Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is offered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Temple University School of Pharmacy. It is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This program also serves as a pathway to graduate study in pharmaceutical sciences and regulatory affairs or professional programs in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and other fields. It provides a solid science foundation and broad liberal arts education while preparing students for careers in the areas of research/laboratory work, quality control, and administration in pharmaceutics, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. The first two years of study are primarily based in Temple University's Main campus, with the remaining curriculum taught in the School of Pharmacy on the Health Sciences Campus.

This major is open to incoming first-year students. Current Temple students can declare this major if they have been admitted to Temple University and have completed, or are in the process of completing, the undergraduate major requirements.

The BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a 4-year, non-licensure, undergraduate bachelor's degree program, and does not qualify the student for state board examination to become a registered pharmacist.

Concentrations

Students in the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences may select one of the following optional concentrations:

  • Manufacturing and Manufacturing Compliance
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Research
  • Pre-Pharmacy (PharmD)

The Concentration in Manufacturing and Manufacturing Compliance focuses on the production, quality control and regulatory adherence of pharmaceutical products. It covers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), process validation, quality assurance and regulatory requirements to ensure drug safety and efficacy. Students gain expertise in optimizing production processes while meeting strict industry standards and regulations.

The Concentration in Marketing and Sales focuses on strategies for promoting and distributing pharmaceutical products while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Students learn about market analysis, branding, sales techniques and regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceutical advertising. This concentration prepares graduates for careers in pharmaceutical marketing, sales and product management.

The Concentration in Research provides a foundation in drug discovery, development and evaluation through scientific investigation. Students study pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and laboratory techniques to innovate and improve pharmaceutical products. This concentration prepares graduates for careers in biomedical research, drug formulation and pharmaceutical development.

The Pre-Pharmacy Concentration is a pathway for high school graduates pursuing the profession of pharmacy to complete the PharmD prerequisites and, at the end of their second year, enter the PharmD program in the School of Pharmacy at Temple, as part of the Early Assurance Program. Students interested in this path complete undergraduate coursework requirements in two years and receive conditional acceptance based on the completion of these requirements. If admitted, students move to the PharmD program after two years of undergraduate coursework in the School of Pharmacy. Students in the Pre-Pharmacy Concentration do not earn a bachelor's degree and instead work toward the PharmD. Learn more about PharmD and the School of Pharmacy at Temple.

Campus Locations: Main, Health Sciences

Program Code: PH-PS-BS

Contact Information

Craig B. Whitman, PharmD
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Clinical Professor of Pharmacy
Temple University School of Pharmacy
3307 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-707-6821
craig.whitman@temple.edu

Christina Rose, PharmD
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Clinical Professor in Pharmacy Practice
Temple University School of Pharmacy
215-707-8057
christina.rose@temple.edu

Tomas Varela Jr.
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Students
Temple University School of Pharmacy
215-707-5098
tomas.varela@temple.edu

Neal Conley, Director, Academic Advising
Mitten Hall, Suite 110
215-204-2500
dus@temple.edu
https://undergraduate.temple.edu/arc

Office of Pre-Professional Health Advising
Mitten Hall, Suite 110
215-204-2513
healthadvising@temple.edu

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2026-2027. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2026 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (121-125 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive (WI) courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      SCTC 2396Writing for Science and Technology (WI)3
      PP 3896Introduction to Medical Writing (WI)3
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students will satisfy the Quantitative Literacy (GQ) and Science and Technology (GS) requirements with required Math (Calculus) and Science (Biology and Chemistry) coursework.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. School Requirements
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • PP 1001 Pharmacy First-Year Seminar for every entering first-year Pharmacy student.
      • PP 2001 Pharmacy Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer Pharmacy student.
    • All Pharmacy courses (PP and PS) must be completed at Temple.

