Pharmacology Schools and Degrees
A pharmacology degree will focus on discovering new therapies and developing new medicines. Find out about pharmacology degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
What You Need to Know
Pharmacologists study how chemical agents, such as drugs, affect our bodies. You can find pharmacology programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels; however, graduate degree programs are the most common. These programs are generally offered through schools of pharmacy or pharmacology at numerous academic institutions. Online programs are also available but rare.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td> Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td> Organic chemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology, biology, anatomy, analytical methods</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> Four-year universities</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfUndergraduateDegreesAreAvailable">What Types of Undergraduate Degrees are Available?</h3><p>Bachelor's degree programs are typically offered as a combination of pharmacology and toxicology. Your curriculum in a bachelor's degree program will focus on creating a solid understanding of drug effectiveness and chemical toxicity. You'll develop strong analytical and technical abilities through coursework, laboratory work and research. Some programs require you to complete a senior research project or internship. You might choose a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology-Toxicology, one of the most common bachelor's degree programs. Your undergraduate degree courses will focus on cellular, molecular and biological pharmacology and may be similar to the following:
</p><ul><li>Organic chemistry
</li><li>Biology
</li><li>Analytical methods
</li><li>Pathophysiology
</li><li>Anatomy
</li><li>Medical microbiology
</li><li>Genetics
</li><li>Bio methods
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatGraduateDegreesAreAvailable">What Graduate Degrees are Available?</h3><p>Master's degree programs are available for full-time and part-time students and can take from 2-4 years to complete. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are usually full-time and may require six years to fulfill all graduation requirements.
</p><p>Your master's degree curriculum will further increase your knowledge and develop your technical skills. You may be required to write a research thesis, complete a required number of laboratory hours or participate in an internship. You will be expected to develop creative problem-solving and innovative thinking skills and take courses such as cellular and molecular physiology, experimental design and ethics. You may be able to select a concentration, such as natural products, neuropharmacology or laboratory research. A Master of Science in Pharmacology may be offered.
</p><p>In a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology program, you will work to further develop your scientific skills through intensive classes such as physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and neuroscience. You may be required to participate in laboratory rotations. Your mentor professor will guide you in research for a dissertation, and some programs require comprehensive exams. These courses may be offered through a Ph.D. degree program:
</p><ul><li>Principles of pharmacology
</li><li>Advanced pharmacology
</li><li>Neuroscience
</li><li>Cell and molecular physiology
</li><li>Ethics
</li><li>Data analysis and experimental design
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatSchoolsOfferPharmacologyDegrees">What Schools Offer Pharmacology Degrees</h3><p>If you decide to study pharmacology, you'll likely be attending a four-year university. Most programs are offered through graduate degrees. Students will need to consider certain degree requirements and eligibility standards for their desired program. It's best to select a school that offers you a program of study that fits with your needs and interests. Research programs and the publication of a dissertation might be required for advanced study. These schools offer pharmacology degrees:
</p><ul><li>Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)
</li><li>Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA)
</li><li>Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Boston/Worchester)
</li><li>University of the Sciences (Philadelphia, PA)
</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Madison</li></ul>