There’s a variety of science-related majors that are considered pre pharmacy programs. They are designated as pre pharmacy since they allow students to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework to qualify for a pharmacy graduate degree.
Some pharmacy schools offer official pre pharmacy tracks that lead into a PharmD program. It is common, though, for students to complete a related bachelor degree program that helps them qualify for graduate studies in pharmacy as well as other health-related programs.
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Entering a pre pharmacy program could put you on track to learn valuable skills that can help you become a competent healthcare professional.
Pre Pharmacy Programs Online
Online pre pharmacy programs aren’t usually pharmacy degrees in their own right. Rather, they encapsulate a series of degree programs that help students qualify for graduate pharmacy programs.
While the following are not specifically pharmacy majors, they are examples of programs that can help you build essential prerequisite knowledge for graduate studies in pharmacy.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
- Online Bachelors in Biochemistry
- Online Bachelors in Biology
- Online Bachelors in Biomedical Science
- Online Bachelors in Chemistry
- Online Bachelors in Kinesiology
- Online Bachelors in Pharmaceutical Science
- Online Bachelors in Public Health
- Online Bachelors in Psychology
You can explore these programs to see which ones best match your interests and goals.
Biochemistry
A biochemistry degree merges the principles and methods used in chemistry with the study of biology. By pursuing this degree program, you can gain a thorough understanding of the chemical foundation underlying living organisms.
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A biochemistry degree has a variety of uses when it comes to preparing for the workforce. Many graduates use this degree to gain entry into fields like biomedical research, forensic science, pharmaceutics, and agriculture. Along the way to receiving this degree, you’ll also study subjects like calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. These subjects and more can help prepare you for the aforementioned fields.
Biology
A biology program is designed to teach students about ecological systems, cells, and organisms. Many of the subjects you’ll study while taking this program will develop your competencies in both science and mathematics. As such, you can expect to study subjects like organismal biology, chemistry, genetics, and physics.
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With a biology degree, graduates can go on to enter fields within healthcare and science. Common occupations for these graduates include biologists and related scientists. This field of study is also a common foundation for medical school and graduate health studies. Many graduates go on to further their education and become pharmacists, chiropractors, and doctors.
Biomedical Science
A biomedical science degree is geared toward people who want to work in healthcare. During this program, you can study a variety of common biology courses before eventually taking upper-level courses in human health. Some of the subjects you’ll study include chemistry, psychology, and sociology.
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A degree in biomedical science can lay the foundation for many masters and doctoral programs in the healthcare field. It’s common for biomedical science majors to pursue medical school or graduate studies to become dentists, chiropractors, physicians, veterinarians, and pharmacists.
Chemistry
By enrolling in a chemistry degree program, you can become familiar with the science that is essential for professional pharmacy degree programs.
During your studies, you can learn how drug compounds behave in the human body. You may also have research opportunities early on, which can help you develop your expertise. Like other degrees on this list, a chemistry program is helpful in preparation for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).
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Many of the courses you’ll take will serve as prerequisites for pharmacy programs. Some of these subjects include health, wellness, and physiology, among others.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a scientific discipline that focuses on the study of the body’s movement. In this undergraduate program, kinesiology majors will study subjects like health, wellness, and physiology.
This program is comprised of classroom readings, lectures, research projects, and internships. This approach to education is multifaceted and allows students to make the most of their time in school. Graduates tend to enter careers that deal with physical fitness, such as a fitness trainer or exercise physiologist.
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Kinesiology is also a solid foundation for masters and doctoral studies for studies who want to become physical therapists, pharmacists, chiropractors, and related healthcare professionals.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmaceutical sciences degree programs combine the core principles of organic and physical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and more. This type of program can develop your understanding of how to best support how drugs are delivered to the human body.
This major is strategic for students who are looking to enter organizations like biotechnology companies, universities, and regulatory agencies. This degree can also help you work toward a pharmacy graduate program. The subjects you’ll typically study include biopharmaceutics, drug transport, and pharmacodynamics.
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These are only a few of the many subjects you’ll encounter in your studies, as these programs are often extensive and rigorous in their approach.
Public Health
During a public health degree program, students explore the health needs and programs of communities. Your studies will include methods and strategies for stopping the spread of disease and encouraging people to live healthier lives.
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These programs are beneficial for people who are interested in entering healthcare as community health specialists, quality improvement coordinators, and public health administrators. Some of the primary subjects you’ll study include biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services administration. These courses are also a solid foundation for pharmacy graduate studies.
Psychology
Psychology programs also serve as potential academic foundations for students who are looking to become pharmacists.
