Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development Admissions Information

 

Apply for Fall 2027: Jan. 15 – July 1, 2027

Program Overview

Drug discovery and development (DDD) is the process by which new drugs are discovered, developed and approved for clinical use. It also encompasses the knowledge, skills and techniques required for pursuing the process.

The Certificate Program in Drug Discovery & Development (DDD) is designed for students to gain a systematic understanding of how drugs and medicines are discovered and developed, and to increase understanding of clinical, medical and regulatory affairs in the DDD process.

  • Obtain the certificate online in 2-4 semesters (total of 12 semester credit hours) to enhance career options.
  • Gain exposure to DDD career and graduate program pathways and potentially strengthen competitiveness to apply to such programs.
  • Credits are transferrable to our MS-DDD program.

DDD Certificate – Recorded Information Session

Hear from UNT Health College of Pharmacy faculty to learn more about DDD career and graduate program pathways, the science behind DDD, the specific coursework offered, and admissions requirements.

Assessment Plan

Learn about the DDD program’s criteria of achievement and how it is measured through students’ course-completion rates, satisfaction with the program and career pathways after graduation.

Program Assessment Outcomes

Career Opportunities in DDD

There are many types of job functions involved in the drug development process, and this certificate program will enhance the career options or promote the career advancement of students who complete this program. Opportunities include careers in:

  • Clinical Pharmacies
  • Consulting Firms
  • Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
  • Intellectual Property Lawyers
  • Medical Science Liaisons
  • Not-for-profit Research Institutions
  • Project Managers
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • Research Scientists in the Bio-Pharma industry
  • Scientific Writers

Note: some of these job functions require additional degrees or credentials.

Who Should Apply?

  • Current undergraduate students or recent college graduates in life sciences or chemistry (See admissions requirements below)
  • Current graduate students or professional students (i.e. PharmD students)
  • Other full-time or part-time students, including working professionals
  • International Students

Certificate Program Curriculum

This online certificate program is 12 semester credit hours (4-5 courses) and can be completed between two to four semesters, depending on the individual student’s schedule and engagement level. The certificate may serve as a gateway to our Master of Science Degree in DDD or other advanced degree programs. Individuals who have completed or are on track to complete the certificate can apply to the MS in DDD program, and, if accepted, apply all credits toward the degree program.

Fall semester (6 SCH):

PHAR 5310/7320a: Overview of Modern Drug Discovery & Development
PHAR 5311: Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Personalized Medicine
PHAR 7222a,b: Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Personalized Medicine
PHAR 5112/7122a,b: Current Technology Trends in Drug R & D

Spring semester (6 SCH):

PHAR 5314/7382a: Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Development
PHAR 5315/7310a: Comprehensive Review of FDA Approved New Drugs

a Courses are listed or cross-listed for UNT Health PharmD students.
b Curriculum information is effective for the 2023-24 academic year.

  • Successful completion of at least 90 semester credit hours (SCH) of undergraduate coursework with a preferred major in chemistry or a discipline of life sciences from an accredited U.S. institution or an internationally comparable institution (by matriculation) or current enrollment in a post-graduate research program (such as PhD) or a professional program (such as Doctor of Pharmacy).
  • GPA 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • At least 6 SCH of biology, 6 SCH of chemistry, and 6 SCH of calculus and/or statistics

 

Preferred Criteria:

  • A BA/BS degree in chemistry or a discipline of life sciences from an accredited U.S. institution or an internationally comparable institution (by matriculation); or current enrollment in a graduate or professional degree program.

Applicants who don’t meet all of these criteria may provide appropriate justification for being considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • International Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and provide international transcript evaluations. Please see International Admissions Requirements for details.
  • This Certificate Program does not sponsor F-1 visa for international students. International students can undertake all courses online.

International applicants should submit their application 6 weeks prior to the international applicant deadline. This will allow sufficient time for WES to process the transcript evaluation report and adequate time for visa processing.

Visit our International Student Office site to learn more about the I-20 process, estimated Cost of Attendance and other key factors.

Application requires the following:

  • One-page personal statement of interest in the program (maximum 400 words).
  • Unofficial transcript(s): Submit transcripts from all colleges or universities you've attended. Official transcripts may be requested. 
  • $75 application processing fee.
  • Optional documents may be attached to the application.

 

NOTE: If you are a current UNT Health PharmD student who wants to add the Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development to your program of study, the process is different; please contact Dr. Michelle Blakely at michelle.blakely@unthealth.edu.

  • For questions about the admissions process, email admissions@unthealth.edu. (Current UNT Health PharmD students should contact Dr. Michelle Blakely at michelle.blakely@unthealth.edu.)
  • For questions about the program, contact: Dr. Eric Cheng, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director of Drug Discovery & Development Programs, at Eric.Cheng@unthealth.edu, or call (817) 735-0165.
  • Program Office: UNT Health Fort Worth, UNT System College of Pharmacy, RES-340K, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA.