Program Overview and Objectives
The Department of Physiology is located in the Health Sciences Center of the University of Louisville which provides our graduate students with an active and intellectually stimulating environment. Our Graduate Program offers a Master of Science degree to provide several career options:
- To develop competence in directed research for advanced technical positions in industry, government, and university medical research laboratories;
- To prepare students with a good general knowledge of human physiology to enable them to communicate physiological concepts to future students; and
- To explore the possibility of a future career as an independent scientist in medically-related research.
- To enhance student credentials for admission to and performance in professional health care programs.
Minimal Requirements for the Master's Degree
The typical Master of Science (MS) Graduate Program includes a directed research emphasis and consists of 30 credit hours typically over a twelve-month period (three semesters) to include the following: 18 credit hours of basic medical sciences coursework and at least 12 credit hours of electives.
Advisor Selection
The Director of Graduate Studies will meet with the new student to discuss the academic and research interests. The Director of Graduate Studies will serve as a Temporary Advisor until a Permanent Advisor is selected.
During the first semester of their graduate study, beginning graduate students will visit research laboratories in which they have an interest. First-year students must select a Principal Advisor. The selection process involves approval by the student, the Principal Advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Department Chair.

