Psychopharmacology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Psychopharmacology explores how medications, drugs, nutrients, and various chemical agents influence behavior and mental processes, integrating insights from laboratory research and real-world clinical applications. This interdisciplinary field investigates the complex interactions between psychoactive substances and the nervous system, aiming to understand both therapeutic effects and potential risks.
- Pharmacology: The study of how drugs interact with biological systems, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Behavioral Toxicology and Pharmacology: Focuses on the adverse behavioral and cognitive effects of toxic substances and their mechanisms of action in the brain.
- Neuroscience: Examines the structure and function of the nervous system, providing foundational knowledge for understanding drug effects on neural circuits.
- Physiology: Investigates the functional processes of the body, particularly those related to nervous system regulation and response to pharmacological agents.
- Clinical Psychopharmacology: Applies pharmacological principles to the treatment of mental health disorders in patient care settings.
- Substance Abuse Treatments and Antidotes: Covers evidence-based interventions and emergency protocols for managing drug overdoses and addiction.
- Neurochemical Mechanisms: Analyzes how neurotransmitters and neuromodulators mediate the effects of psychoactive substances on mood, cognition, and behavior.
- Epidemiology of Chemicals and Substances: Studies patterns, causes, and effects of exposure to psychoactive and toxic agents within populations.
- Biochemical Interactions: Explores molecular-level processes through which drugs and chemicals alter cellular function and signaling pathways.
- Psychoactive Drugs: Addresses the classification, mechanisms, and impact of substances that alter brain function and behavior, including stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens.
Psychopharmacology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Psychopharmacology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Psychopharmacology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other and 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 1,034,790 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
Psychopharmacology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,305 in Hawaii to $140,633 in District of Columbia—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,034,790 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 Psychopharmacology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Psychopharmacology 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 Psychopharmacology is found at The Chicago School (TCSPP), Los Angeles (21 graduates), New Mexico State University (NMSU), Main Campus (16 graduates), Alliant International University, San Diego (14 graduates), Thomas Jefferson University (13 graduates), and Drake University (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 67 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Chicago School (TCSPP) |
Master's
|
21 | Los Angeles, California | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Master's
|
16 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Alliant International University |
Master's
|
14 | San Diego, California | Private | alliant.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
|
13 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Drake University |
Master's
|
3 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | drake.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Psychopharmacology programs
How much can I earn with a Psychopharmacology degree?
Salaries for Psychopharmacology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Psychologists, All Other earn around $117,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $140,633 compared to $85,305 in Hawaii. Approximately 1,034,790 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 Psychopharmacology programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Psychopharmacology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The Chicago School (TCSPP), Los Angeles (21 graduates), New Mexico State University (NMSU), Main Campus (16 graduates), and Alliant International University, San Diego (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 Psychopharmacology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 72 in 2010 to 67 in 2023-24. This represents a 7% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Psychopharmacology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other, and Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,034,790 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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