Why study Pharmacology?

Pharmacology is an interdisciplinary field that explores many aspects of drug discovery, development and preclinical drug safety. It integrates knowledge from multiple scientific disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology, providing a significant positive impact on human health. The scientific knowledge gained through pharmacologic studies provides a foundation for a number of medical treatments.  The discipline of pharmacology is distinct from the profession of pharmacy which addresses more of the formulation and dispensing of drugs for human use.  Pharmacologists, however, focus on how drugs (both chemical and biologic molecules) interact with biological systems. Our bodies have the incredible ability to respond to chemical and biological molecules but at the same time these molecules have the incredible ability of influencing our biological responses.  It is through the study of pharmacology we are able to identify novel molecular targets, develop unique chemical and biological molecules, and explore their preclinical impact.  

Emphasis on Drug Safety

Drug safety, also referred to as Pharmacovigilance,  is a critical preclinical step in the drug development process.  As new chemical and biologic molecules are discovered, it is important to assure that these drugs do not cause any adverse "off-target" effects.  As part of the FDA drug approval process each new drug must be evaluated for its potential to cause harm at therapeutic doses (Safety Pharmacology component) or following high doses, long term (Drug Toxicology component). These two equal, but distinct, components of preclinical drug safety (Safety Pharmacology and Drug Toxicology) are vital for protecting the public against harmful drugs.  By connecting students with experts in industry combined with hands-on research training, students are prepared for potential employment in government, pharmaceutical industry including contract research organizations (CROs) and specialized pharmaceutical firms, or continued education in medical/graduate school. Graduates are equipped with real-world experiences in a field with significant public impact.

Connect with Industry

Gain a behind the scenes look of the drug development process by connecting with experts currently working in PreClinical/NonClinical & Clinical Drug Development through special lectures and trips to regional industry. 

Our Culture

Student success is a vital component of our MS in Pharmacology program regardless of your desired career path.   We strive to provide several opportunities for students to discover their scientific passion and support each student as they work toward their individual career goals. These goals often vary significantly with some students having a singular focus while others are completely uncertain about their next step. Due to the diversity of our students' interests, our program works diligently to introduce our students to new experiences in PreClinical/NonClinical & Clinical Drug Development while providing a solid foundation in Pharmacology & Drug Toxicology.  

Our MS students are supported by a comprehensive and integrated system to ensure their success. Faculty devote significant effort to the MS Pharmacology program in areas of teaching, mentoring and administration of the program.

Welcome to Cincinnati!

What’s it like to live in Cincinnati, you ask? Many residents sum up the culture as a historic, metropolitan city with a small town feel. With the most dense population of any major city in Ohio (and 28th in the nation), you might assume that residents would be “me” focused and too busy moving about to acknowledge their neighbors, but that is hardly the case. Instead, you’ll find that a stranger holds your door at the grocery or a neighbor rakes your freshly fallen leaves without expectations of anything in return. Even better, in a city this big and this vibrant it’s difficult to be bored!

What are you interested in? If you love sports, check out the Bengals, Reds, Cyclones, FC Cincinnati soccer or our beloved Bearcats. Interested in the arts? Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music is nationally & internationally renowned as a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The internationally acclaimed Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra dates back over 120 years and attracts global talent. Visit the Contemporary Arts Center, see a performance at historic Music Hall, or listen to new talent at the Woodward Theater. Consider yourself to be the “outdoorsy” type? Cincinnati Parks are ranked #1 parks system in the US and just outside the city limits (~15 miles from downtown), you’ll find a wide range of diverse biking, hiking, canoeing and recreating. With all of that activity, who wouldn’t work up an appetite? Cincinnati was recently ranked 6th Best Foodie City in the nation according to Wallethub. From Cincinnati style chili and Graeters Ice Cream (6th best Ice Cream in the US) to the innumerable delectable mom and pop restaurants in (Over-the-Rhine, Oakley, etc.), you are guaranteed to never go hungry.

Our City