Pharmacology: Curriculum

When the applicant enters the program, a research advisor is assigned, and the student begins directed research on an active project. In the first three quarters, there is minimal research as classroom studies are emphasized. During these quarters, both master's and doctoral Graduate College students take the Graduate Core Curriculum (GCC) classes and required pharmacology (PHR) courses. The summer quarter is devoted to laboratory research. Although research predominates the second year, the student also takes the Medical School Pharmacology sequence and additional electives. For the master's and doctoral students, the research experience differs in the second year. The master's students are involved in a directed research project, while the doctoral students are developing a novel research project. A typical course sequence is described as follows:

GCC courses are taken by master's and doctoral students from a variety of different Graduate College programs. These courses provide a basic understanding in the biomedical sciences and acquaint the students with the biomedical literature. PHR-prefixed courses are specific to the Division of Pharmacology.

For doctoral students the emphasis is on research in years three through five and a typical registration is as listed below. While registrations appear similar in years three through five, the nature and character of the research changes and the student passes through a number of steps towards completing his/her doctoral degree.

* Electives may be selected from any graduate program at Rush and also may be taken through a consortium with other universities. Approval of mentor is necessary. A total of 12 hours of elective credit is required. Electives may be taken as pass/no pass or for a letter grade.

The Division of Pharmacology reserves the right to revise courses and the student may be required to take the replacement courses. Such a requirement would not apply to students who have already taken a course.

Minimal Credit Hours Required for MS and PhD Degrees
Typically, the 84 credit hours accumulated in the seven quarters listed above are necessary for the completion of a master of science (MS) degree. However, a student with advanced training in a related field may complete the MS degree by completing one year of study (48 quarter hours). For example, this option is available to individuals with advanced degrees who wish to develop research skills. Such applicants have already covered many of topics in the GCC courses, and may have taken medical pharmacology courses. These applicants will spend the bulk of their time on research, and take research related courses (e.g. Medical Research Strategies, Writing Practicum, seminars, and advanced pharmacology courses etc.) provided the faculty waive didactic requirements.

The doctoral degree is generally completed within four to five years. Advanced students entering with a master's degree in pharmacology or a doctor of medicine (MD) degree may have classes in the first two years waived based on their prior record. The degree may then be completed in a shorter time providing the student progresses through the process outlined below. The advanced student must be enrolled full time at Rush University for at least two academic years including one summer for a total of 84 credit hours. All MS and PhD students must be enrolled at Rush in the quarter they graduate.