Department of Pharmacology
Graduate Program
The Department of Pharmacology offers a focus of study within the Cell Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Ph.D. graduate program. The “Pharmacology and Physiology Training Area” within the CMB program offers specialized course work and research focused on Pharmacology. In addition, the Department of Pharmacology offers a two year Master of Science degree that includes course work focused on Pharmacology and opportunities for research in a wide selection of labs within the department.
Research and Activities
Research interests are diverse, with special emphasis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pharmacology, physiology, neurovascular coupling, signal transduction, and medicinal chemistry/cancer chemotherapy. We educate medical students, graduate students, post-doctoral trainees and undergraduates, giving ample opportunities for interaction with faculty researchers. In addition to offering a Doctorate in Pharmacology, we now offer a Minor in Pharmacology for undergraduates.
To see individual labs and their specific research interests please see the Research portion of our website.
Our graduate students participate in the following activities:
- Annual Pharmacology Research Retreat
- Pharmacology Seminar Series
- Cancer Biology Journal Club
Career Options with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology
In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to choose the appropriate training for your future goals. A Ph.D. in Pharmacology will prepare you for a broad range of careers including positions at biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, research universities, and government agencies, such as the NIH, Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. The advantage of a pharmacology program over basic biological sciences is the emphasis on drug interactions with cellular mechanisms. Thus, students gain an appreciation for scientific applications in a clinical setting, which is a desired trait for potential candidates in pharmaceutical companies and is helpful in obtaining funding for biomedical research proposals.
For current trends in opportunities for Pharmacology Ph.Ds:
Sciences Next Wave: Career advice from the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Network of Emerging Scientists: Forum for discussions on science careers
You may also wish to contact one of our Alumni, as they have gone on to many different types of career paths and are an excellent resource for firsthand knowledge of expectations for a particular occupational goal.
Last modified February 01 2013 09:43 AM