The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS) Institute of Public Health began with course offerings at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1949.  A legislative enactment in 1951 established the Division of Pharmacy at FAMU and the program evolved from one learner to more than 600 today.  It is one of the largest colleges of pharmacy in the country and the nation’s top producer of African-American doctorates in Pharmaceutical Sciences.  The faculty prepares students for leading roles in the practice of pharmacy, research and public health.  The college has developed patents that address the treatment of AIDS, cancer and many other diseases that disproportionately impact African Americans.  Additionally, the College has generated more than $21 million in committed research grants and service contracts from federal, state and local funding sources.  COPPS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and the Council on Education for Public Health.

Notable Accomplishments

CoPPS research faculty have been awarded 35 patents.

The PharmD program has expanded to include the Durell Peaden, Jr., Education Center in Crestview and additional experiential sites in Tampa, Davie and Jacksonville, Florida. 

Through the service –Learning Program, Pharm.D. learner volunteer on average of 39,266 hours per graduating class.  The College was awarded $7.1 million for 2020-2021 research grants received; Pharmaceutical Sciences- Cancer Health Disparities, Institute of Public Health- Community Participatory and Pharmacy Practice- Health and promotions, residency training and Clinical services.

The College also received a $14.8 million award to support the FAMU Center for Health Disparities research.