Applications

Apply for PhD

PhD Application deadline: applications must be submitted by December 15th, 2023 for admission to begin the program in Autumn Quarter 2024.

Apply for MS

MS Application deadline: Applications are accepted for Autumn admission only. Applications must be submitted by March 15th, 2024 for admission to begin the program in Autumn Quarter 2024.

Applying to the Pharmaceutics PhD and MS Programs

The Department of Pharmaceutics is a component of the School of Pharmacy. The Department offers a PhD and an MS in Pharmaceutics. Our program focuses on Physiologically-Based Approaches to Drug Delivery and Disposition. We offer a training environment that includes cutting edge laboratory instrumentation and technologies, award-winning faculty, devoted and experienced teachers, and knowledgeable staff.

The research program of the department includes NIH-funded laboratories addressing a variety of fundamental and clinical problems pertaining to drug transport, metabolism, and toxicity, pediatric and obstetric/fetal pharmacology, enzyme or transporter function in various diseases, drug interactions, pharmacogenomics and the development of vaccines.

 Course Work

Course work requires our graduate students to achieve a level of proficiency in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and biostatistics. Most course work is completed in the first 2 years of the graduate program. The program is quite flexible and easily adaptable to meet individual interests and needs. For course descriptions, see the course catalog.

Research Rotation

In the first year of the program, students rotate through the laboratories of at least two faculty members. At the end of the first year, the student chooses a faculty advisor and a dissertation or thesis research project.

Financial Support

Except for special circumstances, students accepted into the PhD program receive financial support in the form of research assistantships or pre-doctoral fellowships from Training Grants or other sources. The department will cover tuition costs, a monthly stipend (currently $2,899.00/mo) and health insurance. Health coverage is available for spouses and dependents for an additional fee. For more information see the UW Human Resources web page on the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program. MS students are primarily self-funded and are responsible for their own tuition, fees, and health insurance.

Career Opportunities

A wide range of career paths is available to graduates of this program. Opportunities include drug development in the pharmaceutical industry; research in hospitals, institutes, and foundations; teaching and research in academic institutions; and positions with government regulatory agencies (FDA).

Application Information

We welcome requests for information and applications from talented students holding undergraduate and graduate degrees in the biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, pharmacy or in or a closely related discipline. Admission decisions are based on academic record (suggested minimum of 3.0 GPA for last 2 years of study), letters of recommendation, completion of prerequisite and the personal statement.The department of Pharmaceutics no longer requires GRE for admission.

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting English language proficiency test scores (minimum required score: TOEFLiBT is 80 but the recommended score is 92 or higher ) or by having a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a regionally accredited English-speaking institution.

Application Checklist

To be submitted online to the Graduate School (Do not send application materials by mail to the Department or Graduate School):

• Online application for admission to the Department of Pharmaceutics ($85 application fee)
• GRE/TOEFL school code 4854
• https://grad.uw.edu/programs/find-a-program/

To be submitted online only for the Department of Pharmaceutics (Do not send any application materials by mail to the Department or Graduate School) :

• Self report of English language proficiency test scores for international students (e.g., TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose describing your background, academic interests, and career objectives. Please note any special circumstances we should consider in your application
• CV listing educational and employment history
• Designating 3 individuals to submit letters of recommendation – please note we do not have a specific form to complete. Electronic submission of the letters is required.
• Please indicate three UW Pharmaceutics faculty members whose lab you would like to be considered.We do not admit applicants directly into any faculty’s labs unfortunately. Instead in your application you will select your top three faculty members whose research you would like to be involved in. Then, if offered admission, you will have the ability to rotate in at least two labs before deciding which lab you prefer to work in.

Deadline for Application Submission and Department Interviews

For the PhD program, applications must be submitted by January 7, 2022 for admission to begin the program in Autumn Quarter 2021. For the MS program, we have rolling admissions, with final application due by May 13, 2022 for admission to begin the program in Autumn Quarter 2022. For details about the application process, see the Graduate School application web page. Interviews for potential students in the department will be held in February during the department’s invitation-only recruitment event.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for Spring or Winter Quarter?
A: No. The Department only accepts applications for Autumn Quarter. For exact start dates, see the UW academic calendar.

Q: Can the application fee to the Graduate School be waived?
A: No, the fee cannot be waived.

Q: What departmental code should I use for the test scores?
A: Just use the institution code for the UW (4854).

Q: Are there minimum test score requirements?
A: No, our department does not have minimum score requirements for the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS. However, the UW Graduate School’s minimum required score is 80 on the TOEFLiBT  and the recommended score is 92 or higher for international students. Please note that GRE is  not required for admission but applicants have the option to submit scores if they wish to do so. For more information about English Language Proficiency Requirements, refer to the UW Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements
.

Q: I know that the GRE is NOT required, but if I submit the GRE scores will that increase my chances of getting into your program?
A: Submitting the GRE scores neither increases nor decreases your chances of getting admittance into the PCEUT program.

Q: How are applicants evaluated, and what are your average GPAs and scores for those admitted?
A: We evaluate applicants in a holistic fashion taking into consideration their letters of recommendation, personal statement, their experience with research, and GPA. We do not have minimum cutoff criteria for GRE or GPA scores. Below are the average statistics or applicants who were admitted to our program in the last five years:

Q: How many applications do you receive and how many students are accepted?
A: For the PhD program, we receive about 70-80 applications each year and accept 3 to 5 students per year.

Q: Do you interview potential students?
A: Yes, the department interviews all applicants who are shortlisted.

Q: I still have questions. Whom can I contact?
A: Please email pceut@uw.edu for more information about the Department of Pharmaceutics or if you have additional questions or concerns.