Pharmacology (Ph.D.)

Pharmacology (Ph.D.) | Graduate

Pharmacology is at the forefront of the most exciting developments in modern medicine. Our Ph.D. program in Pharmacology is designed for students interested in studying the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs, the mechanisms of drug action, and the toxic effects of drugs as well as experimental, clinical, and behavioral approaches to pharmacology.

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Howard's Graduate School prepares students for careers in academic teaching and research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government, regulatory affairs, and policy. As a doctoral student in the Pharmacology program, you'll integrate knowledge across biomedical disciplines, including physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, bioinformatics, and medicine. Through a combination of didactic coursework and laboratory research, you'll gain formal training in the principles of pharmacology and the latest quantitative, biochemical, electrophysiological, echocardiographic, and neuroanatomical approaches. You'll also benefit from a highly collegial atmosphere and the close mentorship of faculty engaged in highly active research programs involving experimental, clinical, and behavioral approaches to pharmacology. Our Pharmacology faculty are notable for their wide-ranging expertise spanning various areas of pharmacology (including clinical, cardiovascular, renal, molecular and cellular, cancer, endocrine), drug abuse, signal transduction, autonomic, neuroscience, drug metabolism, neuropharmacology, and toxicology, among other areas.  As a student in the program, you'll have access to laboratories and research facilities equipped with modern equipment for cell culture, drug formulation, and synthesis. An active research seminar series will provide you with more specialized exposure to the latest research in the field. Students may pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours 

      ❱  Full-time

      ❱  On-campus format

      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

      ❱  Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry: 

      ❱  No spring entry

Fall 2024 entry: 

      ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)

      ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)

      ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses (Recommended)

The following course prerequisites are recommended, not required. No expiration date for recommended prerequisites.

• Biology (college-level lectures and labs, 12 semester credit hrs)
• Chemistry (college-level lectures and labs, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry (college-level lectures and labs, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Physics (college-level lectures and labs, 8 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Friend
• Family Member
• Coworker
• Clergy
• Other