A bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences and administration provides an educational foundation for aspiring pharmaceutical sales representatives, who sell pharmaceutical products to doctors' offices, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals. Those who are interested in teaching at the postsecondary level will need to continue studies and complete a Ph.D. before teaching pharmaceutical science.
Essential Information
A pharmaceutical sciences and administration degree program does not qualify students to work as a pharmacist, who must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Instead, these programs are geared toward pharmacists who've decided they need further education. They also might be ideal for students who are interested in pharmaceuticals but do not want to become pharmacists.
These degree programs develop students' knowledge of subjects such as drug development, research methodology and pharmaceutical management. Some programs also allow for specialization in a sub-field like pharmacology.
| Careers | Postsecondary Teacher | Pharmaceutical Sales Representative |
|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | Doctorate | Bachelor's Degree |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 21% (for health specialities postsecondary teachers) | 2% |
| Median Salary | $97,320 (2019 for health specialties postsecondary teachers)* | $68,951 (2021)** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Salary.com
Career Options
Pharmaceutical sciences and administration degree holders can pursue career options as postsecondary teachers, sales representatives and other related occupations.
Postsecondary Teachers
Many students interested in pharmaceuticals choose to pursue academic careers rather than become practicing pharmacists. These individuals generally complete Ph.D. programs and then go on to work as instructors in the field of pharmaceutical science.
Postsecondary teachers plan and lead classes, which can include writing exams, lecturing students and assessing student performance. They also tend to conduct research to develop advancements in the field, and they might publish their findings in journals or other pharmaceutical publications. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers who specialized in health specialties was $97,320 in 2019.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell pharmaceutical products to clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and other organizations. They contact hospital administrators, physicians and pharmacists in order to develop professional relationships and answer questions about the products. Some sales representatives are former pharmacists or pharmaceutical researchers, while others go straight into sales from college. Pharmaceutical sales reps earned a median salary of $68,951 in February 2021, according to Salary.com.
A pharmaceutical science and administration degree covers pharmaceutical product development and the research process involved in developing new drugs. This program provides potential pharmaceutical sales representatives with a solid understanding of the products they will sell. Those who pursue this degree may also continue their studies at the doctoral level to become postsecondary pharmaceutical sciences instructors.
