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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 curriculum 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; 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; and to analyze the impacts of pharmaceutical 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 can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies and content of greatest interest to them.

Our PhD program prepares 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. 

We study the effectiveness and costs of medications, how patients take their medications, and the impact of drug policies on health outcomes in diverse populations. Our research focuses on health outcomes and how to support medication taking at the individual, practice, and system level. Key challenges our Division addresses include: 

  • Ensuring that all people have the knowledge, skills, and resources to use the medications they need 
  • Personalized medication treatment to ensure optimal effectiveness, safety and value in real-world settings. 
  • Promoting informed and shared decision-making so that prescribed medication regimens reflect patients’ values, preferences and needs. 

Addressing these complex issues requires an interdisciplinary approach with innovative use of a variety of data sources, including administrative records, primary survey data, and community stakeholders. 

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
  • Facebook
  • 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.

Apply Now

Contact

Joshua Thorpe, PhD, MPH

Associate Professor
Division Director of Graduate Admissions