pharmacology how to apply poster
Apply for Pharmacology Master's Program

The Master's degree program is designed to be flexible and to serve a variety of career objectives.

Whether you're looking to enter the pharmaceutical industry or work with government agencies, the program will help expand your options. The Rackham Graduate School and the graduate program work as a team to manage the application review process. Applicants must first consult the program website for specific requirements for admission.

Fall 2025 Deadlines
March 15
Application due for international applicants
April 1
Application due for domestic applicants
Eligibility
  • Earned Bachelors degree (for international students please check the required academic credentials from non-U.S. institutions)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in major science courses (i.e. Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency, unless they meet the criteria for exemption (see test section below for more details)
  • Students interested in the research option must have a record of achievement in laboratory research
Application Instructions

Applications are submitted online through the Rackham Graduate School. You should review the Rackham Graduate School's Admissions website which will provide valuable information about the application process and their requirements. There is an application fee of $75 for a US citizen or a permanent resident and $100 for international applicants. GRE scores (general and subject) are NOT required for admission and will NOT be used in the admissions process.

Apply to the Master's Program 

As a part of the application you must indicate your preference for completion of the research component of the degree. The research component of the MS Pharmacology degree can be satisfied by either an independent laboratory research project or an in-depth literature survey of a topic of current pharmacological significance.

  • The laboratory choice is most appropriate for students who wish to enter a PhD program or obtain a laboratory position in Academia or Industry. Students opting for a laboratory research project must demonstrate prior relevant research experience.
  • The in-depth literature survey might be most appropriate choice for those students whose ultimate goal is to enter a professional school (MD, DO, DVM, DDS or PharmD) or other career paths that may not require a laboratory experience.

Your Statement of Purpose describes your research and educational background, your career goals, and how Michigan Pharmacology's Masters program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Please limit your Statement of Purpose to two pages.

Your Personal Statement describes how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. Describe any major obstacles that you had to overcome to achieve your goals. Please limit your Personal Statement to 500 words.

Your Resume or CV should include educational background, awards, research experiences, publications, and presentations.

Solicit three letters of recommendation from research mentors or professors who can evaluate your academic and scientific potential. Be sure to register the names of ALL of your recommenders when you fill out the online application. If you are applying for the research-track, one of the letters must be from your most current research advisor. If you or your recommenders have any trouble uploading documents, please contact [email protected]. If any of the recommenders are still not able to submit their letters online, they may send the letters directly to us at [email protected]. Letters should be received by the application deadline of either March 15 (International) or April 15 (Domestic).

Attending or Graduated from:

  • A U.S. Institution? Upload a scanned copy of your official transcript(s) to ApplyWeb for each Bachelor’s Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress. A downloaded transcript from your university student account is not an official transcript. You are not required to send official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School at the time of application. If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Admitted applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.
  • A Non-U.S. Institution? Upload a scanned copy of your official transcript(s), front and back page, to ApplyWeb from each institution attended, including in-progress and/or non-degree coursework. A downloaded transcript from your university student account is not an official transcript. For any additional document requirements, please review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements on what to submit by country. You are not required to send official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School at the time of application. If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Admitted applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.
  • Both a U.S. and Non-U.S. Institution? Upload a scanned copy of your official transcript(s), front and back page, to ApplyWeb from each institution attended, including in-progress and/or non-degree coursework. A downloaded transcript from your university student account is not an official transcript. For any additional document requirements, please review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements on what to submit by country. You are not required to send official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School at the time of application. If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Admitted applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.

If you are unable to upload a copy of your official e-transcript due to security settings, print a copy of your e-transcript, scan the printed copy, and upload it.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

GRE scores are NOT required for admission and will NOT be used in the admissions process.

English Proficiency Exams

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and may need to take an exam such as the TOEFL. Rackham Graduate School offers a full explanation of this requirement.

Decisions

Decisions regarding admission will be made on or near the deadlines for applications, once they are reviewed by the admissions committee. All applicants will be notified of their status by May 31.