Math and Science Requirements

Chemistry
Select one of the following:4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
Select one of the following:4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
Select one of the following:4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
Select one of the following:4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
Biology
Select one of the following:4
General Biology I
Introduction to Organismal Biology
Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
Select one of the following:4
General Biology II
Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Mathematics
Select one of the following:4
Differential and Integral Calculus
Calculus I
Honors Calculus I
Physics
Select one of the following:4
Introduction to General Physics I
Elementary Classical Physics I
Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
General Physics I
Honors General Physics I
Anatomy and Physiology
Select one of the following:3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Select one of the following:3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Science and Technology
SCTC 2396Writing for Science and Technology (WI)3
Total Credit Hours41-43
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course

Pharmacy Requirements

PP 1001Pharmacy First-Year Seminar1
or PP 2001 Pharmacy Transfer Seminar
PS 3002Introduction to Pharmaceutical Analysis3
PS 3011Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences I1
PS 3012Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences II1
PS 3145Immunology/Biotechnology3
PS 3151Medicinal Chemistry I4
PS 3161Pharmaceutics I3
PS 3162Pharmaceutics II3
PS 3164Pharmacology I4
PS 3318Clinical Drug Development3
PP 3896Introduction to Medical Writing (WI)3
PP 4254Biostatistics and Medical Literature Evaluation2
Pharmaceutical Sciences Electives
Select from the following list. Students choosing one of the optional concentrations will satisfy these 24-25 credits according to the course options listed separately below for each concentration:24-25
Economics of Pharmacy Practice
Medicinal Chemistry II
Current Good Manufacturing Practices
Toxicology and Good Laboratory Practices in Drug Development
Introduction to FDA Regulations
Global Labeling Regulations: Principles and Practices for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Requirements for Product Labeling and Advertising
Pharmaceutical Marketing
Regulation of Advertising and Promotion for Human Pharmaceutical Products
Preformulation: Small Molecules
Solid Dosage Forms: Small Molecules
Applied Biopharmaceutics
Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development
PS 4129
PS 4201
PS 4202
Concepts in Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacokinetics
PS 4391
Process Monitoring in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Total Credit Hours55-56

Requirements for Optional Concentrations in Manufacturing and Manufacturing Compliance, Marketing and Sales, and Research

Select one of the following optional concentrations (24-25 credits):

Manufacturing and Manufacturing Compliance Concentration

PS 3477Current Good Manufacturing Practices3
PS 3529Introduction to FDA Regulations3
PS 4004Solid Dosage Forms: Small Molecules3
PS 4629Process Monitoring in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing3
Concentration Electives
Select from the following:12-13
Economics of Pharmacy Practice
Medicinal Chemistry II
Pharmaceutical Marketing
Toxicology and Good Laboratory Practices in Drug Development
Global Labeling Regulations: Principles and Practices for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Requirements for Product Labeling and Advertising
Regulation of Advertising and Promotion for Human Pharmaceutical Products
Preformulation: Small Molecules
Applied Biopharmaceutics
Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development
PS 4129
PS 4201
PS 4202
Concepts in Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacokinetics
PS 4391
Total Credit Hours24-25

Marketing and Sales Concentration

PS 3472Pharmaceutical Marketing3
PS 3529Introduction to FDA Regulations3
PS 3532Global Labeling Regulations: Principles and Practices for the Pharmaceutical Industry3
PS 3533Requirements for Product Labeling and Advertising3
PS 3611Regulation of Advertising and Promotion for Human Pharmaceutical Products3
PP 4352Economics of Pharmacy Practice3
Concentration Electives
Select from the following:6-7
Toxicology and Good Laboratory Practices in Drug Development
Current Good Manufacturing Practices
Medicinal Chemistry II
Preformulation: Small Molecules
Solid Dosage Forms: Small Molecules
Applied Biopharmaceutics
Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development
PS 4129
PS 4201
PS 4202
Concepts in Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacokinetics
PS 4391
Process Monitoring in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Total Credit Hours24-25

Research Concentration

PS 3152Medicinal Chemistry II4
PS 4128Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development3
PS 41292
PS 42011
PS 42021
PS 43912
Concentration Electives
Select from the following:12
Pharmaceutical Marketing
Toxicology and Good Laboratory Practices in Drug Development
Current Good Manufacturing Practices
Introduction to FDA Regulations
Requirements for Product Labeling and Advertising
Regulation of Advertising and Promotion for Human Pharmaceutical Products
Solid Dosage Forms: Small Molecules
Applied Biopharmaceutics
Economics of Pharmacy Practice
Concepts in Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacokinetics
Process Monitoring in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Total Credit Hours25