During a psychology program, you can study human behavior, the human brain, and how different medications may affect a patient. Psychology degree programs are particularly useful for careers in business, education, and counseling. That said, graduates are by no means limited to these fields.
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During your time as a psychology major, you may encounter subjects like developmental psychology, educational psychology, and social psychology. These are largely meant to help you narrow your focus and decide which brand of psychology best suits you.
Pharmacy Careers and Salaries
Bachelor degrees in pharmacy can open the door to many careers in science and healthcare. It’s common for graduates who enroll in a pre-pharmacy program to go on to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in order to become pharmacists.
Students can also choose to take their bachelors, though, and pursue entry-level roles in the field. Others choose to pursue medical school or professional doctorates in various health sciences such as a Doctor of Pharmacy online or on-campus program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of career paths related to pharmacy studies.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Pharmacists | $132,750 |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives — Technical and Scientific Products | $97,710 |
| Microbiologists | $81,990 |
| Chemists | $80,670 |
| Technical Writers | $79,960 |
| Health Education Specialists | $59,990 |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $58,250 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $57,380 |
| Chemical Technicians | $50,840 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $37,790 |
Many factors—such as your geographic location, prior education, chosen industry, and work experience—can affect the hiring process. Your chosen bachelor degree program can also affect your qualifications for specific career paths.
A pre pharmacy program, though, can help you build a solid foundation for entry-level roles in the science and healthcare field. The type of major you complete can also affect your job qualifications.
Pre Pharmacy Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
The coursework for pre pharmacy programs will depend on the selected major, though many have overlapping topics. If you were to enroll in a pre pharmacy program, you might encounter courses similar to the following:
- Organic Chemistry: This course examines carbon-based compounds and topics like elimination reactions and substitution reactions.
- Anatomy: This course exposes you to the general structure and function of the human body.
- Microbiology: In this course, you’ll study viruses, bacteria, and cellular organisms.
- Calculus: This course exposes you to fundamental calculus concepts.
- General Biology I: This course exposes you to concepts like growth, development, energy utilization, and more, all from a molecular perspective.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology 2: In this course, you’ll study the human body, specifically its organ systems, in extensive detail.
- Principles of Chemistry I: This course emphasizes the foundational principles of chemistry so that you can better understand advanced scientific concepts.
- Basic Biochemistry: In this course, you’ll learn about the essential concepts in biochemistry, like amino acids, lipids, proteins, and more.
- Introduction to Microeconomics: This course teaches you how to understand the economic theories and concepts that influence economic issues.
- Basic Statistics: In this course, you’ll learn how to understand and interpret numerical data.
These only represent a few of the many courses you may encounter in your studies.
Admissions Requirements
Here are some common admissions criteria that you may encounter when applying for bachelor programs:
- Online application and potential fee
- SAT or ACT scores (not required by all schools)
- High school diploma or GED equivalent transcripts
- Personal essay
Pre-pharmacy in itself is an umbrella topic, so admission requirements for pre-pharmacy degree programs will vary depending on the specific school and major you choose. It’s strategic to review the specific admissions criteria of your programs of choice.
Pre-Pharmacy Programs Accreditation
When exploring pre-pharmacy programs, it’s strategic to ensure you’re looking at schools that hold regional accreditation. Essentially, accreditation certifies that an institution consistently provides its students with a high-quality education.
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Earning a degree from an accredited school is often more attractive to employers. Enrolling in an accredited college is also a precondition for certain forms of financial aid. The accreditation status of your school is especially important if you plan to pursue a pharmacy masters or doctorate, as most graduate programs only recognize accredited undergraduate degrees.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
It’s common for college students to seek financial aid to help them cover the upfront costs of their education.
The primary source of financial aid for most students is federal aid, which often comes in the form of grants, student loans, or work-study programs. You can fill out and submit the FAFSA to begin the application process for need-based aid administered by the government.
You can also apply for scholarships or grants from various sources, such as your prospective school, professional organizations, and private institutions. Applying for aid doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive it, as there can be a range of eligibility requirements and application processes for different types of aid. You might consider applying for multiple forms of aid to increase your chances of receiving financial assistance.
What Is a Pre Pharmacy Degree?
A pre pharmacy degree is an undergraduate program that is designed to help students prepare and qualify for a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
That said, pre-pharmacy is not usually a degree or major in itself. It is rather an umbrella term for various majors that can help undergraduate students qualify for pharmacy graduate studies. Some schools also offer specific pre-pharmacy tracks within relevant degree programs.
In a degree program that can be categorized as pre pharmacy, you can take various prerequisite courses that are necessary for admission to pharmacy school. Pre pharmacy programs can also help prepare you for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).
What Can You Do with a Pre Pharmacy Degree?
After completing a pre pharmacy program, many students go on to continue their education with a masters in pharmaceutical online or on campus or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
For many, the logical next step is to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) to enter pharmacy school and work toward becoming pharmacists. That said, some graduates choose to directly enter the healthcare field after earning their bachelors.
Their specific major could impact their potential career paths, but many find work in academic pharmacy, government agencies, community practice, hospice, insurance companies, and more. The unique skills of these graduates often make them versatile in health and wellness fields.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Pre Pharmacy Degree Online?
A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy usually requires at least 120 credits. This generally takes students 4 years to complete with full-time enrollment. Some online programs offer accelerated tracks that enable you to finish more quickly. On the other hand, enrolling part-time could lengthen the duration of your studies.
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Some pharmacy colleges offer pre pharmacy tracks that don’t end in degrees. Rather, they help students complete undergraduate prerequisites to qualify for the school’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. These tracks may take less time to complete if they have fewer credit hours.
What’s the Difference Between Pre Med vs. Pre Pharmacy Programs?
Here are some of the key differences between pre med programs and pre pharmacy programs.
| Pre Med Programs | Pre Pharmacy Programs |
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While these types of programs have some overlapping coursework in terms of life sciences, they are geared toward different graduate paths.
Is a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor degree in pharmacy is worth it for many students. Bachelor degrees related to pharmacy studies are likely to cover topics such as biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology. This type of bachelor degree can help you qualify for a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program if you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist.
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A pharmacy-related bachelor program can also help you qualify for entry-level roles in the health and sciences fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2% job growth is expected for pharmacists over the next ten years. Overall employment for healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% over the same period.
Universities Offering Online Pre Pharmacy Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. The program requires the completion of 42 classes for a total of 120 credits. Each class is 7.5 weeks long. The program requires hands-on lab experiences. These can be completed on-campus in week-long residencies or at an approved local school. The program also provides lab kits and e-labs to complete labs during online courses.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clarkson College offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with a Pre-Health Professional Track. Applications for the program are accepted year-round, and it can typically be completed in 8 to 10 semesters. In addition to taking classes both online and on campus, the program requires the completion of a 90 hour fieldwork experience and a capstone project.
Clarkson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Doane University’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Pre-Health Professions is available online and at the Lincoln and Crete campuses. The program emphasizes experiential learning and provides the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio and receive faculty mentorship. The curriculum is designed to encourage thinking about healthcare holistically.
Doane University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern University offers a BA in Biochemical Studies. The program includes the necessary courses to prepare for pharmacy school but may be taken in preparation for other healthcare careers as well. Eastern University’s FastPass program can potentially be completed in just 3 years.
Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Logan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology both online and on campus. This flexible program uses a trimester calendar and can usually be completed in 3 to 4 years. The trimesters are 15 weeks long and begin in January, May, and September. Applications are accepted year-round.
Logan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mercer University offers an undergraduate pre-pharmacy track in a blended format, with some classes online and others on campus in Atlanta. On-campus classes are held in the evenings to accommodate working adults. Classes are 8 weeks long, and there are five start dates every year.
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norfolk State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Classes are available both in person and online and have an average size of 45 students. The curriculum emphasizes the development of strong research skills through lab work. NSU offers mentorship and career counseling services.
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a BS in Biology that can be earned online. The program offers emphases in Organismal Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Potential courses include Ecology, Genetics, and Foundations in Biochemistry. The program requires the completion of two organic chemistry labs that may be completed during the summer in a hybrid mix of on-campus and online sessions.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Kentucky offers a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry specifically designed for students who plan to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Most of the major coursework can typically be completed in 3 years, usually allowing students to start PharmD coursework during their fourth year.
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Texas offers a BS in Biomedical Sciences. The degree can be earned 100% online. For those who have 60 credit hours to transfer in, the program can typically be completed in 4 to 6 semesters. UNT offers access to career services, tutoring, and faculty mentorship.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Pre Pharmacy Bachelors Degree Online
Online pre pharmacy programs are beneficial for students who have a passion for the sciences and a desire to help others. Pre pharmacy programs are often science-based majors that can help you complete prerequisite courses for pharmacy school.
Biochemistry, public health, and kinesiology are just a few of the majors that can help you build a strong foundation for pharmacy graduate programs. Some pharmacy schools even offer a non-degree pre pharmacy track that leads into their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
You can start exploring accredited schools today to see your options for online bachelor programs that are considered pre pharmacy.
