The coursework is structured to provide the skills necessary to become a licensed pharmacist while accommodating the interests of the individual student. UNC's progressive curriculum, which includes the Pharmaceutical Care Labs, practice experiences, and the Clinical Scholars Program, prepares graduates in every way for the essential and rapidly expanding role of a pharmacist in today's health care environment.

PharmD students also have the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research as research assistants, or for independent study credit. The Honors Program provides an opportunity for talented and highly motivated students to develop and conduct a research project as part of the requirements for graduation with Honors.

From these opportunities, students gain considerable insight into many aspects of research, from the flashpoint of discovery to preclinical and clinical development of therapeutic agents, optimum delivery of drug therapy, evaluation of health, therapeutic outcomes of novel drug therapies and technologies, and familiarization with regulatory policies.

Another benefit of research—the close working relationships with individual faculty members in many scientific disciplines—offers yet more insight into the many possibilities of specialization. Through their involvement in school-wide and campus-wide multidisciplinary research programs, students see first-hand how research by an individual in a specific area of science applies to global issues in health care.

After graduation, students interested in research often consider clinical research training via a fellowship program or opt to pursue graduate education.