Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Physiology

Program Overview

Our department offers a comprehensive and rigorous Ph.D. program in Pharmacology & Physiology. Pharmacology, the study of the effects of drugs and chemicals on living organisms, is inherently interdisciplinary and builds on the strengths of physiology, as well as biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience, and molecular biology. Our faculty and students, using drugs and chemicals as tools, probe the molecular machinery of living systems in order to understand how cellular and organ systems function and how they are regulated. Although the research areas covered by the participating faculty are broad, the most concentrated areas of research strength are in neuropharmacology and signal transduction. Because of our strong focus on neuropharmacology, students interested in clinical pharmacology or cancer pharmacology may wish to apply elsewhere. In particular, the Tumor Biology Program at Georgetown is very strong.

While the first year of the program includes a large didactic component, the Ph.D. is inherently a research degree. For this reason, the first year of study is divided between research in various laboratories (rotations) and course work. The following years are devoted, almost exclusively, to a novel research project culminating in publications in international journals and an original Ph.D. dissertation.

We believe in rigorous preparation for a productive and impactful career. Georgetown trains People for Others – people who go on to make a difference in the world. To prepare our graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government, our coursework provides a strong foundation in biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as the skills needed to succeed and thrive as a rigorous, ethical, scientist.

Program Requirements

• 31 credits of Required Courses
• 2 credits of Electives
• 3 Rotations
• Comprehensive Written & Oral Exams
• Annual Seminar Presentations
• Thesis Research
• Thesis Defense

The Ph.D. Program in Pharmacology is deeply committed to diversity within our community. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically under-represented groups in science (including but not limited to individuals from under-represented racial/ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds). A diverse scientific community produces stronger science. Students from diverse backgrounds may be considered for the Patrick Healy Graduate Fellowship:

Named in honor of Georgetown University’s 28th President, Patrick Healy, the first African American to earn a doctorate degree, and the first African American President of Georgetown University (1874–1882), the Patrick Healy Graduate Fellowship is intended to further Georgetown’s commitment to creating a diverse community composed of the most qualified students. The program is designed to help recruit and retain graduate students who are talented individuals of the highest caliber and who might otherwise find it difficult or impossible to successfully pursue a doctoral degree.

The Graduate School is committed to training future faculty, researchers and leaders with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas who will enrich critical thinking, generate new areas of inquiry, and advance knowledge across all disciplines. Diversity is a crucial element in preparing students for the service of others. Healy Fellowships will be awarded to students whose individual life experiences, when evaluated holistically, suggests they are uniquely able to contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University and in the academic profession as a whole.

Support will be provided to Patrick Healy Fellows for twelve months per year, for up to five years, assuming satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D.