Ph.D. in Pharmacology
Explore how chemical agents, including potential therapeutic candidates, interact with biological systems in this dynamic Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences, with an emphasis in pharmacology.
About this Emphasis
Do you want to explore how drugs interact with the body at both molecular and systemic levels? Our Ph.D. program in Pharmacology offers research opportunities in the science of drug action, preparing you to make impactful contributions to therapeutic innovation and health.
Pharmacology examines how drugs affect humans and animals, uncovering insights that span diverse biological systems and therapeutic approaches. From the intricacies of drug-receptor interactions to broader issues like disease treatment and environmental health, this field is critical to advancing medical science.
As a Ph.D. student, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with our 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. Our labs are equipped with cutting-edge tools like mass spectrometry for studying protein and carbohydrate structure-function relationships, as well as advanced cell culture techniques, clinical and preclinical assessments, and behavioral studies.
In addition to research, our program places a strong emphasis on education and service. Faculty members are deeply involved in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, offering instruction across pre-pharmacy, graduate, and Pharm.D. programs. You’ll be part of a vibrant academic community that extends beyond the School of Pharmacy, with opportunities to engage in university-wide, community, and government initiatives.
Join our Ph.D. program and immerse yourself in research that will shape the future of drug discovery and therapeutic development.
About Pharmaceutical Sciences
Do you want to be involved in the development of new medicine? Want to conduct new and exciting research? Then, a degree in pharmaceutical sciences is for you.
At the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, you won't just learn from our team of faculty and researchers. You will work alongside them and help explore the future of health and medicine.
We offer various disciplines, from environmental toxicology to pharmacy administration. Join us and find the right path for you.
Being an Ole Miss Pharmacy graduate student allows you to be part of a diverse community that is comprehensive in scope yet relatively small in size. This provides an excellent opportunity for advanced studies in a supportive and nurturing environment.
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Program Information
Program Type
Doctorate Program
Area of Study
Health and Social Services
Pharmacy
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
4 - 6 Years
Degree
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Program Location
Emphases
Pharmacology
Required Credit Hours
54 Hours
Pharmacology Program Details
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
MINIMUM TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 54
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The respective program description sections provide requirements for each emphasis area. Students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework and 18 hours of dissertation.
Emphasis - Pharmacology
GOALS/MISSION STATEMENT
The academic mission of the Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Pharmacology Division is to apply pharmacological sciences to the teaching of professional pharmacy students and graduate students and to conduct research and educational activities that seek to identify and resolve problems related to basic and applied pharmacology.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for the Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with an emphasis in pharmacology consist of:
- 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.
A minimum of 18 hours of dissertation research must also be taken to meet degree requirements.
OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Original Research Proposal
A student must prepare, submit, and successfully (orally) defend an original research proposal (ORP). The department will provide procedures for this requirement. Students will register for BMS 605 (Original Research Proposal BioMolecular Sciences) in the semester they anticipate defending their ORP.
Dissertation
A student must prepare and orally defend a dissertation based on original, independent research in partial fulfillment of their Ph.D. degree.
The deadlines for application are:
- Fall: February 1
- Spring: October 1
All applications must be made via the UM Graduate School’s online application procedure.
All application materials must be submitted only through the UM Graduate School’s online application system. Application materials should not be sent directly to the department. The following items must be included in the online application:
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member in the applicant’s major study area. The letter writers will need to submit their letters themselves through the online system.
- A statement of purpose
- Undergraduate/graduate transcript(s). Please arrange for the official transcript(s) to be sent directly from your university to the graduate school. Only the graduate school can post the transcript(s) to the application system.
It is also possible to submit supporting documentation through the UM Graduate School’s online application system, such as:
- List of publications
- Research interest areas
- Prior work experiences relevant to biomolecular sciences
Please arrange for the IELTS/TOEFL score to be sent to the graduate school. The 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.
Pharmacology Research
As a graduate student in the BioMolecular Sciences (BMS) programs, you’ll thrive in a collaborative environment focused on improving health and quality of life through innovative research. Our programs emphasize both basic and applied research, offering many pathways to explore cutting-edge solutions for global health challenges.
Did You Know?
internationally-recognized research centers are housed in the School of Pharmacy and located on the Oxford campus.
publications authored by School of Pharmacy researchers in 2023.
DIRECT Program
The Diversifying Interdisciplinary Research Expertise through Community Building and Training (DIRECT) Program is a National Institutes of Health funded program offering financial, technical, operational, and professional resources for Ph.D. students interested in careers in the biomedical field. DIRECT trainees receive annual stipends, fully paid tuition, health insurance, conference travel support, and childcare cost reimbursement. The program emphasizes cohort building, mentoring, networking, and skill development.
Meet the Program Coordinator
If you have any questions about the Pharmacology emphasis, don't hesitate to reach out!
James Alfred Stewart
Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Research Associate Professor in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?