Stipend levels, tuition scholarships, and policies are set each year by the College of Pharmacy and the Graduate School and may change. Refer to the Graduate School Tuition and Fees for current figures.
Doctoral Students
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
GRAs are supported by College of Pharmacy funds and by grants or contracts led by PEP faculty. GRAs contribute to research and teaching in the division for approximately 20 hours per week during the academic year. Current support is 35,000 dollars per year with a full tuition scholarship, renewable for up to four years based on performance, progress, and funding availability. All doctoral applicants are automatically considered unless they request otherwise.
Fellowships and Training Grants
UAMS offers competitive training programs that align with PEP. Predoctoral trainees receive support comparable to a GRA with a tuition scholarship, and complete mentored research in the fellowship focus area rather than divisional duties. Postdoctoral trainees typically receive about 50,000 dollars per year. Application is separate and may occur at admission or after one to three years of doctoral study. Examples include NIH funded T32 programs in addiction research and health disparities, and state health policy fellowships coordinated with campus partners.
Licensed Pharmacist Opportunities
Doctoral students who hold an active Arkansas pharmacist license may apply for part time shifts in UAMS Department of Pharmacy Services, generally 8 to 20 hours per week. Current hourly rates are about 65 dollars and can total up to 67,500 dollars per year depending on hours worked. These roles do not include benefits or a tuition scholarship. Work hours must not interfere with academic progress or assistantship responsibilities.
Military or Employer Sponsorship
Some students receive tuition support or salary through military education benefits or employer sponsorship. Interested applicants should coordinate early with their sponsor and the program office to confirm allowable course loads and any service commitments.
Foreign Government Sponsorship
Students may also be supported by national scholarship programs from their home countries. These programs typically fund training that is not available locally and will require coordination among the sponsor, the Graduate School, and the program.
Self funding and supplemental income
Applicants with other financial support can request admission without departmental funding. Students may also pursue external scholarships and small grants from agencies, foundations, or professional societies, and may accept outside employment when legally permitted and approved. Any work must not conflict with academic progress or GRA expectations.
Master’s Students
Funding through GRAs or fellowships is not typical for the M.S. program. M.S. students should plan to be self funded. When available, limited hourly research or teaching work may be arranged with faculty. Students who are licensed pharmacists in Arkansas may pursue part time shifts in UAMS Department of Pharmacy Services at about 65 dollars per hour, without benefits or a tuition scholarship. International applicants must document funding for tuition and living expenses for the entire program before admission.
How funding decisions are made
Offers are competitive and consider preparation, research fit with funded projects, quantitative skills, communication, and prior experience. Multi year commitments depend on satisfactory academic standing, steady progress on milestones, professional conduct, and availability of funds. Details are provided in each offer letter.
Pharm.D./M.S. Students
UAMS Pharm.D. students may pursue a coordinated Pharm.D. and M.S. pathway in the PEP Track. Students do not pay separate tuition to the College of Pharmacy or the Graduate School for the M.S. portion and instead pay only the Graduate School continuing registration fee each term, with the current amount listed on the Graduate School website.
Questions
If you have questions about fit with available funding or about documenting external support, contact us.