Pharmaceutical Chemistry Major

Pharmaceutical chemistry drives the production of new drugs that fight disease and promote healthier, more active lives. Saint Joseph’s is the only university in the region offering a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry. As a pharmaceutical chemistry major, you’ll learn all aspects of drug development, from initial design to delivery. You’ll gain valuable, hands-on experience and use sophisticated equipment in laboratory courses such as Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Synthesis. You’ll also have the opportunity to intern and conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member and an industrial/governmental scientist.

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What Can I Do with a Pharmaceutical Chemistry Degree?

Our four-year program prepares you for rewarding careers with pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. Pharmaceutical chemists — chemists who help prevent, cure and relieve symptoms of diseases — are in high demand within the vast pharmaceutical industry and are employed in government regulatory agencies such as the: 

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

They may also be involved in drug synthesis and drug analysis or as a technical representative in the marketing division of a company.

With a pharmaceutical chemistry degree, you may also pursue law, business or teaching. Many of our graduates also go on to medical, dental or other professional schools or pursue an advanced degree in science or engineering.

What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Our program is certified by the American Chemical Society and offers countless research opportunities through laboratory courses.

  • Examine molecules and their protein receptors with powerful Beowulf supercomputers in our West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design.

  • Use sophisticated laboratory equipment and advanced technology in our state-of-the-art labs, including 400-MHz NMR spectrometers, high-pressure liquid chromatographs and computer clusters with more than 2,000 processors.

  • Strong cross-disciplinary interaction enables collaboration with peers and faculty in chemistry, pharmacology/toxicology and biology programs.

Why Study Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Philadelphia?

Saint Joseph’s is the only university in the region offering a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry. Here in Philadelphia, you’re in the heart of the health science industry, surrounded by 250 medical facilities and within two hours of 75% of all U.S. pharmaceutical firms. The city’s diverse population and rich healthcare employment opportunities offer a unique environment to gain experience in pharmaceutical research. Become a practice-ready pharmaceutical chemist in a range of areas through Saint Joseph’s full-time program at our University City campus.

Program Details

  • In your first two years, you’ll acquire a solid foundation in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, math and physics. In your third and fourth years, you’ll enhance your knowledge with courses directly related to drug development, including computer-aided drug design, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutics.

    The 2022-2023 Academic Catalog will be available soon. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Double Majors and Minors

    Here at Saint Joseph’s, we encourage you to double major or add a minor to make your experience rewarding and unique. The following majors or minors can complement your pharmaceutical chemistry degree:

  • The tuition for a pharmaceutical chemistry major entering fall 2022 is $49,410/year*. *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed cost breakdown.

    Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Major Admission Information

To apply for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry BS program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they will strengthen your application.

Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student. You can also get a feel for life as a Hawk with our in-person and virtual visit opportunities.

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Pharmaceutical Sciences Major

Find your calling in developing, manufacturing and evaluating medications as a pharmaceutical sciences major. Saint Joseph’s is one of the few universities in the U.S. that offers a BS in pharmaceutical sciences degree.

Pharmacology and Toxicology Major

The bachelor’s in pharmacology and toxicology program at Saint Joseph’s is one of the few undergraduate programs of its kind in the country. Examine the effectiveness and toxicity of chemicals and medications as a pharmacology and toxicology major through a hands-on, career-focused curriculum.

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