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Years 1-2 Core Curriculum and all concentrations
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
PP 1001 Pharmacy First-Year Seminar 1
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
 
Select one of the following: 4
Differential and Integral Calculus  
Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
 
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
General Biology I  
Introduction to Organismal Biology
or Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
 
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
 
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
3
GenEd Breadth Course 3-4
 Credit Hours14-15
Year 2
Fall
Select one of the following: 4
General Biology II  
Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
or Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
 
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
or Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
 
Select one of the following: 3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I  
Human Anatomy and Physiology I  
SCTC 2396 Writing for Science and Technology [WI] 3
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
3
 Credit Hours17-18
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
 
Select one of the following: 4
Introduction to General Physics I  
Elementary Classical Physics I
or Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
 
General Physics I
or Honors General Physics I
 
Select one of the following: 3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II  
Human Anatomy and Physiology II  
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours14-15
 Total Credit Hours61-64
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
Years 3-4 Core Curriculum (no concentration)
Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
FallCredit Hours
PS 3002 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Analysis 3
PS 3011 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences I 1
PS 3318 Clinical Drug Development 3
PP 3896 Introduction to Medical Writing [WI] 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours13
Spring
PS 3012 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences II 1
PP 4254 Biostatistics and Medical Literature Evaluation 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Pharmaceutical Sciences Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
PS 3145 Immunology/Biotechnology 3
PS 3151 Medicinal Chemistry I 4
PS 3161 Pharmaceutics I 3
Pharmaceutical Sciences Electives 6
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3162 Pharmaceutics II 3
PS 3164 Pharmacology I 4
Pharmaceutical Sciences Electives 9-10
 Credit Hours16-17
 Total Credit Hours60-61
Years 3-4 Manufacturing and Manufacturing Compliance Concentration
Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
FallCredit Hours
PS 3011 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences I 1
PS 3318 Clinical Drug Development 3
PP 3896 Introduction to Medical Writing [WI] 3
PS 3002 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Analysis 3
PS 4004 Solid Dosage Forms: Small Molecules 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3012 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences II 1
PS 3477 Current Good Manufacturing Practices 3
PP 4254 Biostatistics and Medical Literature Evaluation 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Concentration Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
PS 3145 Immunology/Biotechnology 3
PS 3151 Medicinal Chemistry I 4
PS 3161 Pharmaceutics I 3
PS 3529 Introduction to FDA Regulations 3
Concentration Electives 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3162 Pharmaceutics II 3
PS 3164 Pharmacology I 4
PS 4629 Process Monitoring in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 3
Concentration Electives 3-4
 Credit Hours13-14
 Total Credit Hours60-61
Years 3-4: Marketing and Sales Concentration
Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
FallCredit Hours
GenEd Breadth Course 3
PP 3896 Introduction to Medical Writing [WI] 3
PS 3529 Introduction to FDA Regulations 3
PS 3011 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences I 1
PS 3318 Clinical Drug Development 3
PS 3002 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Analysis 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3012 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences II 1
PS 3532 Global Labeling Regulations: Principles and Practices for the Pharmaceutical Industry 3
PS 3533 Requirements for Product Labeling and Advertising 3
PP 4254 Biostatistics and Medical Literature Evaluation 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Concentration Electives 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
PS 3145 Immunology/Biotechnology 3
PS 3151 Medicinal Chemistry I 4
PS 3161 Pharmaceutics I 3
PS 3472 Pharmaceutical Marketing 3
PP 4352 Economics of Pharmacy Practice 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3162 Pharmaceutics II 3
PS 3164 Pharmacology I 4
PS 3611 Regulation of Advertising and Promotion for Human Pharmaceutical Products 3
Concentration Electives 3-4
 Credit Hours13-14
 Total Credit Hours60-61
Years 3-4: Research Concentration
Plan of Study Grid
Year 3
FallCredit Hours
PS 3011 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences I 1
PS 3318 Clinical Drug Development 3
PP 3896 Introduction to Medical Writing [WI] 3
PS 3002 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Analysis 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Concentration Electives 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
PS 3012 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences II 1
PP 4254 Biostatistics and Medical Literature Evaluation 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Concentration Electives 6
 Credit Hours12
Year 4
Fall
PS 3145 Immunology/Biotechnology 3
PS 3151 Medicinal Chemistry I 4
PS 3161 Pharmaceutics I 3
PS 4129 2
PS 4201 1
PS 4391 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
PS 3152 Medicinal Chemistry II 4
PS 3162 Pharmaceutics II 3
PS 3164 Pharmacology I 4
PS 4202 1
PS 4128 Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development 3
Concentration Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours61

