The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences program was approved by the NSU Board of Trustees in March 2008, and the college launched its unique program of graduate study and research leading to the Ph.D. degree in fall 2010. Students choose from one of three sequences: (1) Social and Administrative Pharmacy; (2) Molecular Medicine and Pharmacogenomics; and (3) Drug Development (Pharmaceutics). The college attracts scholars with a zeal for the acquisition and sharing of knowledge.

Graduates focus on expanding the science of drug knowledge by creating and testing new drug molecules or using technology to develop new dosage forms. This field responds to needs identified by practicing pharmacists, who detect limitations in caring for patients. The pharmaceutical scientist is very knowledgeable in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and administration. Because of its exclusive emphasis on pharmacy topics, the program does not duplicate degrees or courses offered by other NSU centers.