Graduate Program

About the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology (MCP) Program

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a unique graduate program in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology (MCP) that is both interdisciplinary in nature while at the same time offering an in-depth, individualized state-of-the-art practical and theoretical training in each student’s specific field of interest.

The Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology (MCP) program is an interdisciplinary gateway program leading to a PhD in one of four departments: Chemistry, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This integration of specialization and exposure across disciplines offers a breadth of expertise that is not easily achievable in any single, individual department, and which uniquely prepares graduates for success in the rapidly changing field of pharmaceutical sciences.

This dual goal of specialization, with an interdisciplinary foundation, is accomplished through a one-year initial program of coursework and lab rotations in several departments, followed by a transition into one of the participating department’s PhD programs for in-depth specialization and research.

Upon completion of the first-year curriculum, students choose a faculty advisor affiliated with one of the participating departments and transition into their “home” department to complete the remaining degree requirements and receive their PhD degree.

Students in our MCP graduate program benefit from the participation of highly reputed faculty within each of the participating departments.

Active research programs in Chemistry include the synthesis of organic molecules and macromolecules of therapeutic significance that cover a large cross-section of chemical and biological space. Faculty in Pharmacology have research programs in areas relevant to pharmaceutical pharmacology, especially neuropharmacology. MB&B faculty enjoy active research in structural biology and drug design. Participating faculty in Pharmaceutical Sciences have interests in a variety of programs with a direct impact on many different aspects of health sciences.