Master in Pharmacology
Pharmacology programs are geared towards providing students with the knowledge about how drugs work. Students in these degrees also learn how to conduct research on animals or on human subjects in order to find out chemical compounds that can be used as medications. These programs may allow candidates to pick an area of specialty such as neuropharmacology, regulatory pharmacology or clinical pharmacology. Both traditional and distance learning schools offer degrees in pharmacology. Graduates generally become pharmacologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for medical scientists look positive with 13% expected growth between 2012 and 2022.
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Pharmacology Degree Programs
Students interested in pharmacology may work toward a bachelors, masters, PhD or Pharm.D. programs. The bachelor's degree may take 4 years to complete while master in pharmacology is a 1-2 years degree. These programs help students learn about the fundamentals of microbiology, pharmacology and toxicology. Students may take courses in pathophysiology, drug delivery systems, and molecular cell biology among other subjects. Candidates in master's degree can take courses in cardiovascular pharmacology, free radical biology, clinical investigation programs and drug development.
PhD degrees allow students to study the concentration in-depth. Combining traditional aspects of pharmacology with new approaches drawn from other concentrations including biophysics, and biomedical engineering, these programs help students learn about the principles of pharmacology and advanced pharmacology. They may also have to complete a dissertation. The enrollment status of the student may help determine the duration of a program. These advanced programs allow students to develop research skills.
Online Degrees in Pharmacology
There are several online schools that offer degrees in pharmacology. Those who want to switch careers or the ones aspiring to improve their career prospects alongside their existing jobs may work towards self-paced online degree programs and study without making major changes to their routine.
Students in distance learning programs can study from the comfort of their homes or any other location. They do not have to worry about making it to classes on time. Instead, they may set their individual schedule and study whenever convenient for them. However, it is important to note that online pharmacology degrees require a lot of discipline and seriousness so candidates must remember to stay focused or they may have a hard time catch up.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor's degree is required to work towards a master's or a PhD degree in pharmacology. Candidates may also have to provide letters of recommendation and a personal statement. In addition, students may also have to submit GRE scores.
Career Prospects
As jobs for pharmacologists are expected to grow much faster than the average of all occupations during 2012 to 2022, earning a degree in this area of study can be a good idea. These medical professionals may find job opportunities in hospital labs or get into academic research. Some also find jobs with scientific research and development services, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. The income of pharmacologists depends on various factors such as job location, qualification and experience. According to BLS, the median annual wage of medical scientists including pharmacologists in 2012 was $76,980.