Pharmacology Education
two researchers looking through microscope

Train Where It All Began

Founded in 1891, Michigan Pharmacology was the first department of its kind in the United States. In our 130+ year history, we have awarded the largest number of PhDs in Pharmacology.

Welcome to Pharmacology

Pharmacology synthesizes the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and pathology to create a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating disease. As one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding areas of biomedical research, Pharmacology directly impacts public health through the discovery of new medicines. 

Our mission is to train the next generation of pharmacologists for careers in academia, government, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as emerging novel careers in which their deep knowledge and expertise provide value. 

Our alumni have led the field as pharmaceutical company executives, research directors, senior scientists, directors of government research laboratories, and academic faculty, chairs, deans, and college presidents.

To accomplish our mission, we provide a rigorous but supportive learning environment where trainees receive individual mentorship, career development and placement advice, real world experience, and role models of work-life integration from outstanding faculty and alumni.

The breadth and depth of our synergistic research and training missions are extraordinary. Our diverse group of outstanding faculty partners with trainees to advance new knowledge. This collaboration is key to developing novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of disease within diverse populations.

Education & Training Programs
PhD Program

Focus on specialized aspects of Pharmacology in a world-class laboratory.

Master's Program

This flexible, 1-year program is designed to benefit your future career through coursework and optional laboratory research.

Pharmacological Sciences Training Program

Graduates of this NIH-funded T32 excel as leaders in experimental therapeutics.

Biology of Drug Abuse Training Program

PhD and MD postdoctoral fellows train together in state-of-the-art approaches for studying mechanisms underlying the abuse of psychoactive drugs.

Undergrad Summer Research Program

Two summer programs offer a 10-week research experience for undergraduate students

Translational Research Education Certificate

The TREC program provides students with an overview of the principles of translational research.

Student Life & Resources

There are so many ways we support our students and help them to be successful. From professional development to parenthood to disability accommodation, we’re here to help. Find information, funding and programs to help you live and learn at U-M in our Student Life & Resources section.

Learn more about student life

I could not be more grateful for my training at Michigan Pharmacology. The foundational principles we were taught in our classes overlap perfectly with the knowledge I need to thrive in my current role in Toxicology at Eli Lilly. While successfuly navigating a very challenging and comeptitive job market, there were many times I said to myself "I am so thankful I earned my Ph.D. from Michigan Pharmacology." #TheMichiganDifference

Chiamaka Ukachukwu, PhD 2023
headshot of Chiamaka Ukachukwu
Connect with Us
Upcoming Events

Connect with students, faculty and staff during events throughout the year.

View all events
SURF Final Presentations
Details TBA
SURF Final Presentations
Details TBA
2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic
Join us for the 2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic.
Dissertation Defense - Yang Xu
Dissertation Defense - Yang Xu (Advisors: Carole Parent and Pierre Coulombe)
Pharmacology Retreat
The Department of Pharmacology Retreat will be held September 9 & 10.
Alumni Steering Committee Meeting
The Department of Pharmacology 2024 Alumni Steering Committee Meeting and tailgate will take place September 20-21, 2024.
Shaomeng Wang and Ju-Yun Li Lecture - Dr. Yasmin Hurd
The Department of Pharmacology hosts the Shaomeng Wang and Ju-Yun Li Lecture - with Dr. Yasmin Hurd
Pharmacology Holiday Gathering 2024
Join the Pharmacology Holiday Gathering in December 2024.
Featured News & Stories See all news
Department News
Congratulations to the EBS Award Winners!
Congratulations to the EBS Award Winners!
MS students
Department News
Congratulations to our MS students on completing their oral presentations!
Congratulations to our MS students on completing their oral presentations about their research!
Hernandez
Department News
The Department of Pharmacology welcomes Dr. Ciria Quintero Hernandez!
The Department of Pharmacology welcomes Dr. Ciria Quintero Hernandez!
close up photo of yellow pills lined up on a bright blue matt
Health Lab
New drug candidate blocks resistance to cancer therapies
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center has designed a molecule that impairs signaling mediated by two key drivers of cancer therapy resistance.
Anne Lietzke
Department News
Congratulations to Anne Lietzke on successfully defending her dissertation!
Congratulations to Anne Lietzke on successfully defending her dissertation!
Kyoung E. Lee
Department News
Dr. Kyoung Lee has been named a 2024 Rogel Scholar!
Dr. Kyoung Lee has been named a 2024 Rogel Scholar!