Overview
The PEP Track is a research-intensive pathway within the Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate program. Trainees build depth in pharmacoepidemiology, health economics and health technology assessment, comparative effectiveness and implementation science, and analytics using large databases and EHR-linked resources. Graduates pursue roles in the industry, universities, government, health systems, payers and managed care, and consulting.
What you will engage in
- Real world evidence and observational methods
- Cost-effectiveness and budget impact modeling
- Comparative effectiveness and implementation evaluations
- Policy analysis and applied econometrics
- Domain applications that include substance use, pain and mental health, cancer outcomes, women’s health and urology, and medical devices
Why PEP at UAMS
- Methods-forward training embedded in active research programs
- Applied projects with health systems, VA, and public partners
- Mentored scholarship opportunities for presentations, manuscripts, and grants
- Career-ready skills for research, policy, and analytics roles in many settings
PEP Track Program Options
M.S.
Best for candidates seeking a shorter timeline to applied roles in evidence generation and analytics.
- Focus: Core methods with targeted electives, seminar, and a thesis or applied capstone.
- Outcomes: Preparation for positions such as HEOR or RWE analyst, pharmacoepidemiology associate, policy analyst, or quality and patient safety analyst.
- Typical duration: 2 years, full time.
Ph.D.
Best for candidates who aim to lead research programs and publish original work.
- Focus: Advanced methods, research immersion, qualifying or comprehensive exams, proposal and candidacy, and a dissertation.
- Outcomes: Preparation for faculty roles, PI or staff scientist positions in VA or health systems, senior HEOR or RWE scientist roles in industry, and HTA or policy leadership.
- Typical duration: 4 to 5 years, full time.
Pharm.D./M.S.
Best for current UAMS Pharm.D. students who want structured training in real world evidence, health economics, and pharmacoepidemiology during the professional program.
- Focus: Core graduate methods, seminar engagement, and a thesis aligned to pharmacy practice or policy questions.
- Structure: Planned sequencing with the Pharm.D. curriculum. Selected graduate credits meet Pharm.D. elective requirements per UAMS policy.
- Typical duration: Follows the standard Pharm.D. timeline. The MS components may be completed in parallel.
Division Director
Professor