Applying for the Ph.D. Graduate Program

Typically, entering students will take interdisciplinary courses in molecular, cell and systems biology along with Introductory Pharmacology, Journal Club and three laboratory rotations in the first year. In the second year, students will take advanced courses, choose a research advisor and take the qualifying examination. Students start their dissertation research in the third year along with finishing coursework. Most Pharmacology graduate students are able to complete their program within four to five years, and all students accepted into the program receive stipend support.

Admission Requirements

• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate from a college or university of recognized standing
• A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the upper division of the undergraduate course work. An undergraduate major or specialized work in biological sciences or chemistry is preferred.

Application Procedures

Applications to the Department of Pharmacology's Ph.D. program should be submitted online by completing the WSU Graduate Application form. Information and instructions for completing the admissions process are available at the Graduate Admissions Office. The application fee has been waived for the Fall 2024 term.

Checklist for application materials to be submitted:

• Electronic application
• A personal statement that includes applicant research experience, current research interests, plans after graduate school and the reasons for choosing the Department of Pharmacology at Wayne State.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons able to judge the applicant's potential in graduate school.
• Official copies of GRE scores (ETS institutional code:1898; departmental code:0216) taken within the last three years (GRE is optional, but may assist in the application decision).
• Official copies of all academic transcripts.

Additional materials required from international applicants:

• Official copies of scores from the TOEFL (institutional code:1898). Minimal TOEFL scores are 600, 250 and 100 for the paper-, computer- and internet-based tests, respectively.
• 1 copy each of international application materials as indicated.

Contact Information

James Jackson, M.F.A., M.A.
Academic Services Officer III
jackson.james@wayne.edu

Other information

• All students accepted in the program are given full stipend support at a competitive level (currently $26,716 per year) with tuition and full medical, dental and optical coverage paid.
• In some cases, the Admissions Committee will request an interview, by telephone or visit, for final application consideration.
• We have completed admissions for 2024. For information related to Fall 2025, please contact Mr. James Jackson.
• All application materials must be received before a final decision regarding admission can be made.
• Admission is only applicable for the semester requested.
• Notification is given shortly after receipt of the completed application. Notification of status will be sent to each applicant on the 15th of February, March, April and May. Send inquiries regarding status by email to PHC-PHD@med.wayne.edu or by post to the address above.
• Graduate students are not required to do any teaching.
• An English language course is offered for international students in late summer.
• More information can be found on the  Wayne State University website.

Applying for the M.S. Graduate Program

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Applied Pharmacology and Environmental Xenobiotics program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or computer science.
• An overall GPA of 3.0 is strongly preferred.
• Application requirements include transcripts from academic institutions attended, a statement of purpose (300-400 words), and three letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.
• International students must demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by satisfactory performance on the standardized TOEFL exam or other appropriate exams (this will be waived in the case of international students coming from countries offering their coursework in English).
• If an applicant's undergraduate preparation is considered deficient for advanced work in the program, additional work may be required at the undergraduate level. All prerequisite credits must be earned prior to or concurrent with the first graduate credits.

Application Procedures

Applications to the Department of Pharmacology's M.S. program should be submitted online by completing the WSU Graduate Application form. Information and instructions for completing the admissions process are available at the Graduate Admissions Office

Checklist for application materials to be submitted:

• Electronic application
• A personal statement that includes applicant research experience, current research interests, plans after graduate school and the reasons for choosing the Department of Pharmacology at Wayne State.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons able to judge the applicant's potential in graduate school.
• Official copies of GRE scores (ETS institutional code:1898; departmental code:0216) taken within the last three years (GRE is optional, but may assist in the application decision).
• Official copies of all academic transcripts.

Additional materials required from international applicants:

• Official copies of scores from the TOEFL (institutional code:1898). Minimal TOEFL scores are 600, 250 and 100 for the paper-, computer- and internet-based tests, respectively.
• 1 copy each of international application materials as indicated.

Contact Information

Dr. Gan Wang
g.wang@wayne.edu
(313) 577-5583
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 E. Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201