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Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ph.D.

Engage in advanced pharmaceutical-related course work, in-depth study and independent research

Our Alumni Have Careers As:

Work as a researcher in laboratories to discover and develop new drugs and therapies to treat human disease. Ph.D.-level scientists have a wide range of career opportunities including research and development (R&D), manufacturing, quality assurance, patents, and regulation.

A range of companies that support the healthcare industry need scientists with a Ph.D. Some areas of work include sample and data analysis, biomedical engineering, diagnostics, pharmacology, health educator, and science writer.

Government scientists play a crucial role in addressing various societal challenges, advancing scientific knowledge, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. The NIH, NSF, DOE, FDA, and EPA are a few entities that employ Ph.D. scientists focused on drug development, infectious disease, materials science, product safety, grant evaluation, and related policy.
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Learn To

Demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use scientific information from accepted sources

Demonstrate knowledge of concepts in chemistry (organic, analytical, biochemistry, physical, inorganic, and chemical analysis)

Apply knowledge in chemistry to real-world problems

Conduct chemistry experiments, use various analytical instruments, collect and analyze data

Engage in rigorous scientific inquiry and communicate ideas in writing

Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ph.D. Program Overview

Program Objectives

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers research-centered Master and Ph.D. programs in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The objectives of these programs are to give students who have an undergraduate foundation in chemistry the opportunity to engage in advanced course work, in-depth study and independent research. Students work on cutting-edge research projects in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marine and Atmospheric Science, Biochemistry, Organic and Inorganic Synthesis, Analytical Chemistry, Computational and Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Education. Much of this research results in publications in peer reviewed journals or presentations at professional meetings, most of which have student co-authors.

In response to regional economic needs, we added a track in pharmaceutical chemistry to the M.S. degree program. We offer graduate students a diversity of research areas from within the traditional bounds of chemistry as well as non-traditional research programs. Graduate students have many opportunities to teach undergraduate labs and mentor undergraduates and new graduate students in research.

The Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ph.D. program ensures that UNCW students are prepared for a flexible career in pharmaceutical chemistry. The Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty enable this goal by offering a broad range of pharmaceutical chemistry courses and research foci, from traditional and non-traditional natural products drug discovery and medicinal chemistry to formulation of therapeutic antibodies. In addition to employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, graduates of this program will be ideally positioned to work in the rapidly expanding contract research (CRO) and biotechnology sectors, pursue academic careers, or establish innovative start-up companies.

Bolstered by a generous gift from Dr. Yousry and Linda Sayed, former UNCW faculty members and founders of Quality Chemical Laboratories, this program is one of the most rapidly growing initiatives at UNCW.

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Sample Courses

List of sample courses
CHM 505 and 506 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1 and 2
CHM 512 Structure Elucidation 
CHM 545 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 516 Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHM 575 Chemical Oceanography
CHM 576 Chemical and Physical Analysis of Seawater
CHM 568 Advanced Biochemistry
CHM 536 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
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Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Pharmaceutical Chemistry Ph.D.

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as a group after the priority deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline. 

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2025
    • Priority Consideration: January 1, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • GRE General Test
  • WAIVED - Test scores are waived for this program during 2025 due to the pandemic.
    No additional action required. Test scores will be waived during application processing.

Recommendations

  • 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant's academic acumen and ability to complete the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
    Upload Supplemental Documents
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Personal Statement: 
    A personal statement describing educational, professional and research experiences, career goals and reasons for pursuing the Ph.D. degree
  4. Abstract: Abstract from the student’s master’s thesis research (optional)
  5. Publications: Copies of publications (optional).
  6. Note: Contact the program coordinator prior to application submission to determine your eligibility.

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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