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Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Want to help ensure medicines are safe, fast acting and affordable? 

Pharmacists play a key role in balancing complex combinations of medications with a patient’s allergies and tolerance.  A pharmacist ensures that medications provide healing instead of harm from being administered incorrectly.

One of the top programs in the nation, pharmacy at SDSU offers a six-year course of study, leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. As one of the health professions, pharmacy is concerned with public health and safety, and all activities related to the preparation, distribution and rational use of medicines. Majoring in pharmacy is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to make a significant contribution to the health care needs of our society. 

SDState Pharmacy – By the Numbers

Average Salary

$128,000

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

Job Placement Rate

100%

Graduating Student Survey, 2022

On-Time Graduation

91.8%

5-Year Average, 2018-2022

NAPLEX Pass Rate

94.4%

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 2022

Scholarships Awarded Annually

206

Residency Placement

42%

National Matching Services, 2023

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy math, chemistry and biology.
  • Like solving complex problems.
  • Appreciate working with others, as part of a team.
  • Are interested in caring for people's health.
  • Want to be at the front lines of an ever-changing field.

Career Opportunities

  • Retail pharmacist
  • Clinical pharmacist
  • Hospital pharmacist
  • Clinical researcher
  • Faculty member

Recent Employers

  • Avera Health
  • Sanford Health
  • Mayo Clinic
  • VA Health System
  • Walgreens

Clubs and Organizations

  • Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy
  • Kappa Epsilon Pharmaceutical Fraternity
  • Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
  • Phi Lambda Sigma
  • Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.  

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.