Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Physiological Science

Saint Louis University's Pharmacology and Physiology Ph.D. program in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology is designed to prepare students for a career in research and teaching in this area of biomedical science.

The program combines formal coursework, advanced seminars, lab rotations, and in-depth training in one of the laboratories of the faculty. Faculty members available as mentors have diversified backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular biology, nuclear receptors, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.
Major areas for research specialization include:
Pain Disorders and Therapeutics
Metabolic Disorders
Neuronal Diseases
Cardiovascular Control Mechanisms
Diabetes
Immune Cell Control
Medicinal Chemistry
All formal coursework is scheduled during the morning hours, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for research. All classes have morning schedules, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for research.
Coursework is followed by a preliminary examination that takes the form of the specific aims and research strategies sections of an NIH R21 application. Students will then complete two to three years of graduate work devoted almost exclusively to research related to the dissertation project. Successful completion of a written dissertation along with public and private oral defenses are required for graduation.
The program is completed in five years, on average.

Successful applicants possess an above-average GPA, sufficient GRE scores and sufficient TOEFL score (for international students). Transcript(s) Three letters of recommendation GRE Scores Résumé Interview Professional goal statement IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL iBT - 80 and TOEFL PBT - 550