How do I Earn a Pharmacology PhD?

Earning a pharmacology PhD combines the rigorous and competitive elements of getting into a program and then completing all of its requirements. There are many pharmacology programs from which to choose and each may have slightly different admission standards, though many schools adopt similar standards. Each doctoral program is also conducted in variable ways, but most share basic elements. Any accredited program is likely to have similar areas of study, though some schools offer specialties that allow students to pursue particular interests.

There are may be different undergraduate majors that are equally favored by pharmacology PhD programs. Most of these majors are in life or physical sciences. Applicants who have earned bachelor’s degrees in fields like chemistry, biology, behavioral sciences, or in a few other areas, could easily find admittance to some programs.

Students probably don’t need a master’s degree to apply to pharmacology PhD programs, but many schools do like to see that applicants have been involved in some form of research activity. Undergraduate students might work with professors as research assistants to gain this experience, or some people work for a few years after school in research oriented facilities. Doing an independent study with a professor to explore research is another way to get this experience. This requirement makes sense, due to the strong research emphasis in doctoral programs.

Other expected admission requirements are strong grades in the sciences — usually a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Many universities ask students to take subject and general Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Applicants typically need to provide letters of recommendation and furnish schools with very well written personal statements, which may address learning goals in a pharmacology PhD program.

The length of time it takes to earn a pharmacology PhD, once a student is accepted, is variable. Most students need a minimum of four, if not more, years to accomplish this. School is usually split into two to three important elements.

Students can expect to take at least two to three years of classes. Some courses are electives and others are requirements of the major. Elective courses are usually designed to explore interests so that ideas on a final dissertation project can be refined. Many schools don’t let students begin research on a dissertation until they’ve passed an examination, and successful passing of the exam may also earn students a master’s degree.

Another important part of the pharmacology PhD is work. A number of students hold research or teaching assistantships while in school. These are useful because they’re usually paid positions, which may partly or totally cover school expenses.

Undoubtedly, one of the most vital elements of the pharmacology PhD is successful completion of a dissertation. Students aren’t awarded a doctorate without completing this project, which is reviewed by faculty members and which the student must publicly defend. Dissertation work minimally requires a couple of years to complete and when it is finished and approved by faculty, students have earned their degree.