The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy is to provide a rigorous and interdisciplinary four-year degree program that may be integrated with summer internships in academia or in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates of the programs will be highly sought after by the global pharmaceutical industry to support research, development and manufacturing operations. Graduates of the degree programs will be among the strongest available candidates for entry to the best graduate and professional schools, and for entry to the pharmaceutical industry. Alumni will be well positioned to assume significant leadership positions within the pharmaceutical industry and within academia, as faculty, further enhancing the stature of the Purdue College of Pharmacy, its development efforts, and of Purdue University as a whole.

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.

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 College of Pharmacy 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 College of Pharmacy 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 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 University'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.