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 maintains a dynamic and impactful drug discovery research program, strongly focusing on cancer biology, neuropharmacology, immunology and eye diseases. Its multidisciplinary research expertise includes medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology and pharmaceutics, fostering innovative approaches to address critical health challenges and advance novel therapeutic discoveries as 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 the Department Head, I am pleased to welcome you to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at South Dakota State University. Pharmaceutical science is a translational extension of the basic fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and microbiology. It primarily involves three critical 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 deeply committed to excellence in teaching, training and research in 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. Additionally, we offer graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) that train the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and advance the evolving 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, enhance career opportunities for our graduates. With expertise in world-class translational research, patenting and start-ups, our faculty are committed to creating an educational environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students realize their aspirations.
Research led by our faculty provides new knowledge in all three mentioned aspects of translational drug discovery (3Ds). The department’s research initiatives are supported by grants from federal (NIH and USDA), state, industry, and foundation sources. While cancer drug discovery is our primary research focus, we also pursue exciting projects in neuropharmacology, ophthalmology and infectious diseases. Further, the department strongly encourages undergraduate students to experience research in new drug discovery and development. We invite you to visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Science to learn more about our faculty research and the outstanding research facilities we offer.
If you are looking for a rewarding educational and research experience, we encourage you to join our Jackrabbit family, where you can pursue 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
