Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Pharmacology

The Ph.D. in Pharmacology is a dynamic program in pharmaceutical sciences that emphasizes the science of drug action, preparing students to make impactful contributions to therapeutic innovation and health. This program explores how chemical agents, including potential therapeutic candidates, interact with biological systems.

About the Ph.D. in Pharmacology

The Ph.D. program in Pharmacology offers research opportunities in the science of drug action. As a Ph.D. student, you will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are leading research on topics such as cannabinoids, opioids, hormones, and cellular signaling pathways. Their work addresses key issues in aging, cardiovascular disease, drug addiction, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, and the health impacts of environmental pollutants.

Program Information

Degree

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Emphases

• Pharmacology

Required Credit Hours

• 54 Hours

Program Type

• Doctorate Program

Program Location

• Oxford

School

• School of Pharmacy

Duration

• 4 - 6 Years

Pharmacology Program Details

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Minimum total credit hours: 54

Course Requirements

• Graduate Student Survival Strategies (BMS 601) (2 hours)
• Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology I (Phcl 675) (4 hours)
• Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology II (Phcl 676) (4 hours)
• Biometry (Bisc 504) (4 hours)
• PHCL/BMS/Bisc/Chem/Engr or other courses at 500/600/700-level electives (500-level courses require adviser approval) (12 hours)
• Original Research Proposal (BMS 605) (1 hour)
• Research Ethics (Grad 600) (1 hour)

Seminar Requirement

• Students are required to register for BMS 643 (Z-grade) every semester, with the exception of those semesters in which the student presents a seminar and instead registers for BMS 641 (graded).
• No more than eight seminar hours can be used toward the 54 minimum total credit hours.

Other Academic Requirements

Original Research Proposal

• A student must prepare, submit, and successfully (orally) defend an original research proposal (ORP).

Dissertation

• A student must prepare and orally defend a dissertation based on original, independent research in partial fulfillment of their Ph.D. degree.

Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines

• Fall: February 1
• Spring: October 1

Application Requirements

• Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member in the applicants major study area.
• A statement of purpose
• Undergraduate/graduate transcript(s)
• IELTS/TOEFL score (institutional code for the University of Mississippi is 1840, and the department code for the TOEFL is 99)
• A GRE score is NOT required for admission

Research Areas

The BioMolecular Sciences programs emphasize both basic and applied research, offering many pathways to explore cutting-edge solutions for global health challenges. Research areas include:

• Cannabinoids
• Opioids
• Hormones
• Cellular signaling pathways
• Aging
• Cardiovascular disease
• Drug addiction
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Neurological disorders
• Health impacts of environmental pollutants

Related Programs

Other pharmaceutical sciences programs offered by the University include:

• Pharmacology, M.S.
• Environmental Toxicology, Ph.D.
• Medicinal Chemistry, Ph.D.
• Pharmacognosy, Ph.D.
• Environmental Toxicology, M.S.
• Medicinal Chemistry, M.S.
• Pharmacognosy, M.S.
• Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis, M.S.