Ph.D. Program

Frequently Asked Questions About the Program

1. What is Pharmacology?

In general terms, pharmacology is the science of drug action on biological systems. In its entirety, it embraces knowledge of the sources, chemical properties, biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs. It is a science that is basic not only to medicine, but also to pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Pharmacological studies range from those that determine the effects of chemical agents upon subcellular mechanisms, to those that deal with the potential hazards of pesticides and herbicides, to those that focus on the treatment and prevention of major diseases by drug therapy. Pharmacologists are also involved in molecular modeling of drugs, and the use of drugs as tools to dissect aspects of cell function. To find out more information about this exciting field of research, please visit the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) website. Also, be sure to check out "Explore Pharmacology," ASPET's brochure about graduate studies in pharmacology. To view the brochure you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

2. How long does it take for students to complete their Ph.D?

The time taken to complete a Ph.D. varies.  However, most students write and defend their dissertation in their fifth year of graduate study. For full information on academic regulations, see the following PDF file (UM Doctor of Philosophy Graduation Requirements). To view this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com. More information can also be found at the UM Graduate School's website.

3. What do most graduates do after getting their degree?

Most of our students go on, after completing postdoctoral training, to pursue careers in academia or the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

4. How do students select their research advisors?

During the first year, students rotate through three laboratories of their choosing. Based on these experiences, and the advice of the graduate committee, students choose a dissertation mentor. Learn more about the research interests of the molecular and cellular pharmacology graduate program faculty.

5. What courses do students take during their first two years?

During the first year and the fall semester of the second year, students take courses in Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBS 601,603), Mechanisms of Drug Action (MCP 604), Cardiovascular Pharmacology (MCP 632), Neuropharmacology (MCP 668), Signal Transduction (MCP 652), Ethics (MCP 680), Seminar Presentation (MCP 601) and Critical Reading of the Scientific Literature (MCP 631).

6. Where do most graduate students live?

A limited number of university rooms and apartments are available for graduate student housing. However, most students rent apartments in the community, where rents are typically about $600-$800/month. Information on the options available can be found at : apartment.com and The UM Off-Campus Housing List.

7. Are graduate students paid a stipend?

Students admitted to the program receive a full tuition waiver, 80% of health insurance premium for single coverage, and an annual stipend for living expenses. Effective June 1, 2008, the stipend is $25,000. Students are not permitted to hold outside employment while enrolled as full-time students, and are not expected to be teaching assistants. Their stipends generally come from the university during the first two years of the program, and from the research grants of the mentor thereafter.

8. Do graduate students receive health insurance?

Students who are admitted to the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology graduate program and who are in good academic standing are supported financially throughout their graduate studies. Support includes:

• an annual stipend of $25,000 (effective June 1, 2008)
• fully paid tuition
• 80% of health insurance premium for a single person

The 2007-08 annual premium for graduate domestic students is $1570 and $1410 for international students.

9. Is owning a car necessary? Is it practical to have one?

It is recommended that graduate students at the University of Miami have a car. However, public transportation is readily available.  Monthly passes for Miami's mass transit system, the Metrorail, can be purchased for approximately $45/month and shuttles and the Metrobus system offer connections to destinations not reached by the Metrorail. Conveniently, a metrorail station (Civic Station) is located on the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Campus and the Miami International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

10. What activities are available to students in Miami?

Miami is a rapidly growing, multilingual, cosmopolitan community that serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and South America. Miami offers a wide variety of films, concerts, opera, ballet and theatrical performances, in addition to having several fine museums. Because of the city's subtropical location, the winters are clear and mild. There are numerous parks, ocean beaches, tropical gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. The Everglades, the Florida Keys and coral reefs are readily accessible for outdoor activities. Because of the mild winters, many scientific symposia and meetings are held in the area.

11. How do I find out more information about the Ph.D. program?

Anyone interested in the program and application forms is encouraged to call and speak with the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Kerry Burnstein, or the Graduate Program Coordinator, Ms. Sara Pizano at (305) 243-3419. Correspondence may be addressed to:Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (R-189), P.O. Box 016189, Miami, FL 33101-6089. On-line application forms with instructions can also be downloaded or submitted on-line by clicking here.

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