Below are answers to questions that students frequently ask when considering whether to apply to the PhD program in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC). Please contact the graduate program coordinator if your question is not answered here.
When is the best time to apply?
The application deadline is December 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit all application materials early for best consideration.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts?
Yes, unofficial transcripts will be accepted for the application review process. If admitted, official transcripts must be received prior to starting the program.
When are the interviews and are they required?
Interviews are required and are typically held in February and March.
Do you offer conditional acceptances?
Unfortunately, the program does not offer conditional acceptances. No exceptions are made.
When will I find out whether I have been accepted?
Admissions decisions are sent as soon as possible. Those who have completed interviews can expect a faster turnaround time. Those who have not conducted interviews but are still under review may expect a decision by the end of April.
How many students are typically admitted each year?
The precise number of students admitted varies from year to year. Generally, 8-12 students are admitted.
Do you admit students in the spring semester?
Unfortunately, students are admitted in the fall semester only. No exceptions are made.
Am I required to secure an advisor prior to applying?
No. Admissions is completed through a review committee, and accepted students are required to complete laboratory rotations in year one, prior to officially joining a lab.
I am an international applicant. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
The policy regarding language requirements states, "Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam."
Is there any special information for international applicants?
International applicants are recommended to have studied for at least one year in the United States and preferably have received an undergraduate (BA, BS) or graduate (MA, MS) degree from a US institution of higher learning before applying to the program. Additional information for international applicants may be found through the Graduate School.
Do you require the GRE?
No, the GRE is not required.
Questions about the Program and Financial Aid
Do you offer an MS degree?
Yes, the School of Pharmacy offers a 16-month, full-time MS in PSC program based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md and at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. This program integrates basic and applied pharmaceutical sciences with hands-on laboratory research experience to prepare students for careers planning experiments, conducting investigations, performing quality assurance, and a variety of other operational roles at pharmaceutical companies and in the government.
Please visit the MS in PSC website to learn more.
Is there funding available for graduate students in the program?
Yes! Full-time PhD graduate students enrolled in the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program are fully funded. Financial support, usually in the form of teaching and research assistantships, is provided for students accepted into the program. This support includes an annual stipend of $30,000, tuition remission, health insurance, and student fees. No additional application is necessary.