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UNT Health Fort Worth ’s new pharmaceutical sciences program comes at ‘critical time’ for region
By Abigail Ruhman | KERA News at Fort Worth Report
· June 4, 2026
· 3 min read
UNT Health Fort Worth’s new pharmaceutical sciences PhD program could help meet growing workforce needs in North Texas. While other regions in Texas have schools that offer the program, Rebecca Cunningham, senior associate dean for research and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UNT, said this
Key takeaway Dallas-Fort Worth is among the 20 largest life sciences employment clusters – meaning there’s a significant concentration of jobs in the area.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The launch of UNT Health Fort Worth's pharmaceutical sciences PhD program is a significant development for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where life science research and development jobs have grown by 45% since 2019. As the region's life science labor pool expands, this program will help meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals. With its location in Fort Worth, the program will also contribute to the city's growing reputation as a hub for healthcare and research, complementing existing institutions like Texas Christian University. The program's focus on building a pipeline of trained professionals will have a direct impact on the local economy, with potential for increased job creation and economic value. As North Texas continues to establish itself as a major player in the life sciences industry, initiatives like this PhD program will be crucial in attracting and retaining top talent, and ultimately, driving growth and innovation in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: schools ·
Published: June 4, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? UNT Health Fort Worth’s new pharmaceutical sciences PhD program could help meet growing workforce needs in North Texas. While other regions in Texas have schools that offer the program, Rebecca Cunningham, senior associate dean for research and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UNT, said this
When was this published? This article was first published on June 4, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Abigail Ruhman | KERA News at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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