Pre-Pharmacy: Because the world of medicine needs, well, medicine.

Chemistry and biology are inextricably linked. Master that link, and you can change uncountable lives for the better. By rounding out your undergraduate education with a pre-pharmacy program that offers a specialized focus in your areas of interest, you will build momentum toward a rewarding career in healthcare or other sciences. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$128,570

Average Salary

2%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Students Named to Dean's List

16:1

Student-to-Faculty ratio
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The mission of the pre-pharmacy program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for medical school and help you succeed in various fields of service in healthcare and related sciences.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Begin learning the basics of medicine – the reciprocal influence between chemistry and biology.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Pre-Pharmacy Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Clinical Pharmacist: $128,570

Clinical Pharmacist: $128,570

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use. 

Chemical Engineer: $105,550

Chemical Engineer: $105,550

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper. 

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. 

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.  

Clinical Research: $95,310

Clinical Research: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. 

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A pre-pharmacy degree is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for entry into pharmacy school. It provides a strong foundation in subjects like chemistry, biology, and mathematics, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

A pre-pharmacy degree typically takes about two to three years to complete, depending on the institution and the student's course load. Some students may choose to complete a four-year bachelor's degree in a related field before applying to pharmacy school.

While some coursework for a pre-pharmacy program might be available online, most pre-pharmacy degrees require on-campus attendance due to the hands-on nature of lab work and other practical components. It's important to check with individual institutions for specific program offerings.

Yes, a pre-pharmacy degree is worth it for students aiming to become pharmacists. It provides the necessary prerequisites for pharmacy school, where graduates can pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, with strong job prospects and competitive salaries.

A pre-pharmacy degree primarily prepares students for further education in pharmacy school. However, it can also lead to entry-level positions in healthcare, research, or laboratory settings, such as pharmacy technician, research assistant, or laboratory technician.

To obtain a pre-pharmacy degree, you must enroll in a college or university that offers a pre-pharmacy program. Complete the required coursework, which typically includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. After finishing the pre-pharmacy program, you can apply to pharmacy schools to continue your education.

While a pre-pharmacy degree is specifically tailored for entry into pharmacy school, degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related sciences are also excellent preparation for a PharmD program. These degrees cover many of the same prerequisites required for pharmacy school admission.

Pre-pharmacy and pre-med are similar in that both are preparatory tracks for professional healthcare programs, but they are distinct in their focus. Pre-pharmacy is specifically tailored for students planning to attend pharmacy school, while pre-med prepares students for medical school and a career as a physician.

Pharmacists often major in pre-pharmacy, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry during their undergraduate studies. These majors provide the necessary science background and prerequisites needed for admission to pharmacy school.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Pre-Pharmacy

Learn more about the pre-pharmacy professors you'll be interacting with at Cumberlands.

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116

Request Information

Ask us about our pre-pharmacy program today.

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