For students interested in pursuing a physiology or pharmacology-related career

Our Department of Physiology and Pharmacology offers a PhD program for those wishing to pursue a career in research or teaching that is focused on the physiological, pharmacological, nutritional, and toxicological basis of disease and therapeutics. Each program of study is tailored by the student and their major professor to focus on their specific interests and future goals.

From how neural pathways control energy, balance and obesity to examining the molecular pharmacology of endocrine disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, we are offering student’s the opportunity to find solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues.

About the program

General overview

Applicants are accepted through the University of Georgia’s Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program. The ILS program allows first-year graduate students to explore the research areas of more than 200+ faculty and 14 participating units before they choose a major professor and departmental home.  For a thorough outline of the program please see our Graduate Student Handbook.

Course requirements

Each program of study is developed by the student and their major professor based on future goals and research interests. It is then submitted to the graduate coordinator for approval by the advisory committee.

The Graduate School requires a total of 16 semester hours of 8000- or 9000- level courses (excluding of 9000 research and 9300 dissertation writing hours). Also, a minimum of three credit hours of dissertation research (VPHY 9300), a total of at least 30 credit hours of coursework including VPHY 9000, or VPHY 9300, and at least two consecutive semesters of full-time work in resident study on-campus is required.

Eligibility

Competitive applicants will have:

  • Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in any biological science from an accredited institution
  • International applicants need an equivalent to American bachelor’s degree requiring a minimum of four years of training
  • Demonstrated research experience
Cost

For a list of current tuition and fees, see UGA’s Bursar & Treasury Services.

Students accepted into the program are supported through fellowships or assistantships. Students funded on fellowships or assistantships are also granted a tuition waiver. More information about financial support is included on the ILS website.

How to apply

Step 1: An online application must be completed through the UGA Graduate School. This will include the submission of official college transcripts and GRE scores; a résumé or curriculum vita; three letters of recommendation; and a biographical sketch describing your experiences, interest in physiology / pharmacology, and your reasons for applying to the program.

Foreign applicants are required to submit additional documentation as part of their online application. See the Graduate School’s website for a list of supplemental information for your country.

Step 2: Apply to the Integrated Life Sciences Program. This requires completion of the ILS Background Interest form and a personal statement.

Application deadline

We currently accept students for the fall semester only. Application packages must be completed prior to November 30th to be considered for matriculation the following June. Accepted applicants will be notified by February 1.

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