Program Overview

Program Objectives

• To provide a well-rounded undergraduate education with an emphasis on the pharmaceutical sciences.
• To integrate knowledge with hands-on experience to enhance career path development.

The four-year curriculum for the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences begins with a foundation of coursework in mathematics and the basic sciences (chemistry, biology, physics). This inter-disciplinary 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 curriculum also includes elective credits for individual preparation and educational focus.

Students are able to specialize in one of two distinct areas. These are Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (MCMP) and Industrial and Physical Pharmacy (IPPH).

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (MCMP):

The Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (MCMP) Specialization will prepare students to attend graduate school in medicinal chemistry and/or molecular pharmacology. Students choosing this curriculum may also elect a career within the pharmaceutical industry at the BS level (research and development, support of clinical trial operations, regulatory or pharmaceutical sales and marketing). Most students whose career goals include attending medical or dental school will enroll in the MCMP specialization.

Industrial and Physical Pharmacy (IPPH):

The Industrial and Physical Pharmacy (IPPH) Specialization will prepare students to attend graduate school in the areas of pharmaceutics, physical pharmacy, and regulatory science. The IPPH specialization is also appropriate for students whose career goals include the Research and Development of dosage forms (oral, Parenteral, Transdermal, etc.) of prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs, working in the laboratory, from their discovery, through the development process and into the support and management of large-scale manufacturing operations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Career Paths

The BSPS program offers practical experience through internship programs in industry, government agencies, and on-campus research laboratories. Students are encouraged to spend at least one summer in an internship.

An elective summer industrial internship program provides practical learning opportunities in a variety of industrial settings. Internships in the pharmaceutical industry may be available in the United States, Europe and Puerto Rico. Internships are currently ten to thirteen uninterrupted weeks between the spring and fall semesters. Students are paid a nominal stipend (The Purdue Pharmacy School and partner companies collaborate each year regarding the appropriate stipend based on a 40-hour week). Most companies provide for housing directly or provide a reasonable housing allowance. Many companies find it convenient to house students in apartments located on the campus of nearby universities. Some companies elect to provide a reasonable travel allowance to and from the company location using West Lafayette, IN as a starting point.

The faculty also encourages undergraduate students to engage in mentored laboratory research. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities are available in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, and in the Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, during the regular school year and during the summer months as interns. Academic interns may receive a stipend. Alternatively, students may elect to receive credit for the internship experience.

Career path opportunities with a degree in pharmaceutical sciences include entry-level technical positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry; graduate education in pharmaceutical, medical, and basic sciences; and post-baccalaureate professional education in medicine, law and business. A general presentation of careers for those obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) degree has been provided by the AAPS. You should recognize that this is not a professional degree program. Completion of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree requirements does not qualify the student for state board examination to become a registered pharmacist.

Follow this link for a multimedia presentation about the BSPS program (11 minutes; requires Real Player plug-in).

Career Development and Academic Advising

Campus career development resources are utilized to prepare students for effective career investigation and intern/job search activities. The Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences will provide support and direction for students. An academic advisor from the Office of Student Services (OSS) will help in planning schedules and must approve the courses which each student selects at registration. (Students in this program are required to meet with their advisor every semester as part of the regular registration process.) Students are encouraged to develop relationships with more advanced students and faculty to explore career and educational opportunities, as well as internship and experiential possibilities.

Costs/Expenses:

The University Undergraduate Admissions office maintains an estimate of costs of attendance. However, the Univeristy's fee structure is complex, and depends in part on which semester you first enrolled at Purdue. Please see the Bursar's list of tuition and fee rates for more information.