Pharmacology and Physiology

Major: Pharmacology and Physiology
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0 (MS, non-thesis); 62.0 (MS, thesis);
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.1002
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1042

About the Programs

The College of Medicine's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies offers graduate programs leading to the MS degree in Pharmacology & Physiology. The programs require independent research under the direction of departmental faculty members who are engaged in highly active research programs involving molecular, cellular, and behavioral approaches to experimental pharmacology and physiology in a strongly collaborative environment.

Students begin their coursework with a core curriculum in biomedical sciences, and immediately start laboratory rotations. Intensive graduate level pharmacology, physiology and neuropharmacology courses round out the core programmatic courses. Specialization in ion channel physiology, smooth muscle physiology, behavioral pharmacology and signal transduction processes may involve the taking of several elective courses. Each program requires the defense of a thesis based on original research.

The MS program, requiring two years of full-time study, provides a broad knowledge and technical expertise in pharmacology and physiology, allowing graduates to become partners in research in either an academic or an industrial environment. Students who wish to continue their graduate studies after the MS degree may apply to the PhD program, and their course credits may be applied to the doctoral program.

In addition to the thesis-based MS program, Drexel offers a non-thesis degree program in which students can earn the degree without a research project by taking additional classes and writing a literature review paper.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Pharmacology and Physiology program website.

Admission Requirements

Drexel University College of Medicine has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.

Additional Information

To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs visit the Drexel College of Medicine's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies website.

Degree Requirements (MS)

About the Curriculum

The core curriculum is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program of study for all first-year research master’s students in the Division of Biomedical Science Programs. The goal of the core curriculum is to provide a broad foundation in biomedical sciences and serve as a framework for advanced study in more specialized areas.

Courses Repeatable for Credit

As well as taking all required courses, students will re-enroll in courses having the status “repeatable for credit” (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.

Additional Information

For more information about the program, please visit the College of Medicine's Pharmacology and Physiology program webpage.

Non-Thesis Option

*

Taken each semester.

Thesis Option

*

Taken each semester. 

**

Taken each semester starting in the second year. 

Sample Plan of Study (MS)

Thesis Option 

Non-Thesis Option