Graduate Student Handbook
Access the most current information related to graduate degree studies. The graduate student handbook contains everything from academic standards to required courses.
Ph.D. candidates in the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences track develop data analysis skills and specialized expertise in pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, or implementation science and health policy.
Graduate students at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy are exposed to interdisciplinary training and education in pursuit of an advanced degree in the pharmaceutical sciences. The Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences track of the doctorate program is offered by the College of Pharmacy's Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences.
Candidates in the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences track will be prepared for a variety of career choices that include teaching and research at academic institutions, research in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical sales, regulatory governmental agencies, health care consulting, among others.
The Graduate Admissions Committee in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences reviews all applicants to the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences track of the Ph.D. program. Typically, qualified applicants will have diverse backgrounds with a Pharmacy degree or an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline.
Serious consideration will be given to applicants with a minimum overall grade point average of “B”. The GRE verbal score should be a minimum of 294 for the combined verbal and quantitative scores and a minimum score of 4 on the analytical section. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on an approved test of English language proficiency.
The Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences provides a welcoming environment for a wide range of diversity in its student population, including students with disabilities.
Candidates may apply for admission at any time during the year; review of completed applications begins in March and the application deadline is mid-April for matriculation the following Fall semester.
All students must be admitted by the Dean of the Graduate School, following the recommendation of the appropriate school or college. Information regarding programs, policies, and admission processes is available on the Graduate School website.
Admission is for the specific purpose stated by the Graduate School and the student must reapply in order to pursue further study or change the degree sought. Non-degree students must also be admitted to the Graduate School.
International Students
Students whose native language is not English must take a diagnostic test to assess their capabilities in English shortly after arrival on campus. English speaking capability will be assessed in a mandatory workshop held by the Graduate School in August or January of each year. Those students found to be deficient in writing, reading or speaking English are provided opportunities for further study.
The typical length of time required to complete the Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences is 4 years. All graduate students, in consultation with their major advisor and advisory committee, must develop an individualized program of study within 24 months of matriculation.
General Requirements
Students who enter the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences with a post-baccalaureate degree (B.S. or Pharm.D.) must successfully complete at least 61 hours of graduate course work. Students who enter the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences with a Master’s of Science degree in a health-related field must successfully complete at least 34 hours of graduate course work. Ph.D. candidates are required to complete four departmental seminar courses (PHAR 711A-D).
An average grade of “B” or better is required in all courses within a student’s program of study and grades below "C" are considered as failure. See the Graduate Student Handbook [pdf] for required and elective courses.
Research Activity
Every graduate student in Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences is expected to maintain a vigorous research program. This is demonstrated through the submission of abstracts and presentation of posters and talks at national and international meetings, as well as participation in the preparation of manuscripts submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Dissertation
All students are required to submit a dissertation based upon original research, meeting all requirements of the Graduate School prior to award of the degree.
The following is a brief outline of the steps required during the completion of the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Sciences Ph.D. program:
The College of Pharmacy awards a number of instructional and/or research assistantships to graduate students. Visit the Graduate School website to learn more about paying for graduate school.
Gene Reeder, Ph.D., Director of Outcomes Research