Math Courses in College for Becoming a Pharmacist
Most colleges of pharmacy are four-year programs that you enter after completing your undergraduate degree. Regardless of which college you choose, a good, solid background in math helps guarantee success in your pharmacy studies. As you progress from pre-pharmacy through undergraduate and into various graduate programs, the requirements change.
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Degree Requirements for Each Level of Study
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As you compare school choices, examine what math requirements are included in each school's programs. It is common to see variations in the amount of math required. So, prepare for the level of math needed before you apply to any pharmacy program -- pre-pharmacy through pharmacy school. If calculus and physics are required for the pharmacy school of your choice, for instance, all the prerequisites for taking calculus and physics must be mastered before you apply to a pharmacy school.
Math Courses Before Your Pre-Pharmacy Degree
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During high school, take as much math as you can fit into your schedule. Take Advanced Placement (AP) math courses, where possible, maximizing your math abilities. Mastering math helps the student succeed in important chemistry and physics classes. Taking all required prerequisites improves your math abilities as you prepar.e Get to know your guidance counselor. Let her know your goal of attending pharmacy school, and she will advise you about preparing yourself for this college preparatory track.
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Math Courses Before Undergraduate Study
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Expect two full years of math courses during your first two years in pre-pharmacy studies. This prepares you for math coursework in the final two years of your bachelor's degree. You will probably take algebra, geometry, algebra II, statistics, and pre-calculus. This will pave the way for the usual one year of calculus and one year of physics before you graduate from your undergraduate program of studies.
Math Courses Before Your Master's or Doctorate Pharmacy Degree
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During your undergraduate years, begin your math track right away. While most schools prefer that you complete a year in calculus and a year in physics before starting your pharmacy degree, this varies from one pharmacy school to the next. While pursuing undergraduate studies, contact the dean or the admissions office of your prospective pharmacy school for a list of required math courses. Master all these courses before you apply to enter the pharmacy school.
Typically No Math Courses in Pharmacy School
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Once you get accepted to pharmacy school for a masters or doctorate degree in pharmacy, you typically have no more math requirements. Other than your electives, you study only pharmacy-related coursework. Typically, pharmacy school consists of pharmacy classes for three years and the fourth year you study under other pharmacists in the field.
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