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Is BSPS + Organic Chem PhD a strong profile for Big Pharma Work?
What are the logistics of doing a BSPS followed immediately by a PhD in Organic Chemistry? Would an OrgoChem PhD would be more advantageous than a MedChem PhD towards securing a bench job in big pharma? Is a BSPS a good undergrad degree to support that? I'm inclined towards it in order to leave my options open for other grad school paths, like PharmD ( strongly opposed to the idea of working pharmacy right now, but I may feel differently in 4 years and I want to have it on the table in case).
I hear the hands-on experience you acquire in undergrad is more important than the name of your degree when it comes to being accepted in any PhD program. What can a first year do to set themselves up for success in that regard?
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Mary’s Answer
Just to clarify, BCPS is a certification that you receive after you have earned a doctor a pharmacy degree. It is not a degree and it’s a certification that needs to be renewed every two years. The boards of pharmacy certification require that you take their expensive continuing education classes in order to maintain your certification, but it is not a degree in of itself (which can be very expensive) . It is a certification that follows after you receive a Pharm D.
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Mary’s Answer
BS in pharmacy was abandoned in early 2000’s in favor of pharmD which is the degree earned after 6-7 years. Not really worth it if you don’t really want to practice as a pharmacist. So sorry for the confusion.
Interesting! I didn't know you could pursue a PharmD from first year. I've seen joint degree programs and such, but I always thought you could acquire both. Good to know! Thank you very much, and no worries about the mix up!
Patience
Karin P.
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Patience,
If you are headed into pharma research, a bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences is a good foundation. I can't say if a PhD in organic chemistry is a better option than a PhD in medicinal chemistry or in pharmacy. The good news is, you don't need to decide that right now.
When you start your studies you'll take general classes in biology, chemistry, physics, math etc before you get into more pharmacy/medicine-heavy courses. You'll share courses with students who major in other STEM disciplines. Take some time to find out what you find most interesting and what you enjoy doing most. Use your electives to learn more about adjacent fields.
Find out what research is done in different departments at your school. Go to research seminars in different departments. Talk to your TAs who will be graduate students doing research in the departments. Talk to professors who do interesting research and ask if you can join their group as an undergraduate. Get some research experience. Also keep an eye on options to do an internship in a pharmaceutical company.
By the end of your bachelor program, you'll hopefully know what areas of research you are most interested in and if a PhD in organic chemistry, pharmacy or medicinal chemistry will suit you most.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are headed into pharma research, a bachelor of science in pharmaceutical sciences is a good foundation. I can't say if a PhD in organic chemistry is a better option than a PhD in medicinal chemistry or in pharmacy. The good news is, you don't need to decide that right now.
When you start your studies you'll take general classes in biology, chemistry, physics, math etc before you get into more pharmacy/medicine-heavy courses. You'll share courses with students who major in other STEM disciplines. Take some time to find out what you find most interesting and what you enjoy doing most. Use your electives to learn more about adjacent fields.
Find out what research is done in different departments at your school. Go to research seminars in different departments. Talk to your TAs who will be graduate students doing research in the departments. Talk to professors who do interesting research and ask if you can join their group as an undergraduate. Get some research experience. Also keep an eye on options to do an internship in a pharmaceutical company.
By the end of your bachelor program, you'll hopefully know what areas of research you are most interested in and if a PhD in organic chemistry, pharmacy or medicinal chemistry will suit you most.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thank you so much! This gives me a lot of assurance in the process. I don't think I properly understood just how much time 4 years is, haha! It didn't occur to me that I would be surrounded by individuals in all those fields already---I certainly won't miss the chance to ask them about their experience, and I will definitely be seeking out a lab to do undergrad research in. And I'm very glad to hear that you think the BSPS is a good foundation! Keeps my options open for many paths afterwards, I think. Once again, thank you very much. This was a big help!
Patience