2025 Top Online Pharmacy Degrees

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications, advising healthcare providers on dosages, and informing patients on medication use.

To become a pharmacist, students are typically required to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program.

Students can also earn other types of pharmacy degrees if they want a career in the field.

If you'd like to work in the pharmaceutical industry but have a busy schedule, consider schools offering flexible online pharmacy degrees.

The Best Online Pharmacy Degree Programs of 2024

This list of schools highlights programs offering some of the best online pharmacy degrees of 2024.

1. Creighton University

Creighton University was the first school to offer an accredited distance Pharm.D. degree.

Its Pharm.D. Distance Pathway offers the same material as its traditional program (Omaha Pathway).

The first three years of the program focus on didactic coursework, Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), and Pharmacy Skills Labs.

Year four — the final year — consists of three semesters of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).

Enrollees learn about disease prevention, wellness, patient outcomes, and more.

2. Shenandoah University

Licensed pharmacists can enroll in the flexible online Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy (NTDP) program from Shenandoah University.

This program is designed to help practicing pharmacists expand their skills in the workplace.

Students apply didactic knowledge via patient cases, get updated on clinical disease states and treatments, and learn how to intervene in medication regimens.

Depending on whether a student has already worked in a clinical position, they might complete the program in seven or eight semesters.

3. Western New England University

The Pharm.D. degree from Western New England University is available as a full-time, online distance pathway.

This four-year learning option lets students prepare for a career in pharmacy with very little on-campus commitment.

Enrollees build a strong scientific foundation with an emphasis on administrative, biomedical, clinical, and pharmaceutical sciences.

The program prepares students to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) Exam and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

4. University of Colorado - Denver

At the University of Colorado - Denver, students can choose between two online accredited pharmacy programs.

The 65-credit North American-Trained PharmD (NTPD) program helps licensed pharmacists grow their clinical pharmacy knowledge.

The 90-credit International-Trained PharmD (ITPD) program is designed for pharmacists who received at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in pharmacy outside the United States.

Students in both programs study Health Informatics, Public Health, Health Economics, Pharmacogenomics, and more.

5. Manchester University

Manchester University offers the distance pathway Pharm.D. program to help students become pharmacists without relocating to the school.

The program mirrors the onsite program by consisting of 144 credit hours and taking four years to complete.

While the program is available mostly online, students will be required to visit the campus for four separate experiences, including orientation and APPEs.

Students will also be required to complete clinical rotations, but this can be completed near their home.

6. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)

Students attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences can enroll in the online Doctor of Pharmacy (NTDP) - Non-Traditional Pathway.

This program from the second-oldest university of pharmacy in the nation aims to help U.S.-based licensed pharmacists advance by earning a Pharm.D. degree.

Flexible scheduling lets students continue working as pharmacists while earning their Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Enrollees explore drug literature and learn about pharmacoepidemiology, pharmaceutical care, pharmacokinetics, and much more.

7. University of Georgia

The Master of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia is an online program that offers an emphasis in BioPharma Regulatory Affairs.

Enrollees learn what it takes to oversee the approval of new products and comply with regulatory procedures and policies.

The goal of this program is to help students in regulatory careers advance whether in veterinary medicine, biologic, medical device, or pharmaceutical industries.

Students can take the 38-credit master's thesis path or the 39-credit non-thesis path.

8. University of Cincinnati

At the University of Cincinnati, students interested in becoming managers and leaders in the pharmacy field can enroll in the Master of Science in Pharmacy Leadership program.

Students who enter this 100% online program can build skills in conflict management, mentorship, effective implementation, leader communication, and collaboration.

This program offers asynchronous courses, requires no campus visits, and can be completed in as few as two years.

Pharmacy positions for graduates include clinical manager, pharmacy supervisor, and pharmacy director.

9. Howard University

Howard University is home to one of the oldest colleges of pharmacy in the United States.

The university's College of Pharmacy offers the online Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program for practicing pharmacists.

The self-paced program, which can be completed in just two and a half years, focuses on problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

The curriculum is presented in three phases with a three-day orientation, an 18-month course of study, and an experiential education component.

10. Duquesne University

Duquesne University offers the Online Pharm.D. Program (OPP), which features primarily online coursework with limited online instruction.

The program lasts four years with the first three years including introductory clinical experiences each summer and the last year involving more clinical experiences in various settings.

Six concentrations are available, including Geriatrics, Community Practice, and Acute Care.

Enrollees automatically earn a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Foundations (BSPF) as well as their Pharm.D. degree at no additional cost.

Is It Really Possible to Complete a PharmD Program Online?

Yes. It is possible to complete a PharmD program online. In fact, various pharmacy degree programs are available online.

In addition to the online PharmD, you can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in areas like pharmacology and toxicology or pharmaceutical sciences.

Some programs can be completed without visiting the campus and others might require a few in-person visits.

What's great about earning an online degree is that more than 80% of executives view online degrees as just as credible as on-campus degrees.

The key is choosing a pharmacy degree program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

What Type of Pharmacy Degree Is Best?

While the Doctor of Pharmacy, or PharmD, is possibly the most popular pharmacy degree because it results in a pharmacy career, it may not be the best option depending on a student's career desires.

Here is an overview of different types of pharmacy degrees that students can choose from when aiming for a career in pharmacy.

Doctoral Degree

In addition to the PharmD, students can choose to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in areas like Pharmacy or Pharmacological Sciences.

Ph.D. programs typically focus on research and prepare students for careers in academia or scientific research.

Master's Degree

A master's degree in pharmacy might cover areas of study like Pharmaceutics or Pharmacy Leadership.

Students earning their master's degree can go on to pursue their doctoral degree or secure careers in leadership, healthcare, professional development, and beyond.

Bachelor's Degree

Students can earn a bachelor's degree in areas of pharmacy like Pharmaceutical Sciences and get on track toward a career in a variety of fields.

A bachelor's degree can prepare students for roles in academics or research — or give them a direct path to pharmacy school.

Associate Degree

Associate degree programs are available for students who want to take prerequisite courses needed for an advanced pharmacy degree program.

In these programs, students might learn medical terminology and take science courses like biology, organic chemistry, and anatomy.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacist?

The process of becoming a pharmacist typically requires earning a Doctor of Pharmacy. This process takes about four years, though some programs can be completed in three years.

If students are admitted to a pharmacy program straight out of high school, they might finish their degree in six years.

Once students complete their Pharm.D. programs, they might opt for a fellowship or residency that provides an additional one or two years of research and training.

To officially practice as a licensed pharmacist, graduates of Pharm.D. programs must pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE (or a state-specific exam) on pharmacy law and complete internship hours.

Find an Online Pharmacy Degree Program Today

If you'd like to become a pharmacist or advance in your current pharmacy career but have little time for in-person learning, take the time to explore top schools offering the best pharmacy degrees online.