Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology

Research at the Intersection of Pharmaceuticals and the Human Body

In this PhD program at both our Boston and Worcester campuses, you will build on your master’s degree in physiology, biochemistry, biology, or a related field to advance your career as a pharmacologist. Work alongside academic and industry experts to learn how to fully research the pharmacological actions of novel agents—in test tubes, cells, tissues, or animals. Conduct research that leads to improved drug design. And develop an innovative and creative approach to problem solving through theoretical and experiential situations. The program begins in the fall.

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Program Snapshot

Download a program snapshot and learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology.

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Admission Contact

Katarina Douglas

Admission Counselor katarina.douglas@mcphs.edu 617.751.3012

Your Doctoral Journey

The doctoral program features a mix of required and elective courses, laboratory rotations, and individual research. You will work side-by-side with globally respected faculty working on targets for a plethora of diseases.This program is STEM-designated, qualifying international students for an additional two years of OPT work in the United States.

First-Year Experience

learn advanced areas of pharmacology, including neuropharmacology and G-protein receptors
study advanced biochemistry and molecular biology and explore the care and use of laboratory animals
begin graduate seminars and laboratory rotations

Second-Year Experience

study drug metabolism and the specifics of cancer drugs and immunopharmacology
continue participation in graduate seminars
engage in research in your specific area of interest

Third-Year Experience

continue with your research
explore pharmacodynamics and advanced toxicology
complete work in graduate seminars

Advance Your Career at the Hub of Pharmacology

Discover new therapies and medicinal solutions as you unravel the mysteries of how drugs and other chemicals impact biological systems.

Most Degrees Awarded to Minority Students

MCPHS confers more degrees in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration to minority students than any other institution in the country. Diverse Magazine, 2022.

$96k average salary

Pharmaceutical scientist compensation reported by Salary.com in 2022.

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Developing Future Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduate-level degree programs within the School of Pharmacy at MCPHS are meant for those looking to make a difference in the pharmaceutical industry. See how students advance their knowledge and refine their skills through hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art laboratories under the guidance of our expert faculty.

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The lived experiences of MCPHS students, partners, and faculty tell an eloquent story. They illustrate just how our student-centered, teaching-first approach keeps us in the top tier of the country’s “most transformative colleges.” (Money magazine 2020)

Carlos Randulfe

| PharmD & Army Reservist

“My MCPHS education allowed me to know and understand the uses of drugs found in the army formulary, as well as the inner workings of a hospital. Such information is very helpful when working on a team, specifically a military team made of different providers and healthcare personnel.”

Graduate Degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences

As well as the MS in Pharmacology, we offer six additional opportunities for graduate study at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.