Pharmacology is the branch of science that links with various other fields like Pathology, Biochemistry, and Business, etc. Many top-notch US universities offer various degree levels in Pharmacy i.e. bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. There are several universities that also offer dual degrees in Pharmacy at the graduate level. For example, the University of Washington offers the following degrees in Pharmacy:
- D. and MS Programs in Pharmaceutics
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration (PharmD/MBA)
What Is Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they affect systems of living beings. It is a field that closely intertwines with many other branches of science such as, Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathology, etc. Pharmacology is the branch of science which is significantly used to;
- Discover new drugs that can help fight diseases
- Improve the efficacy of existing drugs
- Reduce the unwanted side effects of drugs
- Study why people respond differently to certain drugs
- Investigate why some drugs cause addiction
What Can You Do with a Pharmacy Degree?
According to the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, you can get employed in any of the following careers with a Pharmacy Degree.
Pharmacists
This career requires a doctoral degree in Pharmacy and a licensure to get employed in any state of the US. Pharmacists are individuals who hand over drugs to patients prescribed by Physicians or other healthcare professionals. They also advise patients regarding the right dosage, use, and adverse effects of an overdose of the prescribed medication. They often collaborate with Physicians and other healthcare professionals and suggest alternate medicines or advise them about the dosage and side effects of a particular drug.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $128,090 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 0% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $125,510 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 32,150 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $144,050 |
Biochemists and Biophysicists
People who study the chemical composition of living cells and organisms are called Biochemists. Those with a doctoral degree in Pharmacy or Biochemistry can research the complex chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to find out how they are related to heredity, metabolism, growth, and reproduction, etc. People of this profession also study the effects of drugs, hormones, foods, serums, and other elements on the health of human beings.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $94,490 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $108,180 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New Jersey | 7,280 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Illinois | $114,300 |
Medical Scientists
Medical Scientists have knowledge of scientific methodologies. They use methods to investigate diseases that befall human beings. Their research helps improve human health because they carry out clinical trials to test theories, medicines, and techniques, etc. on human beings. People with a doctoral degree in Pharmacy, Medical Pathology and Medical Doctor (MD), etc. can work in this field.
| 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 |
What to Expect from a Pharmacy Degree?
A degree in Pharmacy can get you jobs at various positions as it has been explained above. The curriculum at the bachelor’s level is introductory and get advanced at masters and doctoral level degrees. For example, the curriculum of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) offered by the University of Washington includes courses like,
- Fundamental Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Formulation: Principles and Dosage Forms
- Foundations of Being a Pharmacist
- Chemical and Molecular Pharmacology etc.
For details on the curriculum of a particular degree or university, please see the official website.
How to Choose a Pharmacy Degree?
Choosing a degree in Pharmacy is not that difficult. However, it is important to note a few things before enrolling in any degree level at a particular university. Be sure to check whether the degree has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). For instance, the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) offered by the University of Washington is accredited by the ACPE. In addition to that, you must consider the following,
- The suitability/Diversity of the curriculum
- The capability of the faculty
- The ranking of the university
- The duration of the degree
- Admission and graduation requirements etc.
Pharmacy Degree Admission Requirements
Generally, the admission requirements depend on the type of degree you want to apply for and also at the department/university where you choose to apply. Typically, the applications for a Pharmacy degree at bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level have a few similar requirements with some additional documents needed for each level. For example, if you want to apply for BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan, you must submit the application with the following documents,
- Official transcripts from previous schools
- 2 letters of recommendation
- 2 essays including a personal statement
- CV/Resume
- SAT/ACT scores
- IELTS/TOEFL scores (for international students only)
On the other hand, if you want to apply for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Michigan, you must also submit all of the documents mentioned above with your application with a few modifications. Instead of submitting 2 letters of recommendation, you must submit 3. Moreover, GRE and PCAT scores must be submitted in place of ACT/SAT scores.
For more details, please visit the official website of your chosen university.