The Ph.D. program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology normally requires a minimum of 32 credits of coursework and 40 credits of advanced research. A limited number of graduate level credits taken at other institutions can be transferred at the petition of the student, with the approval of the Program’s Executive Committee.

The First Year

Students entering via the Joint Program in Molecular Biosciences follow a first year core curriculum of study in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics. The choice of course electives and laboratory rotations during the first year will be guided by a faculty advisor from the Molecular Biosciences Program. During the first year students also take rotations in at least three different labs. All students take the first-part of a two-part qualifying exam at the end of the first year.

All students who join the Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Program take a mandatory three credit course entitled Principles of Drug Action and Targeting. During the remaining years of graduate work, students must also take four of the six 2-credit seminar courses offered by the Pharmacology Program. The remainder of the required course credits are considered electives and can be chosen from the Rutgers University Graduate School Course Catalogue - New Brunswick.

Students take the second part of the qualifying exam before the end of the second year.

Students are normally required to achieve a grade point average of "B" (3.0) or better to maintain enrollment in the Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology. Students who fail to achieve this average may petition the Executive Committee for an exception.

Regular attendance at Pharmacology Departmental Seminars is expected. Attendance at appropriate seminars in other departments on campus is strongly encouraged. The Pharmacology department maintains a seminar announcement bulletin board, as well as e-mail alerts.