Quick Program Facts
MS in Physiology
- Research thesis-based program combining coursework with laboratory experiences
- ~2.25 years to complete
- ~65-70% of MS alumni complete medical school
PhD in Physiology
- Research dissertation-based program
- Two different concentrations: Reproductive Sciences and Biophysics.
- ~4.59 years to PhD degree
The Department of Physiology in the School of Medicine at Wayne State University provides students with research experiences in leading-edge basic and translational science. Our primary faculty have laboratories centered at the School of Medicine and within local hospitals.
In addition to our primary faculty, our students are uniquely connected to faculty in Reproductive Sciences at the Mott Center for Human Growth and the NIH/NICHD Perinatology Research Branch located on our campus. The department is home to both the Detroit Cardiovascular Training Program (DCTP)—an NIH/NHLBI T32 training grant that supports PhD students in cardiovascular sciences—and the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD), an NIH training program to stimulate and facilitate the progress of a diverse group of students interested in pursuing graduate study and careers in biomedical and behavioral research.
Master's Degree
A master's degree is offered as either a thesis track program or a course-based program, each requiring a minimum of 30 credits. For the thesis track program, eight credits must be completed with original thesis research in a research laboratory.
PhD Degree
Our program offers a core curriculum designed to provide a fundamental knowledge base in: physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biostatistics and current research topics in physiology. We incorporate flexibility for each student to develop both an academic and research program centered on their individual interests. A concentration in the Reproductive Sciences is available for students interested in specializing in the Reproductive Sciences Program (RPS).
The Department of Physiology offers research opportunities with both our primary faculty and adjunct faculty throughout the Detroit region. Research opportunities range from cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, exercise and neurological sciences to endocrinology and nephrology. Genetic, molecular and cellular, tissue, organ and intact animal approaches along with clinical resources are used to discover fundamental and translational physiological concepts. Currently, the largest area of interest is cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Research opportunities are also available with adjunct faculty, including research with the Hypertension and Vascular Research Division at the nearby Henry Ford Health System.
Our largest area of collaboration is within our Reproductive Sciences Program, where the Department of Physiology hosts students interested in research related to obstetrics and gynecology. Reproductive Sciences faculty are centered in the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development. Students in this area also regularly collaborate with researchers in the Detroit Perinatology Research Branch of NICHD, one of very few NIH intramural branches outside the Bethesda, Maryland-area. Our students have performed research with a large number of intramural faculty including those in biochemistry, physics, chemistry and biomedical engineering.
Tuition costs for the 2022–2023 academic year are $878.23 per credit hour for Michigan residents and $1,657.94 per credit hour for nonresidents. Fees include registration ($328.01 per semester) and Student Services ($56.69 per credit)..
Competitive research fellowships are available for qualified PhD students. Assistantships for beginning students provide annual stipend support ($26,716) along with tuition, medical, dental and optical insurance. Appointments are renewable for two years for students in good academic standing. The department also hosts the Detroit Cardiovascular Training Program (DCTP) (NIH T-32). Fellowships and traineeships typically cover most tuition and fees.
Be a Part of Our Rich History and Get to Know All We Have to Offer!
Founded in 1913, the Wayne State University Department of Physiology in the School of Medicine has been the home of numerous key physiological discoveries, including Piero Foa's characterization of glucagon and Walter Seeger’s discovery of thrombin crystals. Located in the culture-rich midtown area of Detroit, students can interact with multiple hospitals, international businesses and a diverse population, and have access to exciting social opportunities. Our alumni have gone on to become academic faculty, medical doctors, nurses and leaders in industry, both within and beyond the field of physiology.
Learn More:
View MS application information.
View PhD application information.