Students in bachelor's degree programs in pharmaceutical science study topics including pharmacology, pharmaceutical toxicology and medical chemistry.
While students learn how drugs are created and dosages are formulated, a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science degree program does not prepare a graduate for the licensing examination to become a pharmacist. With a bachelor's degree and some work experience, graduates are eligible to apply for relevant certification. Some schools require that students select a degree concentration, such as pharmacology or pharmaceutical analytical chemistry. Much of the coursework takes place in the classroom, and laboratory courses give students hands-on experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to increase by 9% from 2014 to 2024 (www.bls.gov). Biological technicians should expect to see growth of 5% during that same decade. As estimated by the BLS in 2015, pharmacy and biological technicians earned median annual salaries of $30,410 and $41,650, respectively.
Students can pursue advanced degrees after earning their Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science. The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Pharmaceutical Engineering degree program trains graduates to use technology in a rapidly changing industry. Some graduates of this program go on to earn doctorates in fields such as medicinal chemistry. Others become pharmacists by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and obtaining a license in their state to practice pharmacy.
The National Registry of Microbiologists, part of the American Society for Microbiology, certifies scientists in the pharmaceutical industry. Candidates for certification must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 20 credit hours of microbiology courses and one year of work experience, or 12 credit hours of microbiology and seven years' experience.
Bachelor's degree programs in pharmaceutical science prepare students for careers in pharmaceuticals, including drug testing, sales and marketing, and drug analysis and development.