Those pursuing a research career in pharmacy may pursue a Master of Science degree or a Ph.D., or both. A research degree can lead to a career in scientific research. A perusal of different master's degree courses from various university pharmacy programs reveals that many of the courses offered in these programs are very similar. Some programs, like the one at the University of Florida, offer different emphases such as pharmacy regulation and policy, clinical research, and pharmaceutical leadership. Ph.D. courses can include an area of study such as nutrition, virology, epidemiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy, pharmacology and toxicology, and pharmaceutics.
The Pharm.D. is the standard degree for practicing pharmacists. Most students who pursue the Pharm.D. complete several prerequisite courses in the basic sciences prior to embarking on more advanced courses in a Pharm.D. program. Pharm.D. courses are a combination of pharmaceutical practice and advanced science courses. Areas of study often covered by these programs include studies in molecular pharmacology, evaluation of drug literature and drug information, management of professional pharmaceutical practice, pathophysiology and therapeutics. Students often take courses in professional development and pharmaceutical regulation as part of their Pharm.D. curriculum as well.
Although practicing pharmacists generally take a number of courses in pharmacy administration, some students choose to pursue a master's degree with a concentration in the field. These are sometimes offered as part of a joint-degree program in conjunction with the Pharm.D. or another degree such as a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A). Areas of study often covered by pharmacy administration programs include health services industry financing, program development and strategic management, systems of management in medicinal use, public policy and drug distribution, management systems in pharmacy, economic analysis of pharmacy services and programs and information systems in pharmacy organizations and management.