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
headshot of Chiamaka Ukachukwu
Connect with Us
Upcoming Events

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

View all events
Pharmacology Friendsgiving!
The Department of Pharmacology invites you to a Friendsgiving party!
Friendsgiving
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Rick Kapur
Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Rick Kapur
Rick Kapur
Pharmacology Holiday Gathering 2024
Join the Pharmacology Holiday Gathering in December 2024.
Holiday party
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
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
Featured News & Stories See all news 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.
U-M Block M
Department News
Faculty Search in Pharmacology
The Department of Pharmacology and the Michigan Neuroscience Institute are seeking a tenure-track faculty, open rank, with interest in substance use disorders and expertise in behavioral pharmacology and/or biopsychology.
Dr. Luis Martinetti
Department News
Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Luis Martinetti!
Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Luis Martinetti!
cell formation in grey and then two circles highlighed blue and one red
Health Lab
The solution to death from a fentanyl overdose could lie in its chemical structure
University of Michigan researchers may have found that the solution to prevent people from dying from a fentanyl overdose may be found within fentanyl's own chemistry.
white mouse and brown mouse kissing green with noses touching background and seeing inside of their brains lighting up with red dot
Health Lab
Mapping the social lives of mice
A study hints at how complex introducing yourself to another can be, using a mouse model to uncover the brain processes behind nonsexual social approach and contact.
Michelle Hastings
Department News
Dr. Michelle Hastings has RNA therapeutic being used to treat twins with ultra-rare form of Batten disease
Dr. Michelle Hastings has RNA therapeutic being used to treat twins with ultra-rare form of Batten disease