Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Ph.D.

Microscopic image of white blood cells

Program overview

Application Deadlines: Dec 15 (Fall)

Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology (CMPP) is a program dedicated to advancing understanding of the human body and the ways medicine can combat illnesses within it.

The Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Ph.D. is part of the campus-wide, interdisciplinary Molecular Biosciences graduate program. Over 50 participating faculty members come from many departments within the School of MedicineCollege of Science (COS), and College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR).

The School of Medicine has a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) with world-class microscopy facilities and an NIH-funded IDeA Network for Biomedical Excellence (INBRE) grant. Individual attention by the faculty members allows students to develop skills in experimental design, execution and analysis, statistics, literature research, grant writing, manuscript preparation, oral presentations and laboratory management.

The focus of the doctoral research program may be tailored to students’ interests, goals, and abilities. The program typically requires four full years to complete and is designed to prepare students for a competitive career in pharmacology or physiology. Current enrollment is diverse, with nearly 30% international students, and a focus on underserved populations.

Participating faculty in the Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Graduate Program have more than $45 million in current research funding and conduct research in areas including:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility
  • Neuromuscular and Movement Disorders
  • Neurophysiology and Neural Function
  • Pathogens, Infectious Agents and Inflammation
  • Regulatory Mechanisms in Intestinal Motility
  • Smooth Muscle Biology
  • Women’s Health and Pre-term Labor

For more information on the program, you can view the Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology graduate program handbook

Program information

View the program timeline and curriculum, admissions requirements, funding information and how to find an advisor.

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Ready to apply to the Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. program? 

Visit the Graduate School's admission page to begin your application.