Learn Among the Nation’s Best

A global leader in pharmacy education, research, service, and professional development, the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy has educated the world’s finest pharmacists and scientists. Preparing innovators and making discoveries that solve complex medication-based problems of today and tomorrow.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy is seeking highly- motivated pharmacists interested in pursuing advanced training in translational-, clinical-, or outcomes-based research.

The Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist program (CPS) is a specialized track within the graduate program that teaches students to conduct pharmaceutical research at the interface of the bench and bedside. The Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research track (POPR) teaches students to investigate the impact and outcomes of pharmaceutical products, pharmacy services, and pharmaceutical policies across healthcare systems. Through innovative CPS curricula, students learn the skills necessary to become independent investigators who utilize contemporary research approaches to generate new knowledge applicable to drug exposure and response in humans. Dissertation research projects link expertise in clinical pharmacotherapy with laboratory techniques, pre-clinical models, and human-based research, to answer mechanistic questions that improve patient health outcomes. POPR students build competencies in pharmacoepidemiology, health services research, manipulation and analysis of large existing healthcare data sources, health policy, and social/behavioral theory to advance knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of medications when used in real world healthcare settings. Upon completion of the curriculum and dissertation, the Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is awarded.

Pitt is a recognized leader in training clinical pharmaceutical scientists with over 40 graduates of the program currently in academic, government, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industry positions. Our program offers a truly unique training environment that is incredibly rich in opportunities for learning as our campus is home to 6 schools of the health sciences, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (NIH CTSA award), the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Ongoing faculty research focus areas include cardiology, critical care, geriatrics, immunology, infectious disease, medication adherence, nephrology, neurology, oncology, pharmacokinetics/dynamics, psychiatry, transplantation and community pharmacy services. Admitted PhD students receive highly competitive stipends, paid tuition, and health insurance through teaching or research assistantship.

Program Contact: Philip Empey (pempey@pitt.edu)

Visit us at PPS 2023!

Members of our team will be available for brief on-site interviews in Anaheim during the 2023 Personnel Placement Service. Please use the scheduling portal to request a 30-minute meeting if you have any immediate technical/program-related questions.

Members of our team will be available for brief on-site interviews in Anaheim during the 2023 Personnel Placement Service. Please use the scheduling portal to request a 30-minute meeting if you have any immediate technical/program-related questions.

Admissions Process:

A completed application is required for all students to be considered. Applications must be submitted by January 4th to be considered for the Fall semester. There are no Spring semester admissions. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis so it is wise to apply as early as possible. We recommend students mention faculty members whose work interests them. All faculty within your designated track will review your applications and will offer interviews to qualified students. Students with a faculty sponsor (i.e., a faculty member who expresses interest in recruiting the student to their laboratory) are given priority. Following the interview, a final selection is made, and students are notified of their acceptance.

Requirements for Admission:

• Previous undergraduate degree
• Three references (submitted online)
• Personal statement – indicating 1-3 faculty members you would like to work with

Applicants are reviewed holistically, and GRE scores are not required, but will be evaluated if submitted.
If English is the official language of your country or if you have graduated from a U.S. institution proof of English proficiency is not required. For all other students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The minimum score for consideration for admission is 100. For IELTS the minimum acceptable score is 7.0. We are now accepting Duolingo scores if you are not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum score for Duolingo is 130 and the test can be found https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants Any application with a lesser score will not be reviewed. You must submit TOEFL (or IELTS) scores to PharmGRAD; institution code is 2927.

While not a requirement, it is recommended that applicants have research experience.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through Pharmacy Graduate Application Service (PharmGrad). This service enables you to generate one primary application that can be submitted to multiple graduate degree programs. For the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, the application must be electronically submitted on or before midnight Eastern Standard Time on January 5th. To eliminate any unforeseen problems, it is recommended that you submit your application early . This will ensure eligibility to update fall grades and if any issues arise, they can be investigated and resolved before the January deadline.

About University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Pitt people have defeated polio, unlocked the secrets of DNA, lead the world in organ transplantation, and pioneered television and heavier-than-air flight, among many other accomplishments.At Pitt, all work supports the inspiring mission of educational excellence, research of impact, and strong community partnership, all alongside a continued commitment to making the workplace better for every member of the University community. With you as a part of the University community, you can discover, belong, contribute, and grow in the best way for you - to help shape your future, and the future of Pitt.Ranked among the top 5 percent of 1,000 universities in 65 countries and in the top 100 most innovative universities in the world, Pitt is home to more than 5,300 full- and part-time faculty, more than 7,200 full and part-time staff, and nearly 800 research and post-doctoral associates. Over 25,200 undergraduate, 7,000 graduate, and 2,000 doctorate students study at our 5 campuses. Our numbers are constantly growing at Pitt!

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