Pharmacology is the science that studies the effects of drugs on humans. The primary function and missions of the Division of Pharmacology are teaching, research and service. The graduate program teaching component involves the areas of pharmacology and toxicology. The graduate program leads to the Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences each with emphasis in pharmacology.

The research mission is to conduct research in the life sciences that will benefit the state of Mississippi, the United States and the world community. Areas of research include that which improves the health and well-being of the human condition. There is a special emphasis on studying the effect of natural products on the biological system, with isolation of the active components of the natural products (ie. plant, fungi, marine organism). Members of the division are studying the carcinogenesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mediators of blood pressure, mediators of inflammation and thrombus formation, cardiovascular disease, and the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse and their metabolites.

The service mission promotes faculty involvement within the School of Pharmacy, the university, the community and local, state and federal government.