Pharmacology, PhD

Kurt Varner, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

The program is designed to provide graduate training through advanced courses, seminars, and laboratory research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The length of time required to obtain the degree varies with the nature of the research program, but generally will be four to five years for the PhD degree. First year course requirements will follow the curriculum prescribed by the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.  Medicinal Pharmacology and Principles of Pharmacology are required courses in the second year, along with elective courses. Ethics and professionalism courses are required throughout.  In addition to the required courses, students participate in the departmental teaching program. The area of thesis or dissertation research is chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty. Students are allowed to register for graduate courses only after consultation with and approval by the course director.

The Program for obtaining the PhD can be tailored to the requirement of each individual student, but the minimum curriculum requirements for all students are as detailed below.