Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology: Pre-Pharmacy Emphasis
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology: Pre-Pharmacy Emphasis
journey today.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy can provide the foundation for those looking to pursue future pharmacist roles. In this degree program at Grand Canyon University, you will take the core coursework needed to prepare yourself to sit for the Pharmacy College Admission test (PCAT: if needed) and potentially step into a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in the future.
If you enjoy examining the fundamentals of scientific principles that can help establish a framework for more advanced curriculum within pharmacology, this degree may be right for you.
Many pharmacists work with customers, other pharmacists and pharmacy techs on a regular basis. This means that you can benefit from developing skills in interpersonal communications.1 You will be taught skills that can help you prepare to discuss pharmacology and human physiology with people at a general and professional level.
In addition, you will study current theories and practices in pharmacology and consider timely topics that may impact customers.
Some of these theories, practices and topics include:
Complex biological networks
Communication of case studies and clinical research
Ethics
Human anatomy
Lab methods
Molecular biology
Practical pharmacology skills
Scientific inquiry
Graduates from this degree at GCU have the opportunity to prepare themselves to move on to graduate-level studies. The core coursework in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry and genetics may count as prerequisites for other allied health graduate programs.
Depending on certain state requirements, you may qualify to become a pharmacy technician right away or by completing an additional training program and passing a certification exam.2 Alternatively, you may choose to complete graduate-level education in pursuit of a career as a potential pharmacist.
Not all bachelor’s in biology degrees offer the same quality of instruction. It’s important to choose a program from a university or college that has been institutionally accredited — an indicator of the quality of the school. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that emphasizes quality education.
BS in Biology With an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy FAQs
Before getting started on your career path, you may wish to do some additional research to ensure you are making an informed decision that’s right for your future. The following frequently asked questions and answers can provide a starting point for your career-related research.
Our pre-med and pre-pharmacy emphasis programs are similar, but they do have their differences. Our pre-pharmacy emphasis offers more advanced courses in pharmacology. The pre-pharmacy emphasis also requires a calculus course, while the pre-med emphasis does not require a core calculus course.
A pre-pharmacy program can prepare you to pursue a range of careers in STEM fields. Many students who enroll in these programs intend to go on to pharmacy school so that they can pursue careers as pharmacists.1 Others may decide that a bachelor’s degree concludes their education and become pharmacy technicians (an additional certification may be necessary to become a pharmacy tech).2 Beyond careers in a pharmacy, there are other options to consider. Some examples are working as a biological technician, a life scientist, a biological science teacher or even becoming a forensic science technician.
Although there is no universal requirement regarding an undergraduate major for future pharmacists, some pharmacy schools do indeed prefer or require that applicants have a biology degree or a related degree.1 While working through a bachelor’s in biology with a prepharmacy emphasis, you will be taught complex pharmacology concepts and other core competencies that can prepare you to apply for pharmacy school to become a pharmacist. With this degree, you may also initially be eligible to work as a pharmacy tech or in related positions with additional certification.2
The bachelor’s in biology degree with a pre-pharmacy emphasis requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the courses are 15 weeks in length. To better understand how long it might take you to earn your undergraduate degree, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
In addition to earning your baccalaureate degree, becoming a pharmacist typically requires the completion of a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school.1 Pharm.D. program lengths can vary. In addition, aspiring pharmacists are generally expected to complete supervised work experiences, and some go on to complete a residency or fellowship program.1 Typically, pharmacists are also required to pass two exams to obtain state licensure. Licensure requirements may vary by state.1 Once you become a licensed pharmacist, you’ll be ready to get to work helping others in your community take charge of their health.
Specialized Bachelor’s in Biology Degree Options Focused on Your Interests
At GCU, our BS in Biology offers a variety of emphases to help you specialize in a particular area of science. These emphases range from pre-dentistry to veterinary medicine.
Start Your Journey Today
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist, a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy may be the right choice for you. Contact a university counselor at GCU by filling out the form on this page and take the first step toward your future.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Pharmacist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 21, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to become a Pharmacy Technician. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 21, 2023.