PhD Program
The PhD program in the Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy aims to prepare graduates for leadership positions in academia, industry, and government sectors.
Students develop solid research skills, enabling them to conduct high quality research directed at improving the use and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical products, technology, and services in society.
Curriculum
The DPOP PhD program curriculum consists of three concentrations outlined below: Pharmaceutical Policy and Economics, Pharmaco-epidemiology and Social and Behavioral. Click each link to download more information.
Pharmaceutical Policy and Economics Concentration
The Pharmaceutical Policy and Economics concentration prepares students to learn about pharmaceutical policy in the US and abroad and analyze the impact of such policy. Students learn how to select the optimal study design to answer a research question and, through research rotations and practica, gain skills in primary data collection and secondary data analysis. Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies and content of greatest interest to them.
Pharmaco-Epidemiology Concentration
The pharmaco-epidemiology concentration prepares students to interpret and apply state-of-the-art epidemiologic approaches to study utilization and comparative effectiveness/safety of healthcare interventions using a variety of complex data sources (e.g., administrative healthcare claims, electronic health records, and registries). Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies of greatest interest to them, focused on quantitative methods, including predictive analytics and causal inference.
Social and Behavioral Concentration
The Social Behavioral concentration prepares students to apply social behavioral theory in the design and evaluation of health interventions as well as in the study of multilevel factors that affect health behaviors and outcomes. Students learn how to ask impactful questions, select optimal study designs and research methods to answer those questions, and disseminate their research findings to diverse audiences. Through research rotations and practica, students gain skills in primary data collection and secondary data analysis. Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies of greatest interest to them, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
Graduate Student Experience
Students entering the program receive two-plus years of didactic training in research methods, as well as an additional two to three years of closely mentored supervision while conducting research projects. Admitted students receive full tuition support, a $30,000 annual stipend, and health benefits throughout their training for up to five years. Beginning in their third year, students are encouraged to apply for competitive fellowships and external awards to support their work and build a track record of success.
Career Opportunities for DPOP Graduates
Graduates of the DPOP PhD program have gone on to a variety of career positions in academia, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. Some of our alumni’s positions include:
Academic Faculty Appointments
- National Taiwan University School of Pharmacy
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine
- Wake Forest University
- Harvard University
- University of Kansas
- Vanderbilt University
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Johnson & Johnson
- Amgen
- Astellas
Government
- FDA
Other Organizations
- Community Care of North Carolina
- RTI International
- Kaiser Permanente
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- Harvard University
- North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (NCTraCS)
Application Process
Review of applications begins December 1 and we strongly recommend that applications are completed prior to that deadline. Although you can apply until February 13, completing your application before December 1 will maximize your chances of acceptance and nomination for UNC Graduate School fellowships.
Applications can be submitted online with the application fee, three current letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE test scores, and a statement of purpose.