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PhD

Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics

The Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics (DPET) PhD Program develops scientists who conduct translational research that integrates biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences in lab-based models and humans.

  • Clinician track for students with a PharmD, MD, or equivalent
  • Non-clinician track for students without previous clinical training

PhD in DPET

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Apply through the UNC Graduate School. Select Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics as your area of interest.

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student outcomes
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Your path to impactful science starts here.

Robert Dupuis smiles standing behind a podium

Didactic

Learn from world-renowned experts in precision therapeutics

  • In Year 1, learn foundational knowledge and skills in study design, drug development, pharmacokinetics/dynamics, and biostatistics
  • In Year 2, complete coursework in precision therapeutics and drug metabolism, and explore electives relevant to the chosen research pathway

Seminar

Build scholarly community, improve communication skills, and deepen academic understanding

  • Weekly multidisciplinary seminar
  • Share updates on research progress and discuss latest publications
  • Interact with faculty leaders and invited experts

Thesis Research

Independent, original research that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field

  • Explore research interests through lab rotations before selecting your faculty mentor and dissertation lab
  • Work closely with faculty mentors to complete a written dissertation and publicly defend your research
  • Develop transferrable skills to prepare for careers in academia, industry, government, and research institutes

Our Curriculum

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Timeline of the DPET PhD program at UNC School of Pharmacy. Year 1 includes joining a lab, research presentations, core courses (PHRS801, DPET833, DPET835, DPET853, BIOS600), rotations (PHRS991), and seminars (PHRS899). Year 2 features qualifying exams, additional courses (DPET857, DPET873, DPET816), and research presentations. Year 3+ and the graduating year focus on thesis research (PHRS994), continued seminars, clinical experiences, and final research presentations. Timeline ends with thesis defense.

Our Impact

Preparing Leaders and Innovators

Two women students wearing lab coats working in a lab. One uses a pipette while the other observes closely.

Research Strengths

Our faculty and students advance precision therapeutics through innovative research in drug metabolism and transport, pharmacometrics, genetically-informed therapies, pharmacogenomics, and drug toxicity mechanisms across several therapeutic areas. Their work bridges laboratory, clinical, and computational modeling research to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.

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Therapeutic Areas

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Epilepsy/Neurological Diseases
  • Hepatology/Gastroenterology and Transplant
  • Infectious Disease/HIV
  • Metabolic Disease
  • Oncology/Hematology
  • Special Populations

Career Opportunities

DPET PhD graduates are in high demand across the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and regulatory agencies. Our alumni secure impactful roles in clinical pharmacology, drug development, regulatory science, and translational research—driving innovation and shaping the future of precision therapeutics around the world.

Our Faculty & Staff

Meet the scientists, clinicians, and educators leading the way in precision therapeutics. 

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Contact Us

Have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out today!

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PhD in DPET 

Apply through the UNC Graduate School. Select Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics as your Area of Interest. 

Apply Now