Education

Degree programs

PharmD Degree Program

The UCSF doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree curriculum is a science-based, integrated, experiential course of study that prepares ambitious minds for diverse and dynamic careers in pharmacy and beyond.

Students are at the center of their own learning in this curriculum, as they question the status quo, identify and solve problems, and explore the latest developments in science and the latest innovations in practice with renowned research and clinical faculty members. Ultimately, the curriculum prepares students to lead in a constantly changing health care environment while developing into skilled, compassionate, patient-centered pharmacists.

Faculty members in the three School of Pharmacy departments develop and deliver the PharmD degree program, which is administered by the Dean’s Office. Faculty members outside the School also teach in the program.

UCSF PharmD students are an important part of the entire body of health professions students at UCSF, along with those studying dentistry, medicine, nursing, and physical therapy.

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development degree program (MS in AICD3)

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development (AICD3) graduate degree program trains students to apply computer science, data science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and other data-driven methods to redefine the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. The program enables graduates to gain a competitive edge for some of the most desirable jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry and in academia, both of which increasingly require interdisciplinary training.

Master of Translational Medicine degree program

Combined degree programs

PharmD-PhD

PharmD-PhD degree program - There is a growing need for clinical scientists in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to design and carry out clinical studies. UCSF is one of only a few universities in a position to train top-flight PharmD-PhD scientists.

PharmD-MS programs

• PharmD-MSCR - The Training in Clinical Research (TICR) program offers students in our PharmD program the opportunity to earn a master of science in clinical research (MSCR) degree.
• PharmD-MSAICD3 - Our Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development (AICD3) program can be combined with the PharmD program in a sequential manner. It is not a combined or expedited degree. However, students will be able to transition directly into the MS in AICD3 after completing the PharmD curriculum. We recommend the PharmD first because the pharmacy background is especially helpful for the AICD3.

PhD degree programs

The School of Pharmacy administers five PhD degree programs, all of which promote an interdisciplinary approach to science and education. The programs are delivered by faculty members in the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine. All are offered by the Graduate Division.

• PhD in Bioengineering (BioE), offered through the UCSF/UCB Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering, prepares scientists to integrate the biological and engineering sciences to build bold, new solutions to biomedical problems.
• PhD in Biological and Medical Informatics (BMI) prepares scientists to harness and apply the power of data analysis tools to understand the complexities of human biology. This program also offers a Designated Emphasis in Complex Biological Systems (CBS).
• PhD in Biophysics (BP) prepares scientists to explore the intricacies of living systems through the application of physics and chemistry.
• PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) prepares scientists to explore the molecules in complex living systems and to investigate how molecules influence health and disease.
• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics (PSPG) prepares independent, creative leaders in the pharmaceutical sciences, who can apply genetics and genomics to the development of safe, effective drugs for patients.

See all: Graduate Division Programs

The five PhD degree programs administered by the School sit under the broader umbrella of the Quantitative Biosciences Consortium (QBC).

Postdoctoral programs

Pharmacy residency program

• Director: Mandy Brown, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

The Pharmacy Residency Program offers first-year general practice and second-year specialty residencies, administered by the UCSF Health Pharmacy Enterprise in partnership with Department of Clinical Pharmacy faculty.

Fellowship programs

Fellowships provide early-career PharmD, PhD, and MD graduates with specialized training ranging from the lab to the clinic, company, and government agencies. Explore fellowship opportunities supported by UCSF and the UCSF School of Pharmacy.

Postdoctoral research

Postdoctoral research fellowships support scholars whose work is critical to the research mission of UCSF. In the School of Pharmacy, faculty from our three departments (Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry) welcome inquiries from postdoctoral research fellows who have already received fellowship funding for postdoctoral study by an external agency.

At UCSF, faculty members usually prefer to receive the names of prospective postdoctoral scholars directly from research colleagues. See: Office for Postdoctoral Scholars and Finding a Postdoctoral Advisor. Some but not all postdoc positions are listed at OCPD Opportunities and Jobs Board.

Career-development courses

The School shares its expertise nationally and internationally through the following courses, offered to professionals in industry, regulatory agencies, academia, and health care.

Medical product development

American Course on Drug Development and Regulatory Sciences (ACDRS)

• Executive Board Members: Kathy Giacomini, PhD

This course provides education and training in the field of medical product development at an advanced level. It provides an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge while building an international network. See American Course on Drug Development and Regulatory Sciences.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics for Pharmaceutical Scientists (PK Course)

• Directors: Leslie Benet, PhD, and Robert Upton, PhD

This course covers the basic principles of pharmacokinetics with emphasis on physiologic conceptualization and problem solving. Course content aims to greatly enhance pharmacokinetic knowledge and to integrate pharmacokinetic principles and concepts into everyday practice. See Pharmacokinetics for Pharmaceutical Scientists.

Tobacco cessation

Rx for Change: Clinician-assisted tobacco cessation

• Contact: Robin Corelli, PharmD

A comprehensive tobacco cessation training program that equips health professional students and practicing clinicians, of all disciplines, with evidence-based knowledge and skills for assisting patients with quitting. See Rx for Change.