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Program overview

The Ph.D. in Natural Sciences: Pharmaceutical Sciences program is within the Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences and is dedicated to providing the highest quality and comprehensive graduate education in drug delivery, physical pharmacy, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, synthetic medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.

With access to state-of-the-art equipment and surrounding resources including internships, our students are well prepared to meet the latest challenges in groundbreaking research after graduating from the university, thus making a significant impact and contribution to society in diverse options like academia, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology industry and the governmental sector. Our graduates have been employed at places like Stanford and Harvard universities, Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, KCAS Bioanalytical and Biomakers Services, ThermoFisher Scientific and US Food and Drug Administration.

Admissions and course requirements

Program Details

Program requirements

The program is comprised of at least 45 credit hours, including:

  • At least 12 credit hours in the Pharmaceutical Science primary discipline
  • At least 9 credit hours outside the primary discipline
  • A 3-credit hour statistics course
  • 6 credit hours of electives
  • 3 hours of the divisional seminar course
  • At least 12 credit hours of dissertation research

Complete course listing on Academic Catalog

Program benchmarks

  • Submit annual evaluations of your accomplishments and progress.
  • Complete part one of your plan of study by the end of the first year after admission.
  • Complete part two of your plan of study by the end of the third year or before comprehensive exams are taken.
  • Successfully pass comprehensive oral and written exams by the end of the third year.
  • Successfully defend your dissertation.

Costs, aid and funding opportunities

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. Please contact the program coordinator about assistantships that may be available.

We also encourage you to learn more about costs and financial aid and external funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.

  • Applicants are considered for employment as graduate assistants and recipients of student fee and tuition fee waivers. Email the School of Graduate Studies or call 816-235-1301 with questions about graduate assistantships and other funding possibilities.
  • Current students can apply for scholarships. Scholarship information is shared internally via email as it can vary each fiscal year.

Estimated costs  International student costs  Financial aid  Funding opportunities

Application Details

Application procedures and requirements

1) Prepare required documentation, including:

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • Statement of purpose outlining your interests and career goals
  • Three letters of recommendation

2. Complete the online application. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.

3. Make sure you meet discipline-specific requirements, which are listed in the Academic Catalog.

4. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty within the Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences to see if a faculty member could serve as a research mentor. 

Application deadlines

Still Have Questions?

Email our program coordinator for more information.
Dr. Cheng

Kun Cheng, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Science Ph.D. Program Coordinator, Curator's Distinguished Professor, Sperry Family Fund Endowed Chair
 Email: chengkun@umkc.edu