Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to advancing the science, development, and safe application of medications. This program prepares students for careers at the intersection of medicine, chemistry, and health sciences, emphasizing research, innovation, and patient-centered care.
- Medicinal Chemistry: The study of chemical structures and properties of drugs, focusing on how molecular design influences therapeutic effects and biological activity.
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Analysis of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs, alongside the mechanisms by which drugs produce their effects.
- Drug Development and Formulation: Exploration of the processes involved in transforming a drug candidate into a stable, effective, and safe dosage form for clinical use.
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Application of biological systems and technologies to produce biologic drugs, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies.
- Regulatory Affairs and Drug Policy: Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks governing drug approval, safety monitoring, and compliance with national and international standards.
- Pharmaceutical Administration and Management: Training in healthcare operations, supply chain logistics, and strategic leadership within pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical organizations.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. 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. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $178,830 in Arkansas—a 272% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Utah. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 229,720 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is found at University of Florida (UF) (398 graduates), Long Island University (LIU) (144 graduates), Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (108 graduates), Duquesne University (106 graduates), and Ohio Northern University (ONU) (75 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,079 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida (UF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
398 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Long Island University (LIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
144 | Brookville, New York | Private | liu.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Bachelor's
|
108 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Bachelor's
|
106 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Ohio Northern University (ONU) |
Bachelor's
|
75 | Ada, Ohio | Private | onu.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
72 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of Louisiana (ULM) |
Bachelor's
|
45 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ulm.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
36 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| St. John Fisher University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Rochester, New York | Private | sjf.edu |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | famu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Post-Master's
|
12 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP) |
Associate's
|
11 | San Sebastian, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | bhcc.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Master's
|
7 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
5 | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
| Drake University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | drake.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Master's
|
4 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Gardner, Massachusetts | Public | mwcc.edu |
| Mercer University |
Master's
|
2 | Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| Thomas Edison State University (TESU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Trenton, New Jersey | Public | tesu.edu |
| Francis Marion University (FMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Florence, South Carolina | Public | fmarion.edu |
| Alverno College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | alverno.edu |
| Regis University |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences degree?
Salaries for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $178,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 229,720 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Florida (UF) (398 graduates), Long Island University (LIU) (144 graduates), and Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (108 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 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,062 in 2010 to 1,079 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% 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.
What career paths are available with a Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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