Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions from our applicants.
If you have questions about the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences that are not listed, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Terry Moore at PSCI-program@uic.edu
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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Where can I apply?
The application to our program is all online and managed by UIC Graduate Admissions. UIC PhD applications for the following year typically open in the first week of August. Visit the UIC Graduate Admissions website for full details.
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What are the application deadlines?
The priority application deadline is December 15.
Applications submitted after December 15 will be considered if the class is not filled from the applications received before this priority application deadline. For fullest consideration, it is important to apply by December 15.
The final deadlines are February 15 for international applicants and May 15 for domestic applicants.
Students in this program are only admitted to begin in the UIC Fall Semester (mid August start). The application opens each year in the beginning of August – check the UIC Graduate Admissions website for more information.
Deadline information for all UIC graduate programs can be found in the UIC Graduate Admissions website.
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Do I need to contact faculty members before applying to the program?
No, applicants do not need to contact departmental faculty members about lab placement prior to admission. Recommendations for admission are made by the admissions committee.
The program does not admit students directly into labs. Admitted students are required to complete three (3) 8-week research rotations in laboratories of potential research advisors.
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Where can I check the status of my application?
UIC Graduate Admissions makes it easy to check on the status of your application – just follow the link below.
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What is the tuition for the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program?
The majority of PhD students in the Department are admitted with an assistantship or fellowship, which come with tuition waivers (see question below for more information).
Official UIC Graduate Tuition and Fees are listed by the UIC Registrar.
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Does the department provide a stipend or other financial assistance to graduate students?
The majority of PhD students in the Department are admitted with funding. A typical student would receive support as a Teaching Assistant in years 1 and 2 and as a Research Assistant thereafter.
Although there is no guarantee of continued funding (teaching or research assistantship stipend and/or tuition waiver), it is the intent of the program to fund PhD students with assistantships for the full duration of their enrollment period. For more information, please see the PSCI Teaching Assistant Appointment Guidelines.
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Where can I find the International Student Declaration and Certification of Finances?
International Student Declaration and Certification of Finances
What are the application deadlines?
Please see our Application Deadlines Page.
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Where can I find more information about the Graduate College?
Please check the Graduate College home page.
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Where can I find forms I might need while in the PhD program?
You can find all the forms you might need on the Graduate College website.
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Do I have to take the GRE?
No, the GRE is no longer required for admission to the Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate program.
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English proficiency
The English proficiency test requirement may be waived under the following circumstances, if the conditions have occurred within the last five years:
- Enrollment at a U.S. institution for at least two years of full-time study.
- Exemptions based upon enrollment will be applied after receipt of applicable academic credentials.
- Employment in the U.S. for at least one year on a full-time basis.
- Documentation for exemptions based upon employment will be requested to be uploaded through the application checklist after submission of the application.
- It should consist of a letter from your employer issued on letterhead which indicates the length of time you have been employed at the establishment and attests to your proficiency with the English language.
- Education or employment for the duration of time listed above in a country or territory from which an English proficiency test is not required. View requirements for your country.
English proficiency requirements are not waived based upon the medium of instruction at a previously attended institution. This includes attendance at a branch or campus of a US or UK institution which is physically located in a country or territory from which an English proficiency test is required.
- Enrollment at a U.S. institution for at least two years of full-time study.
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Do I have to submit TOEFL scores?
If you are an international student seeking entrance into our program and are not currently studying or working in the United States, yes. TOEFL scores older than two years from the test date are considered invalid, and you will have to retake the test. Your official TOEFL scores must be submitted directly to the University of Illinois at Chicago by the Educational Testing Services, Institution Code: 1851.
Alternately, we do accept scores from the IELTS and the PTE-Academic.
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What is the minimum TOEFL score?
We have established the following minimums for the iBT Internet-based TOEFL: Total: 80 with minimum subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21; or for the New Paper-Based test (after August 2018): 60 with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21;
Alternatively, we would also accept IELTS exam scores for English competency; at least 6.5 would be required overall with subscores of 6.0 in all sections OR the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-Academic) scores of at least 54 overall, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56. -
Can I send you my transcripts by mail?
No, please do not send your transcripts to the Department by mail. The application process is 100% online. The Graduate College and the Department do not require official transcripts to review and process your application. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to your application in their place.
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What if I'm interested in the PharmD/PhD Joint Degree program?
Please visit the UIC College of Pharmacy PharmD/PhD Joint Degree program page.
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Where can I find more information about PSCI courses?
Please check the Academic Catalog. https://catalog.uic.edu/all-course-descriptions/psci/