Pharmaceutical Sciences MS and Ph.D. | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Pharmaceutical Sciences MS and Ph.D.

Pharmaceutical Sciences MS & Ph.D.

Application Deadline | March 1, 2026
Program Start Date | August 2026

The Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences is an integrated program in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences research, providing students with a comprehensive education across multiple disciplines. Areas of study include Brain and Vascular Pharmacology, Cancer and Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Delivery and Formulation, Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Immunology, Drug Discovery, and Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection.

Our faculty engage in collaborative, cutting-edge research that combines molecular and biomedical breakthroughs with modern approaches to drug design, targeting, development, and formulation. Students benefit from a strong international community and gain preparation for rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and federal regulatory agencies such as the FDA.

Admissions requirements include a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Research assistantships are available to all Ph.D. students.

We invite you to join our program and take the next step toward an exciting career in pharmaceutical sciences.

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Financial Support
for students

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Multi-disciplinary
biomedical and pharmaceutical foundations.

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Specialized
research tracks

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Career Readiness
for industry, academia, and government.

A Simple Admissions Process

Connect with an admissions coach to ensure you meet at the requirements to get started in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program!

 

Admission Criteria

To get started on your Pharmaceutical Sciences MS or Ph.D., you’ll need the following:

  • Students may have a Bachelor's degree in any field but must include a strong science background.
  • The program requires a valid GRE score within the last 5 years.
  • International applicants must also submit a TOEFL/IELTS score, taken within the last 2 years.

Admissions Director: Terri Lloyd
General Contacts: Jerri Jones and Teresa Carlisle
Phone: 806.743.2556
Email: graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu 


Unsure Which Pharmaceutical Sciences Program to Choose?

The Pharmaceutical Sciences program offers two tailored tracks designed to match your career goals and educational interests.

Our Programs

Pharmaceutical Sciences MS

Focused on core biotechnology concepts with limited lab research or an internship.

30 credit hours completed across fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Core coursework shared with all Biotechnology students.

6 credit hours of unpaid summer research or internship opportunities in TTUHSC labs or external industry settings.

Program is offered in Amarillo, Texas

Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D.

Combines in-depth coursework with a full year of laboratory research or industry internships.

Competitive salary and tuition support for students choosing TTUHSC labs.

Diverse internship opportunities, including industry placements or the TTUHSC Office of Research Commercialization.

Engaging research in areas such as cancer biology, immunotherapy, nanoparticle drug delivery, neurobiology, virology, and more.

Collaboration with faculty from both Lubbock and Abilene campuses, featuring robust research programs and a friendly, interdisciplinary environment.

Program is offered in Abilene and Amarillo, Texas

Choose the track that fits your aspirations and advance your journey in biotechnology with us!


Tuition

The Pharmaceutical Sciences program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) offers transparent tuition fees with no hidden costs. Students can expect to pay the tuition rate without additional unexpected fees, ensuring clarity and ease when planning their educational expenses.

  • Program Cost - Current tuition information can be found here or by contacting Student Business Services from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at 806.743.7867.
  • Financial Aid - Applicants interested in applying for financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships) upon admittance to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences must complete a Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA). The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences requires a FAFSA on file to be eligible for scholarships offered by the school. Financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships) are available upon admittance to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Additional information may be found at the Financial Aid Office website. Lena Hooker, Senior Financial Aid Advisor can be reached at 806.743.2300 or lena.hooker@ttuhsc.edu.
  • Scholarships can be found here
  • Military/Veteran information found here

 

Syed Tareq headshot

At TTUHSC, we enjoy a warm, welcoming environment where collaboration between labs is easy and generous. Research mentors support one another with the shared goal of improving quality of life through impactful research.

Syed Tareq

Pharmaceutical Sciences student 2024-2025

 

Pharmaceutical Sciences FAQs

 

Your Pharmaceutical Sciences Journey, Fully Supported

Collaboration and Guidance at Every Step

Your MS or Ph.D. Journey, Fully Supported Collaboration and Guidance at Every Step We know that pursuing a MS or Ph.D. is both exciting and demanding. That’s why our Pharmaceutical Sciences program is designed to support you every step of the way, meeting you exactly where you are. With flexible resources and a community that puts students first, your education fits into your life—not the other way around:

  • 24/7 access to our online Student Resource Center with writing tools, tech support, English language learner resources, and more.
  • Engaged and approachable faculty who maintain an open-door policy—reach out by call, text, or email and receive a timely response. Your questions are always welcome.
  • Connect through optional live meet-and-greet sessions or one-on-one screenshare opportunities to dive deeper into topics with faculty.
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Engaged Faculty

The faculty at our Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are dedicated, compassionate professionals who are committed to supporting and mentoring students every step of the way.

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Enhance Your Network

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has an expansive and engaged network of pharmaceutical scientists, researchers, and alumni who are dedicated to advancing discovery, fostering collaboration, and providing guidance to the next generation of Red Raider scientists.

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Virtual Academic Onboarding

We offer incoming students valuable insights, resources, and support to confidently start their academic journey. Welcome sessions introduce faculty and students to promote community and engagement.

Program Director

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The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is dedicated to advancing knowledge through cutting-edge biomedical and pharmaceutical research while preparing the next generation of pharmacists and scientists with innovative, hands-on education. With state-of-the-art resources, collaborative faculty, and a commitment to excellence, we foster an environment where students thrive as independent problem-solvers and leaders in academia, government, and industry.

Tom Abbruscato, Ph.D.

Senior Associate Dean, Program Director  

 

Popular Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. Classes

This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of how drugs interact with the body. Students explore core concepts in pharmacology, toxicology, and medicinal chemistry to build a strong base for advanced studies in drug development and therapy.

 

Designed for graduate students pursuing pharmaceutical and biomedical research, this course covers the principles of experimental research design. Students learn best practices for data collection, measurement, and statistical analysis, gaining the tools needed to plan and interpret research effectively.

 

This course introduces the principles of pharmacokinetics, focusing on how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. Emphasis is placed on using pharmacokinetic principles to design effective and safe dosage regimens.

 

Need Another Option?

Shape your research and career with the right graduate program. Explore the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences’ programs and find the one that fits your goals. To explore those programs click here.