Pharmaceutical Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BS)
Earn your Pharmacy bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana
Earn your bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and prepare to work in areas critical to the discovery, development and regulation of new drugs and therapies. This research intensive program is the only pharmaceutical research degree of its kind in Montana.
The pharmaceutical sciences major (non-professional option) is ideal for students whose primary career interests are in research and discovery. The program is a great starting point for careers working with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as government institutions and agencies. It’s also excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing graduate study.
projected job growth in health and research over the next decade
estimated average salary of UM bachelor’s in pharmaceutical sciences graduates
only program of its kind in Montana
Other degree options for pharmaceutical sciences at UM
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design
Master of Science in Toxicology
What can you do with a degree in pharmaceutical sciences?
With 20% projected growth in health and medical research jobs by 2028, the career outlook for pharmaceutical sciences majors is excellent in Montana and across the nation.
What degree do you need for pharmaceutical careers?
The bachelor’s in pharmaceutical sciences degree is preferred by employers as the entrance degree for this field. The pharmaceutical sciences major is also a great starting point for earning your master’s degree or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
Pharmaceutical sciences jobs
A bachelor’s in pharmaceutical sciences will prepare you for entry-level positions in government, drug manufacturing and analysis, clinical trial operations and pharmaceutical sales. Example careers include:
- Clinical research associate
- Pharmaceutical scientist
- Regulatory affairs specialist (government and private)
- Pharmaceutical sales associate
Pharmaceutical sciences salary
The average salary for bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences graduates is projected to be over $59,000 per year. With additional education and professional experience, you can earn much more. For example, according to recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists earn $128,710 per year on average, while biochemists make $94,270.
Experiential learning in the pharmaceutical sciences degree
As a pharmaceutical sciences major at UM, you’ll have exciting opportunities to work with faculty on research projects involving drug design and discovery — both within the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and with other departments at the University of Montana. Summer research program opportunities are also available.
Pharmaceutical sciences lab groups are conducting projects that cover the entire gamut of drug discovery — from the molecular pharmacology of signal transduction to drug design and metabolism, to more translational studies in pharmacogenomics and therapeutics with applications in CNS diseases and cancer.
Toxicology lab groups are investigating the molecular, cellular and physiological effects of environmental agents and their capacity to trigger or exacerbate human diseases involving the respiratory, immune, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
The Center for Translational Medicine (CTM)
CTM is a multi-disciplinary research center that assists faculty, staff and students in the translation of pre-clinical research discoveries from bench to bedside. Our faculty obtain grants and contracts from organizations such as NIH, CDC and the Office of Naval Research to support their investigations. Learn more about the Center for Translational Medicine at UM.
Career development in the pharmaceutical sciences degree
As one of the only colleges with pharmaceutical sciences majors in the region, UM offers unique opportunities to build your professional network and connect with potential career opportunities.
Networking events include the UM Conference for Undergraduate Research as well as opportunities available through research laboratories to participate in regional and national scientific conferences. Seminar speakers from across the country offer our majors additional exposure to potential careers in industry and government as well as academia.
Pharmaceutical sciences degree requirements
The curriculum for the bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences is based on the pre-requisites of the PharmD program with electives available to tailor the remaining credits to individual interests or needs. Upper-division core courses explore topics such as pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics, as well as laboratory experiences.
View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences