Pharmacology Degrees

Pharmacology programs are designed to help students learn about drugs and their effects on the human body. Students in these degree programs develop an understanding of how new chemical substances are created and taught how to analyze the effects of medicinal compounds already in use. The pharmacology programs differ from pharmacy degrees. The focus of pharmacy programs is on instructing students on how to dispense prescription drugs in pharmacies while the pharmacology programs are based on the research and development of those drugs.

What Pharmacologists Do
Pharmacologists are geared towards determining how drugs work so they can be used safely and effectively. They investigate how potential medicines interact with biological systems. These professionals may undertake in vitro research that involves using cells or animal tissues or in vivo research in which whole animals are used to find out what effects the drug might have on humans. Additionally, conducting research to aid drug discovery and development is also the responsibility of these professionals. The areas of specialization within this field include regulatory pharmacology, clinical pharmacology and neuro pharmacology.

Pharmacology Degrees
Students who are interested in pharmacology can work towards completing relevant bachelor’s degrees. The program will help students get to know the basics of biological sciences. The curriculum may include courses such as toxicology, medicinal chemistry, drug delivery systems, as well as molecular cell biology and path physiology. Students in these programs also develop research skills.

Master as well as PhD programs are also available in pharmacology. The graduate program includes degrees in cardiovascular pharmacology, viral pharmacology, drug development and free radical biology. Students can also work towards therapeutics, evidence-based medicine, and clinical investigation programs. These programs provide learners with the skills required to conduct research in pharmacology and therapeutics.

Students that are interested in research can pursue the PhD program. This degree focuses on pharmacology and physiology. Students also study biochemistry, principles of pharmacology and advanced pharmacology. The research-based dissertation is the most important aspect of the PhD program.

Online Pharmacology Degrees
Online pharmacology programs are also available. Students who find it infeasible to enroll in campus-based degree programs can work towards acquiring online degrees and gain credentials that will be of significant help for them in becoming pharmacologists. The online programs are useful for the ones who want to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. Those who want to switch careers or pharmacologists who want to improve their career prospects can pursue an online degree and complete the study requirements without making major changes to their existing routines.

Admissions Requirements
Students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions to the PhD degree require students to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendations and official transcript. Candidates may also have to pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. Other requirements for admissions may vary by school.

Employment Opportunities
Students with degrees in pharmacology can potentially get into the field of developing new drugs. They can also look for jobs in hospital labs or within the public and private health sectors. Students with advanced degrees such as PhDs can choose to conduct academic research.

How long does it take to get a pharmacology degree?

The amount of time it takes to get a pharmacology degree and become a pharmacologist varies. There are certain jobs that would require a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree only. However, most employers would require at least a PhD in pharmacology or a related science. Some pharmacologists also earn a medical degree in addition to a PhD. The amount of time it takes depends on the degree and the path chosen, but generally, it would take up to 10 to 12 years.

What are the requirements to get a pharmacology degree?

To meet the prerequisites for a pharmacology degree, students should have taken courses in general and organic chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, calculus, statistics and so on. Once this coursework is done, students can apply for a pharmacy doctoral degree. Students will have to clear the Pharmacy College Admissions Test before being admitted to a graduate program.

How much can I make after a pharmacology degree?

Once you have completed a pharmacology degree, you can go for a variety of careers depending upon the level of your education. For instance, a pharmacist with a doctoral or a professional degree can make an annual median income of $126,120 per year, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.