Arizona Pharmacy Jobs Degree Programs

One local university has more options than the rest when it comes to preparing students for Arizona pharmacy jobs.

The University of Arizona is probably the best bet for anyone studying to become a pharmacist in the state. While many other local colleges and universities have great pharmacy programs, U of A has a variety of options to fit your career goals.

Based in Tucson, U of A has a total enrollment of more than 36,000 students. According to Education-Portal.com, about 7,000 of those are graduate students and about 1,300 are medical and professional students.

The university offers several pharmacy-related degree programs, including:

• Pre-pharmacy - This non-degree program prepares students for entry into the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The course generally includes courses in science, math, and humanities.
• Doctor of Pharmacy - U of A accepts about 100 students into its four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program each year. All pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree before they can become licensed and begin working. In order to be accepted into the program, students must have at least 71 credits of pre-pharmacy courses from an accredited college, 50 hours of volunteer work at a pharmacy, and a passing grade on the Pharmacy College Admission Test.
• Master of Science in Clinical Research - This program prepares students for clinical research jobs in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. Students will become technological experts and learn how to evaluate the risks, costs, and benefits of drug therapies. The program takes less than three years to complete.
• Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics, Policy and Outcomes - This two-year program prepares students for administrative-level jobs in pharmacy-related industries. Students learn how to evaluate private and public policies that maximize cost effectiveness and grant more access to pharmaceutical resources.
• Master of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology - This three-year program focuses on research in chemical pharmacology, environmental toxicity, and proteomics. Students spend most of their time learning about the pharmacological and toxicological effects that certain drugs can have on the body.
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Economics, Policy and Outcomes - As opposed to the master's degree program, this program is more focused on advanced knowledge and extensive research skills. During the five-year course, students conduct research through the Center for Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research.
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology - This advanced degree program includes more extensive research experience than the master's degree program. It usually takes five years to complete.
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics - Students in this program will learn the research skills they need to determine appropriate dosage and delivery methods of medication. Applicants are required to have a minor in a scientific field, and those with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, or physical or biological science have a higher chance of being accepted.
• Ph.D. in Drug Discovery and Development - This biological chemistry program teaches students how to use scientific tools, including natural products and chemical synthesis, to create new and innovative therapies.