational behaviour, and quality and safety in medication use.

• Core research methods: advanced experimental design, biostatistics, bioinformatics and laboratory techniques relevant to pharmaceutical research.
• Drug discovery and development: medicinal chemistry principles, formulation science, in vitro and in vivo models, and translational approaches.
• Clinical and translational pharmacology: drug–receptor interactions, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics modelling, clinical trial design and therapeutic optimisation.
• Health outcomes and administration: pharmacoepidemiology, outcomes research, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacy practice management and regulatory affairs.
• Electives and seminars: specialised topics such as biologics, advanced analytical methods, toxicogenomics, patient-centred care and teaching methods for higher education.

Students spend the early part of the programme on coursework and laboratory rotations (where applicable), then transition to dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Regular seminars, journal clubs and teaching opportunities form part of the training to develop presentation and mentorship skills.

Entry requirements

• Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy (PharmD), biomedical science, chemistry, or a closely related field. Exceptional candidates holding a bachelor’s degree with substantial research experience may be considered.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong prior performance; many successful applicants have a record of postgraduate coursework and research.
• Research statement or proposal outlining intended doctoral research interests and fit with faculty expertise.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé emphasising research experience, publications or presentations where applicable.
• References: typically two or three academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview and/or provide GRE scores if required by the admissions committee; international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme pursue a range of careers where advanced research and leadership skills in pharmaceutical sciences are needed. Typical destinations include:

• Academic research and teaching positions in universities and pharmacy schools.
• Research and development roles in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies.
• Regulatory science and policy roles at national and international regulatory agencies.
• Clinical research and clinical trials management in hospitals and contract research organisations (CROs).
• Health outcomes research, pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics in government, industry or consultancy.
• Leadership and administrative roles within pharmacy practice, healthcare organisations and professional associations.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a doctoral environment with close faculty supervision and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the health sciences. The university’s campuses provide access to laboratory facilities and partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics and industry contacts, supporting translational and applied research. Small cohort sizes foster mentoring, while seminar programmes and teaching opportunities help doctoral candidates develop communication and pedagogy skills necessary for academic careers. The university’s location in the New York–New Jersey region also provides access to a broad network of healthcare organisations, research institutions and industry employers for internships, collaborations and career networking.