Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Pharmacology

Although Bachelor of Pharmacy Degrees are rare in the United States, many schools offer Bachelor of Science Degrees with pre-pharmacy, or "pre-pharm" specialization tracks. These programs may help undergraduates complete the necessary prerequisites for admission into some Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs, while also providing general core courses in science and liberal arts. (It's important to keep in mind that completing a pre-pharmacy track program does not guarantee admission into a Pharm.D. program — even if you're applying at the very same school.)

For especially focused students, some colleges offer niche programs at the bachelor degree level that specifically address pharmaceutical sciences. These are sometimes termed Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) degrees. Students who enroll in these programs may intend to seek employment in pharmaceutical sales or healthcare industries. Like pre-pharm majors, they may also decide to transition into professional doctoral programs. Besides the Pharm.D. degree track required for Licensed Pharmacists, some BSPS graduates go on to enter dental, veterinary, or medical school.

Depending on the type of pharmacy-related bachelor degree you choose, you'll be required to take a fair amount of science and math courses. Most programs require credit hours in subjects like statistics, calculus, organic chemistry, physiology, CPR, and various lab sciences. Many programs offer elective courses related to current industry concerns — for example, HIV/AIDS medication or prescription drug abuse.

(If you intend to become a Licensed Pharmacist, you should be prepared to study for at least four years beyond the completion of your bachelor degree — not including residency requirements. Earning a bachelor degree specifically related to pharmaceutical science is not required for acceptance into a Doctor of Pharmacy or Pharm.D. program. However, specific course requirements related to chemistry, biology, anatomy, physics, and other subjects noted above are usually required. If you complete a bachelor degree that does not include a pre-pharm track, you may be required to make up these courses in a post-baccalaureate, pre-pharm program before you can even apply to an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program.)

All that said, there are many employment options for students who complete Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) degrees or Bachelor of Science degrees with pre-pharm concentrations — even if these graduates decide not to pursue advanced degrees. Graduates may go on to work as pharmaceutical scientists, conducting drug research for companies, laboratories, or government agencies. They may also qualify to work as business executives or administrators for organizations with ties to the medical community.