General Information
The Department of Pharmacology offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacology.
Our graduate programs offer opportunities to investigate the molecular and biological processes that regulate cellular and organ functions and the mechanisms underlying diseases and drugs in the cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes and neuroscience areas.
Inquiries about the programs should be directed to the Student Services Administrator of the Department of Pharmacology at the above email address.
Entrance Requirements
Students are accepted into the graduate program with degrees in the biological sciences, physics, chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy, neuroscience, medicine, and dentistry. The program is of particular interest to students with background in pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and neuroscience.
For the MSc program, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For the PhD program, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an MSc degree in pharmacology or a companion discipline with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework
Students can be directly admitted to the PhD program without a master’s degree if, in addition to the minimum admission requirements, they possess exceptional qualifications in pharmacology or a related discipline at the undergraduate level, as demonstrated by GPA, awards, publications and/or strong letters of references.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- TOEFL with a minimum total score of 95 (Internet-based) with at least 23 on each of the speaking and writing skill areas;
- IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6 on each band.
Applicants are also required to submit the following:
- A curriculum vitae – see the department website for a CV form
- A brief statement of research interests – see the department website for a Statement of Research Interests form
- Applicants must arrange for three letters of reference to be uploaded to the on-line application
Application Deadlines
Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents: Applications will be accepted until the start of each term. Applications should be submitted as early as possible as delays occur with late applications.
International Students: Complete applications must be received by the department by the following dates:
- May 15: September admission
- September 15: January admission
- January 15: May admission
- March 15: July admission
For students whose previous education is in China (PRC) and Nigeria, complete applications must be received by the department by the following dates:
- March 15: September admission
- July 15: January admission
- November 15: May admission
- January 15: July admission
Academic Standing Requirement
In order to remain in their programs, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, with no grade less than B+.
Failure to maintain the required cumulative GPA or minimum grades may result in a recommendation by the Associate Chair – Grad Studies to FGSR that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.