Pre-Pharmacy Program

The Pre-Pharmacy concentration provides a clear pathway for students interested in the PharmD to complete the prerequisite courses as Temple undergraduate students followed by the professional curriculum in as little as 6 years. This is part of the PharmD Early Assurance Program (EAP). A minimum of 60 credit hours of prerequisites are required to enter the PharmD program.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2026-2027. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2026 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty upon completion of the 140 credit hours of professional courses. To enter the PharmD program, students must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours of prerequisite courses. Overall GPA and science GPA must be at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale). All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C- on the first attempt. General Education requirements, with the exception of ENG 0802, are waived. However, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of electives, which may consist of General Education courses, and include courses in Intellectual Heritage, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Literature/Classics, Architecture, Fine Arts/Performing Arts, Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Communication/Public Speaking, and/or Statistics. Please confer with the advising staff and review your DARS for further information.

Prerequisite Requirements

School of Pharmacy
Select one of the following:1
Pharmacy First-Year Seminar
Pharmacy Transfer Seminar
English4
Analytical Reading and Writing
Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL
Honors Analytical Reading and Writing
Chemistry
Select one of the following:4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
Select one of the following:4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
Select one of the following:4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
Select one of the following:4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
Biology
Select one of the following:4
General Biology I
Introduction to Organismal Biology
Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
Select one of the following:4
General Biology II
Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Mathematics
Select one of the following:4
Differential and Integral Calculus
Calculus I
Honors Calculus I
Physics
Select one of the following:4
Introduction to General Physics I
Elementary Classical Physics I
Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
General Physics I
Honors General Physics I
Anatomy and Physiology
Select one of the following:3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Select one of the following:3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Social Sciences and Humanities Electives
Select 6 courses for a minimum of 18 credits as follows: 118
Social Sciences
Select at least 2 courses (6 credits minimum) from at least two different departments:
Anthropology
Criminal Justice
Geography
History
Political Science
Psychology
Religion
Sociology
Humanities
Select at least 2 courses (6 credits minimum) from at least two different departments:
Architecture
Classics
Philosophy
Communication/Public Speaking
Fine Arts
Intellectual Heritage
Languages
Literature
Philosophy
Total Credit Hours61-63
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

It is recommended that students select courses that will satisfy General Education requirements. Please see your academic advisor for assistance with course selections.

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with Concentration in Pre-Pharmacy

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Years 1 and 2:
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
 
Select one of the following: 4
Differential and Integral Calculus  
Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
 
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
Social Sciences Elective 1 3
PP 1001 Pharmacy First-Year Seminar 1
 Credit Hours16
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
General Biology I  
Introduction to Organismal Biology
or Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
 
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
 
Social Sciences Elective 1 3
Humanities Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours14
Year 2
Fall
Select one of the following: 4
General Biology II  
Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
or Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
 
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
or Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
 
Select one of the following: 3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I  
Human Anatomy and Physiology I  
Humanities Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours14-15
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
 
Select one of the following: 4
Introduction to General Physics I  
Elementary Classical Physics I
or Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
 
General Physics I
or Honors General Physics I
 
Select one of the following: 3-4
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II  
Human Anatomy and Physiology II  
Social Sciences or Humanities Electives 1 6
 Credit Hours17-18
 Total Credit Hours61-63
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

It is recommended that students select courses that will satisfy General Education requirements. Please see your academic advisor for assistance with course selections.