About

The Department of Pharmacology offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The primary objective of these programs is to prepare candidates for research and accademic careers.

A master’s program is a specialized degree that is typically obtained by individuals who want to focus their learning in a specific area. Earning a Master of Science, MA, or MBA is a smart choice for students as it may provide a competitive edge in an aggressive job market.

The study of pharmacology focuses on the effects of chemicals on biological systems. Scholars in this field conduct research to increase understanding of drug interactions and make improvements on various drug- and hormone-related therapies, among other applications.

The United States of America is a large country in North America, often referred to as the “USA”, the “US”, the “United States”, “America”, or simply “the States”. American colleges are funded by “tuition” charged to the student, which is often quite expensive, very commonly reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Obtaining a master’s degree allows students to gain the further training needed to work in their chosen field. This degree can often allow an individual to explore specific concentrations, or take a more general approach. 

What is a Master in Pharmacology? Students enrolled in this program will go through rigorous training both in the classroom and in the field in order to better understand the study, creation and administration of various medical drugs. A master’s degree in pharmacology encompasses a wide range of topics and courses in this major may include chemistry and the various components of drugs, how pharmaceuticals shape the public and private health sectors, and how to test drugs for authentication and safety purposes.

The main reason that a student pursues a master’s degree in pharmacology is to gain a better understanding on various pharmaceuticals and their uses. This additional training can open up many doors for students pursuing a career in pharmacology.

The exact price of this program will vary depending on the institution. Typically, completing this degree can take anywhere from two to four years.

By obtaining a master’s degree in pharmacology, students are opening themselves up to many new and profitable job opportunities. Potential careers for those holding this degree include the research and development of pharmaceuticals, the environmental impact of various drugs, manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, as well as careers that focus on the emerging technologies that play a major role in pharmacological procedures.  

There are many universities and institutions of higher learning that offer a master’s degree in pharmacology. Students may choose to study strictly in the classroom or take on laboratory experience as well. Online courses are available for students with limited availability. To get started with a course, search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.

Master’s Program

Master of Science in Pharmacology

The M.S. degree program is designed to be flexible and to serve a variety of career objectives. Sample next steps for our alumni include:

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy programs
• PhD programs
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Government agencies

Admission

Applicants are expected to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in major science courses (i.e. Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Chemistry, Physics).  Applicants must submit a completed online application and fee, official transcripts from previous academic records, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a personal statement.  The GRE is not required. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency in accordance with Rackham Graduate School requirements.

Application deadlines for Fall 2020:

• International Applicants – March 15
• Domestic Applicants (U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents) – Extended to June 1 (for Fall 2020 only)

Apply at www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions(link is external)

Course Requirements

The M.S. degree involves a mixture of coursework and independent research. Much of the coursework is the same as that taken by our Ph.D. students. The research component can be satisfied by either an independent laboratory research project or an in-depth literature survey of a topic of current pharmacological significance.

If pursued full-time, the program takes twelve months.  The 33-credit course load includes:

• Principles of Pharmacology
• Autonomic Pharmacology
• Endocrine Pharmacology
• Molecular Neuropharmacology
• Cancer and Antimicrobial Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Translational Pharmacology
• Data Processing and Analysis for Biomedical Scientists
• Electives (Biochemical Regulatory Mechanisms, Translational Research and Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
• 12 credits of independent research

Fall SemesterWinter SemesterSpring/Summer SemesterElective Choices

Research

The laboratory choice is most appropriate for students who wish to enter a PhD program or obtain a laboratory position in Academia or Industry.  Students opting for a laboratory research project must demonstrate prior relevant research experience.  The in-depth literature survey might be most appropriate choice for those students whose ultimate goal is to enter a professional school (MD, DDS or PharmD) or other career paths that may not require a laboratory experience.  Under specified circumstances, students who are engaged in scientific research outside the University and whose supervisor has an active collaboration with a faculty member within the Department of Pharmacology may be permitted to conduct the research component of the M.S. degree off-campus.

Funding

The tuition schedule(link is external) is updated by the Registrar. This program is outlined under School of Medicine – Rackham. To complete the program in one year, plan to register for one full-time fall semester and one full-time winter semester. No registration is required for the Spring/Summer semester, but students are expected to fully participate in the completion of their thesis research. Financial aid for graduate students is limited compared with what is available for undergraduates, however the U-M Office of Financial Aid(link is external) can help navigate available options. Note that the GSRA appointment option does not apply to independent study research conducted under PHRMACOL 605, because it is an educational requirement of this M.S. degree.