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
Doctoral Dissertation Defense: Robert Goldsmith
Join the Department of Pharmacology for a doctoral dissertation defense with Robert Goldsmith.
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Sara Deschaine
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Sara Deschaine
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Serenata Su
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Serenata Su
Pharmacology Seminar Series - Ben Prosser, Ph.D.
"Cytoskeletal control of local translation and cardiac remodeling"
Ben Prosser, Ph.D.
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Zehui Gu
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Zehui Gu
Pharmacology in Color Symposium
The Department of Pharmacology’s DE&I Committee invites you to attend the 2024 Pharmacology in Color Symposium.
2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic
Join us for the 2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic.
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.
Featured News & Stories See all news
Research News
U-M, MEDC award $1.8M to support eight innovative biomedical research projects
Eight biomedical research projects designed to address challenges ranging from tinnitus to opioid use disorder to preterm birth have received more than $1.8 million from the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Life Sciences Innovation Hub.
Subhash Arya
Department News
Subhash Arya, Ph.D., receives the 2024 Thermo Fisher Trainee Achievement Award
Subhash Arya, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow in the Parent Lab, has recently been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Thermo Fisher Trainee Achievement Award.
Juan Valentin-Goyco
Department News
Juan Valentín-Goyco successfully defended his dissertation
Congratulations to Juan Valentín-Goyco (Ph.D. candidate, Auchus Lab) on successfully defending his dissertation titled "Mechanistic and Pharmacological Studies of 11β-hydroxylase (P450 11B1) and Aldosterone Synthase (P450 11B2)".
Person's hand holding an aspirin tablet with a glass of water nearby
Health Lab
An aspirin a day? Some older adults who take it may be following outdated advice
Many people aged 50 to 80 who said they take aspirin multiple times a week may not need to do so and could be causing health risks, according to National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Department News
Dr. Matthew Brody is awarded the 2024 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Early Career Award
Congratulations, Dr. Brody!
headshot of John Traynor
Department News
John Traynor, Ph.D., is elected Secretary/Treasurer-Elect for ASPET
Congratulations to John Traynor, Ph.D., on his new role as Secretary/Treasurer-Elect for ASPET. His term will begin on July 1, 2024. Read more here: https://www.aspet.org/aspet/about-us/aspet-council/2024-aspet-election-results?fbclid=IwAR0NrUzI6xCqJ73u9nTugfsukTMAMs_Ha_ztwo4dDOsYw7lbYdMds9_JgHE