Program Overview
The Pharmaceutical Sciences program offers two tailored tracks designed to match your career goals and educational interests. Students join a diverse, international research community and receive advanced training that prepares them for careers across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academia, government, and regulatory agencies.
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 an immersive laboratory research experience and opportunities for industry internships.
Competitive salary and tuition support for full-time Ph.D. students.
Diverse internship opportunities, including industry placements in research laboratories located across the Amarillo and Abilene campuses.
Engaging research in areas such as cancer biology, immunotherapy, nanoparticle drug delivery, neurobiology, virology, and more.
Collaboration with faculty from both Amarillo and Abilene campuses, featuring robust research programs and a friendly, interdisciplinary environment.
Program is offered in Amarillo and Abilene, Texas
- 4-5 years estimated time to completion
- 5-25 estimated class size
Curriculum & Coursework
Applicants typically enter the program with a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Research assistantships and comprehensive tuition support are available to Ph.D. students, providing financial stability as they pursue their doctoral training and research.
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Year 1
Fall (9 hours)
- GPSC 5410 General Biochemistry
- GPSC 5307 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Methods
- GSBS 5101 Responsible Conduct of Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Spring (11 hours)
- GPSC 5411 Graduate Pharmaceutics
- GPSC 5504 Principles of Drug Action
- GPSC 7000 Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Year 2
Fall (9 hours)
- GPSC 5230 Experimental Design and Biostatistics
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
- GPSC 7000 Research (6 Credit Hours)
Spring (11 hours)
- GPSC 5429 Basic Pharmacokinetics
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
- GPSC 6000 Master's Thesis (6 Credit Hours - Minimum to Graduate)
- Electives
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Year 1
Fall (11 hours)
- GPSC 5230 Experimental Design and Biostatistics
- GPSC 5307 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Methods
- GPSC 5410 General Biochemistry
- GSBS 5101 Responsible Conduct of Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Spring (11 hours)
- GPSC 5411 Graduate Pharmaceutics
- GPSC 5504 Principles of Drug Action
- GPSC 7000 Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Year 2
Fall (9 hours minimum)
- GPSC 5435 Physiology-based Pharmacology
- GPSC 7000 Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Spring (9 hours minimum)
- GPSC 5429 Basic Pharmacokinetics
- GPSC 7000 Research
- GPSC 7101 Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
- Electives
Program requires 16 hours of electives beyond the core curriculum + students taking GPSC 7101 every semester they are enrolled in the program.
Electives
- GPSC 5101 Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- GPSC 5112 Prin. & Tech. in Structure Determination of Bioactive Mol.
- GPSC 5201 Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- GPSC 5215 Advanced Neurosciences
- GPSC 5301 Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- GPSC 5307 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Methods
- GPSC 5326 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
- GPSC 5356 Advanced Principles of Disease
- GPSC 5375 Immunology
- GBTC 6202 Biomedical Informatics
- GSPH 5311 Intro. to Biostatistics
- GSPH 5312 Intermediate Biostatistics
How to Apply
Application Fee
There is a $45 non-refundable application fee, if you need financial assistance for this fee, please, contact our office.
Transcripts
We require official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended, including those institutions for which you received transfer credit toward your undergraduate degree.
Electronic official transcripts from U.S. institutions are preferred and should be sent to: graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu.
Do not send international transcripts and/or mark sheets. See Application Instructions for more information.
Hard copy official transcripts should be mailed to:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
3601 4th St. MS 6206
Lubbock, TX 79430-6206
Admissions Requirements
Connect with a student affairs advocate 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.
- 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
Cost & Aid
Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.
Tuition & Fees
The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.
Financial support in the form of a scholarship or $31,000 Research Assistantship from the first year of enrollment through the completion of the M.D./Ph.D. program (up to a period of eight years) and tuition scholarships are provided in the M.D./Ph.D. program.
Apply for Scholarships Apply for Financial Aid Apply for GSBS Financial Aid
Military/Veteran
Explore financial resources, benefits and support available to military members and veterans.
Your Pharmaceutical Sciences 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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional Resources
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What ares of research are available in the Pharmaceutical Sciences programs?
Students can engage in research across various disciplines, including neurodegenerative diseases, medicinal chemistry, brain drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and more.
Are research assistantships available?
Our Master's program is completely self-funded, and research assistantships are not available for Master's students. However, Ph.D. students are provided with assistantships, including a yearly stipend and partial tuition waivers.
What career opportunities do I have a with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences?
Master's graduates can pursue careers as junior scientists in pharmaceutical industries or continue their education by applying to the Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences. Ph.D. graduates are in high demand and can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academic, or governmental agencies such as the FDA.
Contact Us
We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
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Address
3601 4th Street
Lubbock, TX 79430
United States
- Phone 806-743-2556
- Email graduate.school@ttuhsc.edu
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Hours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday