Bachelors in Pharmacy in USA

The pharmaceutical sciences major is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences. Students are educated for employment opportunities as pharmaceutical associate research scientists engaged in drug discovery and development research.

While the major is structurally a basic science program, it is also a unique interdisciplinary field. Areas of interest in pharmaceutical sciences range from the physical chemistry of pharmaceutical systems; to biopharmaceutics, which encompasses the study of the relationship between the nature and intensity of biologic effects of drugs and various dosage formulation factors; to pharmacokinetics, which is the science of the quantitative analysis of drug concentration (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and drug effects in the body; to clinical pharmacokinetics, which is concerned with the application of pharmacokinetics to the safe and effective therapeutic management of individual patients.

Learning Outcomes

The mission of the Pharmaceutical Sciences BS Program is to educate accepted Pharmaceutical Science undergraduate junior and seniors by advancing student knowledge and skills in the pharmaceutical sciences. Graduates will have an understanding of, and be able to apply 1) the principles of the scientific method; 2) fundamentals of current research methodology; 3) core skills needed to manage, evaluate and interpret scientific data; and, 4) scientific communication skills. Graduates of the program will have skills in analytical, quantitative and conceptual thinking and problem solving that will prepare them for employment in the pharmaceutical sciences or related professions, or for continuing graduate or professional education in the biomedical, health sciences or related disciplines.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge and skills to:

• Conduct basic research experiments under appropriate supervision.
• Communicate scientific information through oral presentations, scientific posters and laboratory reports.
• Be qualified for employment in pharmaceutical sciences or related professions, or for continuing graduate education in the biomedical, health sciences or related disciplines.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of fundamental scientific principles in the pharmaceutical sciences
• Demonstrate a basic proficiency at effective scientific oral and written communication skills through:
  • presentation of an original oral podium presentation
  • composition of a scientific research term paper

The B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) begins with a foundation of coursework in mathematics and the basic sciences (chemistry, biology, physics). This interdisciplinary program then progresses to advanced coursework in the pharmaceutical sciences, including aspects of drug design and synthesis, mechanisms of drug action, pharmacology and toxicology, dosage formulation, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The curriculum also includes elective credits for individual preparation and educational focus.

The BSPS program offers practical experience through internship programs in industry, government agencies, and on-campus research laboratories. Students are encouraged to spend at least one summer in an internship.

The faculty also encourages undergraduate students to engage in mentored laboratory research. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities are available in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and in the Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, during the regular school year and during the summer months as interns. Career path opportunities with a degree in pharmaceutical sciences include entry-level technical positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry; graduate education in pharmaceutical, medical, and basic sciences; and post-baccalaureate professional education in pharmacy, medicine, law, and business. You should recognize that this is not a professional degree program. Completion of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree requirements does not qualify the student for state board examination to become a registered pharmacist.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology and Pharmacology is an interdisciplinary degree in which students gain a strong foundation in chemistry, biology and pharmacology. The degree is customizable to align with students' interests in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or molecular biology.

Chemical biology is the application of chemistry towards solving biological problems and pharmacology is the study of the action of drug molecules. The B.S. in chemical biology and pharmacology provides excellent preparation for students seeking employment in industry (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agriculture, etc.), as well as for those who want to continue their studies in professional school (medical, pharmacy, dental, veterinary, law, etc.) and graduate school. 

Pharmacology and Toxicology (PharmTox) is an undergraduate major offered through the School of Pharmacy; successful completion of program requirements results in earning the Bachelor of Science–Pharmacology and Toxicology degree. Pharmacology and toxicology are related biomedical science disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of the sites, properties, effects, and mechanisms of drug action—the interactions of chemicals with biological systems. Toxicology addresses adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals and includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose response assessment, and risk characterization. Both subjects integrate multiple scientific disciplines and rely on cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to gain insight into drug and toxicant action at the molecular level. Though the degree is titled “Pharmacology and Toxicology,” the program’s curriculum is multidisciplinary across various biomedical sciences.

Toxicologists have the critical responsibility of keeping the public safe from harmful substances found in food, the environment, drugs and other sources. Through research, frequent testing and data collection, toxicologists can help protect and improve the lives of millions.

Offered through St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the
128­credit Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Toxicology provides students with a solid foundation in the theory and practice of the profession.  Graduates will be prepared for roles in research and applied aspects of toxicology including biomedical, analytical, occupational and environmental toxicology. The program also qualifies graduates for careers in risk assessment and public health, while strengthening their ability to contribute as citizens as well as scientists. 

Pharmacy is the art and science of dispensing drugs and educating patients about medications and their use. In addition, pharmacists advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications.

To prepare for a career in pharmacy, a student must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree at a professional college of pharmacy. Almost all of our students attend the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy (UIC), Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP), or St. Louis College of Pharmacy (SLCP). Each offers a different program and has a different set of pre-pharmacy requirements which are described below.

Eastern Illinois University is not affiliated with any colleges of pharmacy and cannot guarantee admission to a professional school. Students who apply to pharmacy schools will be competing with students applying from other colleges and universities.

The Pre-Pharmacy track lets you work closely with Chemistry faculty to plan the curriculum for your bachelor's degree. You'll take courses needed for entrance into pharmacy programs and build a strong foundation in chemistry to help you succeed as a professional.

Our Chemistry program boasts some of the most advanced labs on campus—and among some of the most elite in the nation. And at Youngstown State, faculty aren't just educators, but also mentors to students. This close interaction and guidance is crucial for a pre-professional track, as you'll lean on your professors as experts to help you prepare for advanced study.

In Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, you’ll join a close-knit “pharmily” of professionals passionate about improving patient care in a range of pharmacy settings. Our small class size ensures personalized attention with an emphasis on hands-on clinical training, new technologies, research and communication.

Real-world experiences begin as early as the first year, starting in community practice and followed by working with prescribers and clinical faculty in hospital pharmacy and telepharmacy. You may supplement your degree with a concentration, like Spanish or Public Health, or capitalize on the opportunity to hone business skills in a dual PharmD/MBA program.

Our graduates routinely exceed the national average pass rate on licensure exams. The Nesbitt School also matches student pharmacists seeking competitive post-graduate residency training at a higher rate than the national average.

As a graduate of Missouri Southern's pre-pharmacy program, you'll turn your love for science and health into a life-long career.

We'll give you all the knowledge you need to successfully get into pharmaceutical school and further you along the path to your dream career.

What You’ll Learn:

• The successful graduate from the Biology program will understand and use fundamental biological concepts in the following areas: 1) cell biology, 2) genetics and molecular biology, 3) organismal biology, and 4) ecology, evolution, and population biology.
• The successful graduate from the Biology program will understand and use the scientific method to solve problems.
• The successful graduate from the Biology program will communicate effectively in writing.
• The successful graduate from the Biology program will demonstrate satisfactory laboratory and field skills.
• The successful graduate from the Biology program will be prepared for graduate or professional curriculum or employment in a biological field.

The Pharmacy Preparation Associate of Science Degree offered by the Physical Sciences Department is a minimum two-year comprehensive preparatory program of study toward admittance into the professional curriculum leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.) This curriculum provides depth in core areas that are foundational for success in a pharmacy graduate program. Students in this program will complete a series of courses that stress 1) proficiency in language and communication, 2) broad cultural background, 3) familiarity with the scientific method and 4) a strong scientific background.

The Pre-Pharmacy Program provides an excellent foundation for students who plan to attend pharmacy school.

Upon admission, each student works with a pre-professional advisor, who helps the student develop a strategy for selecting courses, identifying an appropriate departmental major (degree program), and navigating the pharmacy school application process.

During the second or third semester of study, each student selects a major field of study, and a faculty advisor is assigned to develop a plan to meet degree requirements for that major.

You’ll graduate with the unique ability to bridge two worlds – ready to help physicians, hospitals, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies and more operate effectively.

With this major, you’ll split your time between health science courses in the Getty College of Arts & Sciences, courses delivered by the Raabe College of Pharmacy, and business courses in the Dicke College of Business Administration. You’ll choose from five areas of concentration: accounting, business analytics, management, public relations and marketing.

With our small class sizes, you’ll get to know your professors, and they will get to know you. In fact, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor who will mentor you from day one until graduation. You’ll also interact with and learn from business leaders, entrepreneurs and ONU alumni who’ve forged amazing careers in the biotechnology, health care and pharmaceutical fields. All of these people will open doors for you.

Students enrolled in the Pre-Pharmacy Track must complete the coursework listed under curriculum requirements to earn the BSHS degree through the School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS).  Students should meet with an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services (OSS) to discuss any questions related to their degree requirements.

Students in Pre-Pharmacy develop a strong foundation in the biological and natural sciences. McNeese's program allows students to complete the Pre-Pharmacy curriculum through their junior year and, after successfully completing the first year of work in an accredited school of pharmacy, students are awarded their Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese.

Pharmacy school isn’t just for pharmacists. The University of Toledo also educates future pharmaceutical scientists. We have one of the best pharmaceutical sciences programs in the U.S.

The medicinal and biological chemistry program blends chemistry and life sciences. Think chemistry for those also interested in healthcare and developing medications.

UToledo undergrads study how to design, synthesize and develop pharmaceutical drugs. This interdisciplinary science focuses on synthetic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and immunology.

A pharmacist plays a vital role in the health care deployment team. Their responsibilities range from dispensing medications to monitoring a patient's health and progress. Calvin's pre-pharmacy program will prepare you for graduate school by giving you a background in science and mathematics within the context of a strong liberal arts core. As a pre-pharmacy student, you will typically complete two or three years at Calvin before transferring to a school of pharmacy. Some pharmacy schools prefer that students complete a four-year bachelor's degree before enrolling in a PharmD program.