Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework with an extended, laboratory-based research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Early years typically focus on core discipline knowledge and research skills; later years are devoted to hypothesis-driven investigation under faculty supervision.

• Core subjects: advanced pharmacology, mechanisms of toxicity, molecular and cellular pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, and experimental toxicology.
• Research methods: experimental design, biostatistics, bioinformatics approaches relevant to pharmacology and toxicology, laboratory safety and ethical issues, and scientific communication.
• Techniques and practical training: in vitro and in vivo models, analytic methods such as mass spectrometry and chromatography, tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, and contemporary imaging or omics technologies relevant to students' projects.
• Seminars and professional development: journal clubs, research seminars, grant-writing workshops, pedagogy opportunities, and preparation for peer-reviewed publication and research funding applications.
• Dissertation research: an original, publishable research programme conducted under mentorship, culminating in a defended doctoral thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant graduate degree (typically a master’s) or a strong bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related biomedical field. Admissions are competitive and selection is based on evidence of academic preparation and research potential.

• Academic transcripts showing a strong record in relevant coursework.
• Research experience, demonstrated by laboratory work, project reports, or publications where available.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research aptitude.
• A personal statement outlining research interests and fit with faculty expertise.
• Curriculum vitae detailing laboratory skills, methods and relevant professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, where required by university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into a variety of research and leadership roles across the public and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Academic research and teaching positions at universities and research institutes.
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry roles in drug discovery, preclinical development, safety assessment and translational science.
• Regulatory science and toxicology positions within government agencies, contract research organisations (CROs) and public health bodies.
• Specialist roles in clinical trials, risk assessment, environmental toxicology, or chemical safety consulting.
• Science policy, patent and intellectual property roles (often in combination with additional training in law or business).

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a research-centered environment with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The PhD programme emphasises hands-on laboratory training, scientific communication and preparation for research careers.

• Small cohort sizes and direct supervision from faculty with expertise in pharmacology and toxicology, enabling tailored mentorship and project design.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and instrumentation suitable for molecular, cellular and analytical toxicology work.
• Opportunities to present research in departmental seminars and to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and grant proposals.
• Support for career development through workshops in grant writing, teaching, and professional networking with academic and industry partners.