General Studies - Pre-Pharmacy Option

Program Code:

GSPH

Degree:

Associate in Arts

This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
This program may be completed face-to-face.
This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Program Contact Email:

prepharm@qcc.mass.edu

Additional Information

Goals

Program Goals:

The General Studies - Pre-Pharmacy Option provides students with the first two years of a strong academic foundation required for transfer to four-year or six-year bachelor’s or Ph.D. degree programs in pharmacy or related biological or biochemistry fields.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate the academic and technical skills necessary for admission to a four- or six-year pharmacy program.
Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team member.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
Understand the fundamental scientific principles necessary for continuation in pharmacology or a related field.
Demonstrate a high standard of math competency.
Utilize critical thinking and scientific methodology.
Demonstrate application of scientific knowledge to common pharmacy and biological sciences practices.

Classes

Curriculum:

Course Title	Course #	Semester Offered	Credits	Prerequisites
Semester 1 (Fall) Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: GSPH). Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters. Attend Transfer Services events. For information see www.QCC.edu/transfer. Complete ENG 101 and MAT 122.
Biology I: Introduction to Organismal Diversity	BIO 106	F/S	4	Coreq: ENG 101
General Chemistry I	CHM 105	F/S/SU	4	CHM 090 or one year of HS Chemistry, MAT 099 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition I	ENG 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Statistics	MAT 122	F/S/SU	3	College level math course or QMAT place score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
		Total	14
Semester 2 (Spring) Meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer. Attend Transfer Services events.
Biology II: Introduction to Cells and Molecules	BIO 107	F/S/SU	4	CHM 105 or CHM 123, ENG 101
General Chemistry II	CHM 106	F/S/SU	4	CHM 105
Composition II	ENG 102	F/S/SU	3	ENG 101
College Mathematics II: Trigonometry	MAT 124	F/S/SU	3	MAT 123 or approp place score
Introduction to Psychology	PSY 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	17
Semester 3 (Summer) Meet with Academic Advisor to choose Electives required for program. Complete BIO 111 with lab.
Anatomy & Physiology I	BIO 111	F/S/SU	4	BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology or PNP 240 with a grade of “C” or higher, Coreq: ENG 101
Introductory Sociology (Principles)	SOC 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Speech Communication Skills	SPH 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Economics Elective	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	13
Semester 4 (Fall) Meet with representatives of pharmacy schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process. Confirm that MassTransfer general education transfer block can be completed. Submit transfer application to pharmacy school during October/November.
General Microbiology OR	BIO 231	F/S	4	BIO 107
Medical Microbiology	BIO 232	F/S/SU	4	BIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Organic Chemistry I	CHM 201	F/S/SU	4	CHM 106 or CHM 124
Calculus I	MAT 233	F/S/SU	4	MAT 124 or approp place score
History Elective	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	15
Semester 5 (Spring) Prepare for interview with pharmacy colleges for admission. Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Organic Chemistry II	CHM 202	F/S/SU	4	CHM 201
General Physics I: Newtonian Mechanics	PHY 105	F/S/SU	4	MAT 233
Political Science Elective	---	F/S/SU	3
Psychology Elective (200-level) or Sociology Elective (200-level)	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	14
Total Credits Required:			73

Elective Information

Cost & Requirements

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions [at] qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience [at] qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

CORI, SORI, Fingerprinting & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Career

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.1103.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Career Exploration:

Students can take an online Career Assessment through Career Coach to determine their strengths, then browse through occupations compatible with their interests and assessment results. To access the online assessment and for more information about particular careers and related academic programs at QCC, visit www.QCC.edu/career-assessment.

The actual median salary and position may vary depending on the employee’s educational level and years of experience