Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Pharmaceutical Management
Majors Overview March 17, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in pharmaceutical management and their coursework, career choices, wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Pharmaceutical Management
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in pharmaceutical science or business will be prepared for an entry-level career at the managerial level in a pharmaceutical organization. The responsibilities of a manager are taught to students, who learn how to hire and retain pharmacy professionals, measure the cost-effectiveness of a variety of drug research programs and ensure the maintenance of standards. Students can complete the degree in four years.
Schools more commonly offer bachelor’s degree programs in pharmaceutical business or administration than in pharmaceutical management. However, students may still be able to develop their leadership skills through managerial courses provided by these programs.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework covers diverse subject areas, including business management, healthcare policy and finance. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Business statistics
•Healthcare economics
•Anatomy and physiology
•Financial management
•Economics
•Marketing
•Pharmacology
Career Choices
In accordance with their experience and education level, graduates can seek employment in investment banks, government, or pharmaceutical companies. Their job responsibilities would require them to analyze the pharmaceutical market, develop healthcare policies, market pharmaceutical products, or work with information systems pertinent to healthcare. They can choose from popular career titles such as the following:
•Consultant
•Industry analyst
•Corporate benefits manager
•Sales executive
•Marketing executive
Wage Outlook
In May 2012, managers in general within the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry brought in an average annual wage of $129,750 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Choices
A bachelor’s degree would suffice to obtain work in the field. Those who seek upper management and administrative occupations should pursue a master’s degree in pharmaceutical administration or management, wherein they can gain a strong grasp of the functions of the medical industry apart from completing additional manager-centered business courses. Earning a doctoral degree in pharmacy administration would qualify them for jobs in research (in marketing or pharmacoeconomics) or academia.
