All students receive full stipends, tuition remission, and individual health insurance. First year students are funded by the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program (details). Funding for the remaining years is secured by the Molecular Pharmacology Training Program from several sources. Funding Sources Molecular Pharmacology Training Grant This prestigious award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences was renewed in 2010 and provides full stipends to selected students. Eligibility is limited to US citizens and permanent residents of the US. The Molecular Pharmacology Training Grant funds MPTP students on a competitive, year-to-year basis, usually during their third year. This merit-based grant is awarded based on research accomplishments, grades, and service to the MPTP. Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology Fellowships The Department of Pharmacology & Chemical biology funds a variable number of fellowships on a competitive basis. Individual Government and Foundation Fellowships Our students are encouraged to apply for individual funding from NIH (F30/F31 awards) and other sources. Applying for these highly competitive awards allows students to develop their grant writing skills and prepares them for a successful career as independent researchers. The MPTP provides a grant writing course and individual guidance for the preparation of successful applications. MPTP students traditionally have been very successful obtaining individual fellowships. Research Grants to Individual Faculty Some students involved in thesis research are supported from research grants to their major advisor. It is the policy of the MPTP that the amount provided by faculty members for students' support will be such that the total stipend received by the student from all departmental or medical school student support funds shall be equal to the stipend level designated by the Dean's Office. List of Funding Opportunites for Graduate Students - Fellowships and Grants Stipends and Medical Insurance As part of the MPTP's intention to provide the greatest opportunity to develop scholarship and research skills, stipends are intended to support vigorous and full-time commitment on the part of the student to successfully complete his/her graduate training in a reasonable period of time. In those cases where the level of support may pose a serious financial hardship, the departmental chairs will actively assist the student in exploring possible sources of supplemental support. The University will provide individual medical insurance coverage for full-time graduate students. An option to purchase two-person or family coverage is available. Dental and optical coverage is also available for an additional small charge. You can contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information: Shannon Granahan Graduate Program Coordinator (412) 648-9321 phgradst@pitt.edu
Program Achievements Molecular Pharmacology Graduate Program Ranked #2 in National Research Council Rankings Outcomes: Time to dissertation Defense, last five graduating classes: 4.6 years, Completion Rate: 86.49% First Author Publications (All students, past 5 year mean): 2.03; Total Publications: 5.10 F-series Grants (F30/F31) (All Students, past 5 year mean): 12/34 (35%) Ranked #9 in National of Institute of Health funding of departments of Pharmacology Ranked in the top 15 in funding for twenty-four consecutive years