Doctoral Degree in Pharmacology
Who is this program for?
A doctoral program in pharmacology is ideal for individuals interested in understanding the mechanisms of drug action, exploring how substances affect biological systems, and advancing therapeutic interventions. Graduates can pursue careers in pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, regulatory agencies, or academia, specializing in drug development, toxicology, or personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes and healthcare.
Program Overview
The Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences provides graduate training in Pharmacology leading to a Ph.D. degree. Almost all graduate students in the College of Medicine are admitted into a joint Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program rather than being admitted into a specific department. Students take courses in the IBS program throughout their first year, and rotate through four laboratories to identify their dissertation advisor. Students enter the department and laboratory of their choice during the summer following their first year of graduate school.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Students first apply to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD program, and after successful completion of the 1-year curriculum, students can select this doctoral program to pursue their dissertation research and PhD degree.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 07/25/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

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