This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

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.

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct expected of pharmaceutical scientists.
  • Explain the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical sciences as they relate to the discovery, development, manufacturing and approval of pharmaceutical products and therapies.
  • Employ basic and advanced pharmaceutical sciences knowledge, skills and attitudes to design and test drug products and therapies.
  • Apply critical thinking, team science, innovative mindset and advanced problem-solving skills to address problems in pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Compare the strengths and limitations of different processes, methods and tools in the discovery, development, manufacturing and approval of drug products and therapies.
  • Create solutions to "real world" problems in pharmaceutical sciences using basic and advanced pharmaceutical sciences knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

For more information, please visit the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences website.