Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Applications for the new degree program at are now being accepted with students expected to start classes this fall.
Designed to prepare the next generation of scientists, the doctoral program in UNT Health鈥檚 will focus on advancing drug discovery, development and translational research. Once it receives final approval, it will be the first program of its kind in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The doctoral program will expand UNT Health鈥檚 research and graduate education portfolio, offering rigorous training in pharmaceutical sciences while leveraging the institution鈥檚 strengths in interdisciplinary research, health innovation and collaboration with industry and academic partners.
鈥淲e are thrilled to be moving closer to the launch of this new degree for the College
of Pharmacy,鈥� said Evan Robinson, dean of the college. 鈥淥ur research confirmed a clear
industry need, and this program represents a meaningful step forward in developing
the innovative professionals who will help shape the future of the field.鈥�
The program was developed in response to growing workforce demand in pharmaceutical sciences. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in the field, with more than 2,700 related positions advertised across the Southwestern United States in recent years.
In addition, supply chain reviews following the COVID-19 pandemic by the Texas comptroller and federal agencies identified significant vulnerabilities in the nation鈥檚 pharmaceutical supply chain, limiting the ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies. These gaps have been identified as critical to national security and economic competitiveness.
鈥淭he Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program is designed to build on advanced training and prepare graduates to lead in research, industry and academia,鈥� said Rebecca Cunningham, senior associate dean of research and program director. 鈥淏y requiring applicants to hold a master鈥檚 degree or Doctor of Pharmacy, we are ensuring that students enter the program with a strong foundation and are ready to contribute to scientific discovery from Day 1.鈥�
Students who complete the degree will earn a minimum of 60 semester credit hours and
complete a dissertation in one of four areas: medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics,
pharmacology and toxicology, or applied outcomes research. Potential career paths
within pharmaceutical sciences after graduation include biotechnology, clinical pharmacology
and research, drug design and development, formulation development, pharmacoengineering,
pharmacogenomics, regulatory sciences, biopharmaceutics, patent law, pharmacoepidemiology
and pharmaceutical outcomes.
The program is pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It was approved by the UNT System Board of Regents in May and is scheduled for consideration at the coordinating board鈥檚 April 23 meeting.
The application deadline is July 1 to start classes this fall. Applicants must hold either a master鈥檚 degree or a Doctor of Pharmacy. To learn more about the new degree, go to .
From - Healthcare Education: by Magaly Ayala