A degree in pharmacology helps students understand drugs and the effects they have on the human body. Students pursuing a degree in this field are taught about the creation of various chemical substances and how to analyze their effects. They are also required to conduct researches. A pharmacology program is different from a pharmacy program as it involves research.
What Is Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is a branch of science which is concerned with the study of drugs and their effects on a biological system. It includes the chemical properties, sources, and therapeutic uses of various drugs. Pharmacology derives knowledge from pharmacy and achieves therapeutic outcomes through dispensing of medicines and appropriate preparation. This field of academia blends knowledge from various fields like dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Professionals working in this field determine the use of drugs. They conduct various researches for this purpose.
What Can You Do with A Degree in Pharmacology?
A degree in pharmacology offers career options in various fields including, scientific civil service, academia, and hospitals. Graduates can also work in areas like medical information, marketing, or product management and act as a link between the paramedical staff and the pharmaceutical companies. Since the degree opens various employment options, students have to make sure that they choose a career line which they find interesting.
The following are some of the options available to students with a pharmacology degree. The information has been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Purchasing Managers
Medical scientists conduct research that aims at enhancing the overall human health. They use various methods, like clinical trials, to investigate different matters and reach results. These professionals create and test various medical devices as well.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $88,790 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 8% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $98,770 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 23,460 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Maine | $130,310 |
Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists determine the cause of death or injury and their patterns in human beings. They work on reducing the negative outcome and risks through community education, research, and health policy. These public health professionals analyze data to look into health care issues.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $70,990 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 5% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $78,290 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Texas | 730 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Massachusetts | $114,220 |
Biological Science Teachers, Post-Secondary
Teachers who take this subject educate students about some of the basic concepts of biological sciences. It includes teachers who are engaged in teaching only as well as those who teach and conduct researches.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $83,300 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% (Postsecondary Teachers) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $98,700 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 4,890 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $141,790 |
What to Expect from a Pharmacology Degree?
Various colleges offer a pharmacology degree; however, the courses may vary according to the degree level. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees are offered in the field of pharmacology. Some of the courses taught during these programs include molecular biology, physiology, disease neurobiology, ethics for beginning scientists, biochemistry principles, and medical anthropology, etc.
How to Choose a Pharmacology Degree?
These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- The accreditation of the program
- Check if scholarships are offered
- The duration and cost of the program
- An online or campus-based program
Pharmacology Degree Admission Requirements
To pursue a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, students are required to have a high school diploma. While for a master’s degree, they need to have a bachelor’s degree and a good GRE score. Some schools may have extra requirements like a personal statement, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.