Pharmacology Education
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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
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Connect with Us
Upcoming Events

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

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Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Ada Eban-Rothschild
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Ada Eban-Rothschild
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Scott Soderling
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Scott Soderling
Matthew Brody, Ph.D. - Pfizer Upjohn Early Career Research Professorship in Molecular Pharmacology Ceremony
Matthew Brody, Ph.D. Ceremony (Pfizer Upjohn Early Career Research Professorship in Molecular Pharmacology)
Matthew Brody headshot
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Kedryn Baskin
Pharmacology Seminar
Celebration of Women in Academic Medicine and Science
Please save the date of February 5, 2025, for the Medical School’s third annual Celebration of Women in Academic Medicine and Science!
Pharmacology Seminar
Pharmacology Seminar
Valentines Day Donuts
Valentines Day Donuts
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Rick Silverman
Pharmacology Seminar
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Nevin Lambert
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Nevin Lambert
Featured News & Stories See all news headshot of Carrie Ferrario
Department News
ORTDD career development spotlight featuring Dr. Carrie Ferrario
ORTDD career development spotlight featuring Dr. Carrie Ferrario
Kaitlyn dogs by
Department News
Kaitlyn Digsby is awarded a $10k research fellowship from the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation
Kaitlyn Digsby is awarded a $10k research fellowship from the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation!
George A. Mashour, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical School News
George A. Mashour, M.D., Ph.D., appointed interim executive vice dean for academic affairs/chief academic officer
On Dec. 5, the Board of Regents approved the appointment of George A. Mashour, M.D., Ph.D., as interim executive vice dean for academic affairs (EVDAA) in the Medical School, effective January 1, 2025. He also will serve as interim chief academic officer (CAO) for Michigan Medicine. He takes over EVDAA/CAO duties from Debra F. Weinstein, M.D., who is leaving Michigan Medicine at the end of this year to become president and chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Biniam Tebeje
Department News
Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Biniam Mathewos Tebeje!
Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Biniam Mathewos Tebeje!
portrait of John R Traynor
Department News
Dr. John Traynor has been selected as an ASPET fellow!
Dr. John Traynor has been selected as an ASPET fellow!
Dr traynor working in lab
Department News
Drs. John Traynor and Jessica Anand have identified a molecule that appears to restore normal breathing in mice following a large dose of fentanyl
Scientists have identified a molecule that appears to restore normal breathing in mice following a large dose of fentanyl.