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Pharm.D./Ph.D. Concurrent Degree Program

The Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is designed for highly motivated and qualified individuals who are seeking a combination program in the clinical and basic sciences. Enrollment into the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program at the Medical University of South Carolina is restricted to accepted and currently enrolled Pharm.D. students. There are two possible times for a student to apply for entry into the concurrent degree program. Upon seeking admission to the College of Pharmacy, the student may request entry into the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program. Secondly, the student may also apply during the first or second year of the Pharm.D. program.

All students in the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program will receive a stipend while completing the Ph.D. requirements. Students will receive a stipend for research conducted in the summers. The full-time stipend will begin when the students become full-time graduate students, approximately the spring semester of the fourth year. The stipend will be consistent with the College of Graduate Studies policy.

General Requirements for Completion of the Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program

  • Completion of all requirements for Pharm.D. program
  • Complete all required coursework for Ph.D. program
  • Pass a comprehensive written and oral examination at the end of all Ph.D. coursework
  • Complete a written dissertation based on his/her laboratory work
  • Pass a final examination (Dissertation defense)

Integrated Curriculum for the Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program

Unlike the Pharm.D. component with its fixed curriculum, the Ph.D. is a research degree so it is impossible to put a firm timetable on the duration of the program. Typically, Ph.D. students require five years to complete the requirements for their degree. However, the efficiencies built into the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program should shorten the time required to approximately seven years when compared to completing each degree separately would require approximately nine years. 

For information about the graduate program, visit Doctor of Philosophy Program Objectives and Requirements.