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Associate of Science in Science 

Completing the associate degree will waive VCU's general education requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program within the VCU School of Pharmacy will equip students with the knowledge, technical and functional skills essential for the development of innovative pharmaceutical products and therapies that will help improve the quality of human life.

With a strong foundation in basic and applied sciences and hands-on training in teaching laboratories, students will be prepared to tackle real-world problems during on and off-campus experiential learning opportunities while pursuing their degrees. These opportunities include an externship and a yearlong capstone project where student teams, under the supervision of a faculty expert, will work to address open-ended problems in pharmaceutical sciences.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to seek entry-level positions in life sciences industry, research and development, service laboratories and government agencies or to pursue advanced graduate and professional studies. Students will be prepared to work in areas related to the development, formulation, characterization, manufacturing, quality control and assurance, marketing and sales, clinical research coordination, drug safety and pharmacovigilance, medical writing and communication, and regulatory affairs of pharmaceutical products and therapies.

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences equips graduates with a comprehensive understanding of drug development, pharmacology, and the pharmaceutical industry. This program blends chemistry, biology, and engineering principles, fostering skills essential for various roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The broad career options available to these graduates reflect the versatile and dynamic nature of the field.

In the commercial sector, graduates can become Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, leveraging their scientific knowledge to promote and sell medications to healthcare providers. This role requires excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the products they represent. Similarly, graduates can work as Medical Science Liaisons, where they act as intermediaries between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community, providing scientific information and support to healthcare professionals.

In the quality and regulatory domains, roles such as Quality Control Analysts and Regulatory Affairs Associates are crucial. Quality Control Analysts ensure that pharmaceutical products meet stringent quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. Regulatory Affairs Associates, on the other hand, assist in the preparation and submission of regulatory documents, ensuring that new drugs and therapies meet all governmental regulations.