Getting into a pharmacology PhD program and then completing all of its requirements is a difficult and competitive process. There are many pharmacology programs to choose from, and each one may have slightly different admissions requirements, though many schools follow the same guidelines. Each doctoral program is run differently, but the majority of them have the same basic components. Though some schools offer specialties that allow students to pursue specific interests, any accredited program is likely to have similar areas of study.
Different undergraduate majors may or may not be equally favored pharmacology PhD programs. The majority of these majors are in biology or physics. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biology, behavioral sciences, or a few other fields may find it easy to gain admission to some programs.
Students don’t necessarily need a master’s degree to apply to pharmacology PhD programs, but many schools prefer to see applicants who have done some type of research. Undergraduate students can gain this experience working as research assistants for professors, or working for a few years after graduation in research-oriented facilities. Another way to gain this experience is to do an independent study with a professor to explore research. Because doctoral programs place a strong emphasis on research, this requirement makes sense.
Strong grades in the sciences — usually a grade point average of 3.0 or higher — are also expected as part of the admissions process. Many universities require students to take subject-specific and general Graduate Record Exams (GRE). Applicants must typically submit letters of recommendation as well as well-written personal statements that address learning objectives in a pharmacology PhD program.
Once a student is accepted, the time it takes to earn a PhD in pharmacology varies. Most students will need at least four years, if not more, to complete this. School is usually divided into two or three major components.
Students should plan on taking classes for at least two to three years. Some courses are electives, while others are major requirements. Elective courses are typically designed to explore interests in order to refine ideas for a final dissertation project. Many schools require students to pass an examination before they can begin researching for a dissertation, and passing the exam can also earn students a master’s degree.
Work is an important aspect of a pharmacology PhD. While in school, a number of students work as research or teaching assistants. These are advantageous because they are typically paid positions that may partially or completely cover school costs.
The successful completion of a dissertation is unquestionably one of the most important aspects of a pharmacology PhD. Students do not receive a doctorate unless they complete this project, which is reviewed faculty and which the student must defend publicly. Dissertation work takes at least a couple of years to complete, and students receive their degree once it is completed and approved faculty.