Pharmaceutical Sciences

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) is a four-year degree program that begins with a foundation of coursework in mathematics and the basic sciences -- chemistry, biology, and physics. This interdisciplinary program then progresses to advanced coursework in the pharmaceutical sciences, including aspects of drug design and synthesis, mechanisms of drug action, pharmacology and toxicology, dosage formulation, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. 

The four-year BSPS program trains students for diverse positions in industrial, academic, or other research environments within the areas of drug discovery, development, and commercialization. It also prepares students for professional or graduate studies in graduate education in pharmaceutical, medical, and basic sciences and post-baccalaureate professional education in medicine, law, and business.

Founded in 1884, Purdue’s College of Pharmacy consistently ranks among the top 10 best pharmacy programs in the nation by the US News & World Report. Numerous research opportunities, an innovative teaching pedagogy, and world-renowned, caring faculty create a cutting edge learning environment.

Employers are drawn by the quality, depth, and experiential learning of Purdue pharmacy graduates. The College of Pharmacy is making a difference locally and globally.

Undergraduate Programs

All new students enter the College with a major in Pharmaceutical Sciences and then select from one of two educational goals:

1. Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy is a two-year, curriculum that is intended to prepare students for entry into the Pharm.D. program below. Students who complete their pre-pharmacy pre-requisites at Purdue - West Lafayette with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 are eligible for Pharmacy Priority Admissions status. This ensures students priority consideration for admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program (see Professional Program section for more info). Completing your Pre-pharmacy work through Purdue’s two year program can save you up to two years of study and student loan debt, as well as enter the job market two years sooner. The first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) degree is considered our Pre-Pharm.D. program and as such meets admissions prerequisite requirements.
   
   
2. The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) is a four-year undergraduate program that stresses the multidisciplinary basic sciences related to drug discovery, development, and commercialization. A degree in this program does not allow graduates to become licensed pharmacists.

Professional Program

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) - Completion of the pre-requisites is required, after which successful applicants continue their studies for an additional four years. Graduating from this program allows students to sit for the licensure exam to practice pharmacy.