Pre-Pharmacy Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Pre-Pharmacy Studies is a focused academic pathway designed to equip students with the foundational scientific and analytical knowledge essential for success in professional pharmacy programs. This program emphasizes rigorous coursework in the natural sciences, mathematics, and health-related disciplines to build a strong academic profile for competitive pharmacy school admissions.
- General Chemistry: Explores the fundamental principles of atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and thermodynamics, providing a critical basis for understanding drug composition and behavior.
- Organic Chemistry: Focuses on the structure, properties, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds, which are central to pharmaceutical development and drug design.
- Biology: Covers cellular processes, genetics, physiology, and biological systems, offering insight into human health, disease mechanisms, and the body’s response to medications.
- Calculus: Develops advanced mathematical reasoning skills necessary for analyzing pharmacokinetics, dosage calculations, and research data in pharmaceutical sciences.
- Physics: Introduces principles of motion, energy, and forces, supporting the understanding of drug delivery systems and biomedical instrumentation.
- English Composition: Enhances written and critical thinking skills, essential for effective communication in healthcare settings and academic research.
- Psychology or Sociology: Explores human behavior and social factors influencing health, contributing to a well-rounded perspective on patient care and healthcare systems.
Pre-Pharmacy Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pre-Pharmacy Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pre-Pharmacy Studies degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Pre-Pharmacy Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Pre-Pharmacy Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pre-Pharmacy Studies is found at South College (56 graduates), Ferris State University (FSU) (50 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (14 graduates), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) (14 graduates), and Regis University (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 207 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South College |
Associate's
|
56 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Private | south.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Associate's
|
50 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
14 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
|
14 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | lecom.edu |
| Regis University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Public | qcc.edu |
| South Texas College (STC) |
Associate's
|
9 | McAllen, Texas | Public | southtexascollege.edu |
| East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Scooba, Mississippi | Public | eastms.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
| Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Tulsa Community College (TCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsacc.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Hagerstown Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Hagerstown, Maryland | Public | hagerstowncc.edu |
| Henry Ford College (HFC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | hfcc.edu |
| San Juan College (SJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Farmington, New Mexico | Public | sanjuancollege.edu |
| Schreiner University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kerrville, Texas | Private | schreiner.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Associate's
|
2 | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| University of California (UCSF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | San Francisco, California | Public | ucsf.edu |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Associate's
|
1 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| Concordia University (CUC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | River Forest, Illinois | Private | cuchicago.edu |
| Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
| Madonna University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Livonia, Michigan | Private | madonna.edu |
| Campbell University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Buies Creek, North Carolina | Private | campbell.edu |
| Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lubbock, Texas | Private | lcu.edu |
| South Plains College |
Associate's
|
1 | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
| Saint Michael's College (SMC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Colchester, Vermont | Private | smcvt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pre-Pharmacy Studies programs
Which universities have the largest Pre-Pharmacy Studies programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Pre-Pharmacy Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include South College (56 graduates), Ferris State University (FSU) (50 graduates), and Missouri State University, Springfield (14 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Pre-Pharmacy Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 135 in 2010 to 207 in 2023-24. This represents a 53% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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