The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on a student-centered curriculum that provides a strong foundation in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. In addition, the department has a strong undergraduate and graduate research program. These opportunities prepare graduates for academic, industry and research careers in the U.S. and other countries.
The department has eleven faculty and is based on the main South Dakota State University campus in Brookings. The highly talented and dedicated faculty members provide quality education and research training in the pharmaceutical sciences. The department has an active research program in cancer, cardiovascular, neuropharmacology, immunology and eye diseases. The multidisciplinary research expertise includes medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology and pharmaceutics.
The department has four offerings:
- PH.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (On-Campus and Online options available)
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Minor
- Pharmacology Certificate
Explore Our Programs
Excellence in Teaching and Research
As Department Head, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at South Dakota State University. Pharmaceutical science is a translational extension of the basic fields of chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology. It primarily involves three aspects of drug discovery: understanding the etiology of the disease (Disease), designing/synthesizing new drugs (Drug), and delivering the drugs to the physiological site of interest (Delivery) - the 3Ds.
Our department is committed to excellence in teaching, training, and research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The department is primarily involved in teaching and training PharmD students to build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences before they develop their clinical skills. In addition, the department also offers graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) to educate new pharmaceutical scientists and advance the dynamic field of drug discovery. Our comprehensive curriculum, along with new research collaborations with clinical sites (Sanford Research and Avera Research), other research institutes, and the pharmaceutical industry, enhances career opportunities for our graduates. With experience in world-class research, patenting and start-ups, the faculty at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences are committed to providing an educational environment that encourages the aspirations of our students while nurturing their innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Research led by our faculty provides new knowledge in all three mentioned aspects of translational drug discovery (3Ds). Our research programs are regularly funded by federal (NIH and USDA), state, industry, and foundation grants. Although the major focus of the department’s research is on cancer drug discovery, we have exciting research projects focusing on neuropharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, ophthalmology, and infectious diseases as well. Students enrolled in the graduate program will have an opportunity to work in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge equipment. Further, the department strongly encourages undergraduate students to experience research in new drug discovery and development. Please visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Science for more details on the research interests of our faculty and available facilities.
If you are looking for a rewarding educational and/or research experience, we encourage you to become a part of our Jackrabbit family where you can discover your dreams and achieve your goals.
Hemachand Tummala, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences
For more information, contact:
Hemachand Tummala
Department Head/Professor
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
