Overview
Academics with a Focus on Research, Scholarship, and Leadership
The mission of the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GSPS) at Duquesne University is to "prepare the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and educators who will contribute to the body of pharmaceutical knowledge through innovative research, contemporary discourse and scholarship, and academic and organizational leadership."
The GSPS applies this philosophy throughout the many degree programs it provides in both pharmacy administration and pharmaceutical sciences.
The school offers Master of Science degrees in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and pharmacy administration, as well as a combined Master of Business Administration/Master of Science degree in industrial pharmacy. Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology.
Six individualized academic teaching and research fellowships are available for graduate students interested in pursuing an academic career track in the areas of teaching, research, and pharmacy practice.
A Diverse Student Body
The variety of graduate program choices is designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners with undergraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, engineering, pharmacy, allied health sciences, the social and behavioral sciences, and business.
GSPS students also represent a diversity of cultural backgrounds, with about 30 percent of students coming from the U.S. and 70 percent from other countries. There are typically 60 students enrolled in GSPS degree programs.
Professional Outcomes in Business, Industry, and Academia
Graduates of the GSPS have found employment in research and administration in organizations such as Bristol Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Centers for Disease Control, and Pfizer Global Research and Development. Some have attained senior positions such as president and chief executive officer, vice president of operations, and director of product development. Graduates have also become faculty members or post-doctoral fellows at the state universities of Michigan, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Virginia; and Pacific University.
Well-Funded Research into the Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease
Nationally and internationally recognized faculty members have attracted considerable funding, ranking GSPS third among private pharmacy schools for National Institutes of Health research grants.
The educational and research activities of the GSPS focus on four disciplines: medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacy administration. GSPS faculty conduct research in critical areas such as development of novel anticancer agents, diagnosis and treatment of neurological deficiencies associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, prevention and treatment of drug abuse, and evaluation of natural remedies for improving menopausal symptoms and treating cancer.
Key Educational Initiatives Promoting Ethics and Professionalism
The GSPS applies a well-rounded approach to educating future pharmaceutical scientists and educators, and promotes a learning culture of engagement, ethical behavior, and problem solving. Key educational initiatives include: promoting cultural competence and respect for diversity, preparing students to deliver medication therapy management services, establishing interdisciplinary research projects, and supporting continuous professional development.
Residencies Provide Experience in Evidence-based Medicine
Four pharmaceutical residency programs develop students' clinical research and leadership skills within the context of evidence-based medicine. The current program partners are: Conemaugh Health System (pharmacy practice residency), Giant Eagle Pharmacy/ Pfizer, Inc.(community residency program), Trinity Health System/ Palliative Therapeutics, LLC (pharmacy practice residency offering hospice consulting and pain management experiences), and Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy (ambulatory practice residency).
Experiential Education via Academic Research Centers
Four academic research centers provide learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Center for Pharmacy Care, a teaching site for student pharmacist education, provides wellness, disease prevention, and medication therapy management programs which focus on hypertension, dyslipedemia, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
The Center for Pharmacy Practice provides students hands-on experience with pharmacy practice technology and prescription, nonprescription, and herbal medications.
The Pharmaceutical Information Center is a drug information service that provides responses to drug information requests from the public, and provides experiential education for Doctor of Pharmacy students.
The Center for Pharmaceutical Technology focuses on improving the safety, quality, and efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The center's clients and collaborators represent industry, other academic institutions, regulatory authorities, equipment vendors, and private consultants.
Specialized Research Facilities
Specialized research facilities available to GSPS students include pharmaceutical research laboratories (including a fully equipped manufacturing laboratory/pilot plant); modern animal facilities for physiological, pharmacological, and toxicological evaluations of drugs and chemicals; community and institutional practice areas; a new interactive computer laboratory and resource center; and a pharmaceutical information center.
Students also have access to other ancillary resources at other nearby medical and research institutions within Pittsburgh.
Campus Environment and Location
Duquesne University, founded in 1878, is a private Catholic university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a total enrollment of about 10,000 students. The self-contained 49-acre campus is located in an uptown neighborhood and features greenery and trees within an urban setting.
The GSPS, as part of the Mylan School of Pharmacy, is located in the Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences on the Duquesne campus, with new administrative, student services, and faculty offices located in the adjacent Bayer Learning Center.
The city of Pittsburgh, with over two dozen colleges and universities, is home to more than 60,000 students. The culturally diverse city enjoys a number of ethnic neighborhoods, as well as a relatively low cost of living.
