What is the Difference Between Pre-Medicine and Pre-Pharmacy?

STEM programs provide quality education and opportunities for success after graduation. See some differences in Pre-Med and Pre-Pharm here.

Start your GCU
journey today.

Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

Degree Level

Make a selection

Class Setting

Make a selection

Area of Study

Make a selection

Program

Make a selection

Current Education Level

Make a selection

Country

United States

Read time 2 minutes

Jessalyn Johnson

Published On Dec 30, 2016

If you have decided to earn a biology degree, you may be wondering whether to choose an emphasis in pre-medicine or pre-pharmacy. While each of these STEM programs provides a quality education and opportunities for success after graduation, the Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine or Pre-Pharmacy each has their differences. Continue reading to learn about what makes these programs unique:

Pre-Medicine

A Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine prepares students for an advanced medical program. This comprehensive program explores a range of topics, including psychology, ethics in healthcare, biological networks and many more. While it is similar to the pre-pharmacy emphasis, this program places a larger focus on the principles and ethics in the healthcare field, while incorporating Christian values within the curriculum.

Those who choose to pursue this degree program may choose to further their education by applying to medical school, dentistry school or other advanced medical programs. Or, they can seek employment as a healthcare provider or working in a clinical or hospital setting.

Pre-Pharmacy

The Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy offers many similar courses to the pre-medicine emphasis. However, it is geared more towards pharmaceutical development and processing. This program provides the building blocks for an advanced education in pharmacy or biology, as students are taught to prepare for a graduate program or other medical pursuits. The courses in this program explore genetics, biochemistry, statistics and anatomy.

Students who earn this degree may choose to apply to pharmacy school. They may also seek employment in the medical industry.

In the end, choosing to pursue a degree in biology is great for those who are passionate about medicine and the inner workings of the human body. Whether you choose to earn an emphasis in pre-medicine or pre-pharmacy, you can learn all you need to know to be a successful graduate student and working professional.

Want to learn more about Grand Canyon University’s degrees offered by the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology? Visit our website or click the Request More Information button at the top of this page.

Written by Jessalyn Johnson, a sophomore majoring in English and professional writing at GCU.