What major should I choose if I plan on being a pharmacist in the future?

[Trantrum]

I've talked to several people and they said that either Biochemistry or Chemistry would do.
What are the pros and cons of both?
Is one better than the other, in your opinion?
If you were stuck in my situation, which one would you pick?

I'm not sure if this is in the right section of the forum.
If it is not, I apologize.
Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[tm79602]

There is not a particular major that you need in order to get into pharmacy school. The science majors (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry) are the popular with pre-health students, because it is geared towards them. It is easier to have that major and go with the school's plan towards your degree. Compare the plans and figure out what pharmacy schools you would like to attend. Look at their prerequisites and see if one plan is more geared towards the pharmacy school's requirements. Pick what is most comfortable with you and make sure you satisfy the prereqs for your pharmacy school(s) of choice. Good luck!!

 

[rxlea]

The major doesn't matter as long as you do the pre-reqs and excel in them. Pick the major you want to do, even if it is psychology, history, music, etc. Chances are you will enjoy it more and probably do very well because you like the material. In the end, you will have a degree and that makes you a more competitive applicant.

 

[crazybob]

I've talked to several people and they said that either Biochemistry or Chemistry would do.
What are the pros and cons of both?
Is one better than the other, in your opinion?
If you were stuck in my situation, which one would you pick?

I'm not sure if this is in the right section of the forum.
If it is not, I apologize.
Thanks!

As a former chemistry major, I can tell you that you really get into the chemistry side of things with organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Then when you get to courses like Biochem and PDA, you tend to enjoy them and take an extra interest to learn more about them. The cons are, that you become less and less interested in Bio and bio courses tend to be difficult.

If you pick Biochem, you get a bit of Bio and Chem at the same time. But you don't develop a very focused interest in either one. You're always doing both, so you would be used to having them at the same time. It would make you sort of well-rounded I suppose.

 

[ShadowRX]

As a former chemistry major, I can tell you that you really get into the chemistry side of things with organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Then when you get to courses like Biochem and PDA, you tend to enjoy them and take an extra interest to learn more about them. The cons are, that you become less and less interested in Bio and bio courses tend to be difficult.

If you pick Biochem, you get a bit of Bio and Chem at the same time. But you don't develop a very focused interest in either one. You're always doing both, so you would be used to having them at the same time. It would make you sort of well-rounded I suppose.

Depends on how your undergrad school handles your curriculum in Bio/Chem/Biochem, it varies. Being a Biochem grad (with Chem minor) this coming May, Biochem is between Bio and Chem, but nevertheless it's actually the best of both worlds if you're looking for a research opportunity like I am.

Some schools are offering BS's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, so look out for that. Biochem, or Bio with Chem minor, or Chem with Bio minor - best shot at covering P1 year.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

So people with degrees are more competitive applicants?

 

[Passion4Sci]

So people with degrees are more competitive applicants?

I can see the trend, certainly!

Think about it... it's one more metric, that says, "Hey, I can complete upper division coursework as well as lower division." It allows more data points, doesn't it?

Seems like fairly basic reasoning to me, and since approximately 60% of all matriculants for last year had 4-year degrees, I'd say it's a pretty good idea to get one. I mean, what if the worst happens and you wash out of pharmacy school after, say, 1.5 years? Then you're left with what, an Associate's degree worth of school, and now you've got to go back and finish a degree?

To me, the choice seems crystal clear...

 

[ShadowRX]

So people with degrees are more competitive applicants?

I can see the trend, certainly!

Think about it... it's one more metric, that says, "Hey, I can complete upper division coursework as well as lower division." It allows more data points, doesn't it?

Seems like fairly basic reasoning to me, and since approximately 60% of all matriculants for last year had 4-year degrees, I'd say it's a pretty good idea to get one. I mean, what if the worst happens and you wash out of pharmacy school after, say, 1.5 years? Then you're left with what, an Associate's degree worth of school, and now you've got to go back and finish a degree?

To me, the choice seems crystal clear...

Yes, RX schools take a mix of 2 year undergrad, 4 year BS holders, and some MS's and PhD's. They need some variety.

 

[koercive]

Pick a major you enjoy. I picked psychology

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Well, I got my B.S. seven years ago. That's why I was asking.