Admission Requirements

• Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Requirements

• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Mailing Address:
Department of Pharmacology (MC 868)
835 South Wolcott Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612-7343

Campus Location: E-403 MSB
Program Codes: 20FS1564MS (MS); 20FS1564PHD (PhD)
Telephone: (312) 355-3281
E-mail: pharmacology-gs@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.uic.edu/depts/mcph/
Head of the Department: Asrar B. Malik
Directors of Graduate Studies: Randal A. Skidgel and Thomas M. Guenthner

The Department of Pharmacology offers work leading to a degree in Pharmacology at the doctoral level and participates in the Medical Scientist Training Program (see the Medical Scientist Training Program section for more information). The Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience is also available. The department is particularly strong in research on signal transduction, vascular biology, inflammation, and cardiovascular pharmacology. Research in these areas is pursued at the molecular, cellular, organ-system, and whole-animal levels of investigation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

• Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. Prior academic work should include chemistry, biology, physics, and math. Biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and physiology are also helpful.
• Other Requirements At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
• Tests Required GRE General. Preference is given to applicants with a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of at least 1100 and an analytical writing score of at least 4.5.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
• TOEFL The TOEFL score cannot be more than two years old. UIC’s Institutional Code is 1851. 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
• IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
• Letters of Recommendation Required.
• Personal Statement Required. One page summarizing past academic and research experience (if any) and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology.
• Nondegree Applicants Nondegree applicants must show adequate preparation to enroll in desired courses and must obtain the permission of the director of graduate studies.
• Master of Science Applicants The department does not admit students to a master’s program. A student in the PhD program may be awarded a terminal master’s degree if he or she decides not to complete the PhD, provided enough research has been accomplished to write and defend a thesis.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
• Course Work Required Core: Students must take or show proficiency in three out of the four core GEMS courses: GCLS 500, 501, 502, and 503. Course selections will be made in consultation with the director of graduate studies based on the student’s background and interests. Students must also take or show proficiency in GCLS 504, 505, and 506. In addition, students must take GCLS 515 and PCOL 501 and 502. Students in their second year and beyond must also register for PCOL 595 and 598 each semester.
• Electives: At least 2 semester hours must be in 500-level didactic courses in the department.
• Comprehensive Examination None.
• Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis required. No other options are available.
• Other Requirements Students may be called upon to assist in aspects of teaching and research activities of the department. Students are expected to attend special seminars sponsored by the department.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 from the baccalaureate.
• Course Work Required Core: Students must take or show proficiency in three out of the four core GEMS courses: GCLS 500, 501, 502, and 503. Course selections will be made in consultation with the director of graduate studies based on the student’s background and interests. Students must also take or show proficiency in GCLS 504, 505, and 506. In addition, students must take GCLS 515 and PCOL 501 and 502. Students in their second year and beyond must also register for PCOL 595 and 599 each semester.
• Electives: At least 2 semester hours must be in 500-level didactic courses in the department.
• Preliminary Examination Required.
• Dissertation Required.
• Other Requirements Students may be called upon to assist in aspects of the teaching and research activities of the department. Students are expected to attend special seminars sponsored by the department.

Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience

Doctoral students may pursue the Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience. Refer to Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience in the Graduate College section for more information.

Medical Scientist Training Program

Students with an MD degree earned in the United States or who are working toward one at UIC may use medical science courses to fulfill most of the 500-level course requirements. Such students must take 3 credits of GCLS 504, GCLS 515 and 2 semester hours of an elective 500-level didactic course in the department. Students must also register for PCOL 595 and 599 each semester. Other courses may be required as determined by the advisor and the graduate committee based on the student’s area of interest.