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

"Meet the Pharmacology Faculty and Labs" Poster Session

"Meet the Pharmacology Faculty and Labs" Poster Session

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

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Lindsey Galbo-Thomma
Department News

Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Lindsey Galbo-Thomma!

Please welcome our newest postdoc, Dr. Lindsey Galbo-Thomma!
Sondra Auerbach
Department News

Congratulations to Sondra Auerbach on her retirement!

Congratulations to Sondra Auerbach on her retirement!
Kate Bowman
Department News

Congratulations to Kate Bowman on receiving the 2026 Predoctoral Fellowship in Drug Discovery from the PhRMA Foundation

Congratulations to Kate Bowman on receiving the 2026 Predoctoral Fellowship in Drug Discovery from the PhRMA Foundation
Manojkumar A. Puthenveedu, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
Department News

Manoj Puthenveedu Appointed Rackham Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Initiatives

Manoj Puthenveedu Appointed Rackham Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Initiatives
Department News

Congratulations to the 2026 Pharmacology Colloquium oral presentation and poster awardees!

Congratulations to the 2026 Pharmacology Colloquium oral presentation and poster awardees!
Kaitlyn Digsby
Department News

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Digsby on being awarded an NRSA grant!

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Digsby on being awarded an NRSA grant!