Pharmacology Education

two researchers looking through microscope

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.

Cardiovascular Research Education Certificate (CVRC)

Delivering advanced training in basic and translational cardiovascular science.

Translational Research Education Certificate (TREC)

The TREC program provides students with an overview of the principles of translational research.

Undergraduate Minor Program

Introduces undergraduates to drug science through an interdisciplinary approach that complements many life and biomedical majors.

Undergrad Summer Research Program

Two summer programs offer a 10-week research experience for undergraduate students

Group of smiling students in maize and blue at U-M football game on a sunny day

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 successfully navigating a very challenging and competitive 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

2026 Pharmacology in Color Symposium

2026 Pharmacology in Color Symposium

Pharmacology in Color Keynote Lecture - Dr. Lola Eniola-Adefeso

Pharmacology in Color Keynote Lecture - Dr. Lola Eniola-Adefeso

52nd Annual Midwest Pharmacology Colloquium

52nd Annual Midwest Pharmacology Colloquium

Pharmacology Summer Picnic

Please save-the-date for the annual summer picnic!

Pharmacology Retreat

Please save-the-date for the 2026 Pharmacology Retreat!

2026 Alumni Steering Committee Meeting Weekend

Please save-the-date for the 2026 Alumni Steering Committee Meeting weekend.

Pharmacology Holiday Party

Pharmacology Holiday Party

Featured News & Stories

See all news
Groups of people stand together. These are the 2026 EBS awardees.
Medical School News

Celebrating outstanding teaching and research at the 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

The 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards recognized nine faculty and nine research staff members for their accomplishments in teaching and research.
Jorge Ruas
Department News

Dr. Jorge Ruas featured in article "Supplementing with peptides: Good for extra pep or a needless step?"

Dr. Jorge Ruas featured in article "Supplementing with peptides: Good for extra pep or a needless step?"
Department News

Congratulations to our ASPET awardees!

Congratulations to our ASPET awardees!
Department News

Announcing the 2026 Pharmacology Donor Awards

Announcing the 2026 Pharmacology Donor Awards
Department News

Congratulations to our Pharmacology faculty colleagues on their promotions!

Congratulations to our Pharmacology faculty colleagues on their promotions!
Aurel Leuchtmann
Department News

Congratulations to Dr. Aurel Leuchtmann on becoming the inaugural Frankel IHBH Postdoctoral Fellow

Congratulations to Dr. Aurel Leuchtmann on becoming the inaugural Frankel IHBH Postdoctoral Fellow