Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Image of 5 students sitting around a classroom table with their laptops. Two students in the forefront have their backs to the camera and are blurred. On the other side of the table are three students in focus. One girl works on her laptop. Two boys are looking at something on one's screen.

In November 2025, the Board of Regents approved the University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy’s plans to introduce a new Bachelor of Science in pharmacy sciences (BSPS) undergraduate program. The program, which will be housed in the college starting fall 2027, will equip students with a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical industry, research, biotechnology, drug manufacturing, and drug development, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the high-growth field. It also will serve as a pathway to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or another graduate degree.

The BSPS program will ensure students are prepared to jump into an industry that is still evolving. PharmD students are showing a rising interest in pursuing pharmaceutical industry careers and post-graduate training. Careers within the sector are expected to increase by approximately 11% over the next decade, driven by innovations in drug development, regulatory affairs, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Photo of three students sitting on one side of a table with their laptop and tablets. The closest student is a boy wearing a blue hoodie. He is facing the girl in the middle who is speaking. The girl at the end is writing on her tablet.

“The new BSPS program directly advances our strategic plan by expanding innovative educational pathways that align with emerging workforce needs,” said Jill Kolesar, dean, Jean M. Schmidt Chair, and professor. “It strengthens our pipeline of future scientists and pharmacists while advancing student success, innovation, and long-term growth for the college.”

Students will be able to tailor their education to their own interests by choosing between two tracks: business (in collaboration with the Tippie College of Business) and regulatory affairs. The curriculum can be completed in eight semesters, during which students will build a core foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. They will develop critical thinking, problem solving, and effective verbal communication skills to address complex scientific, regulatory, and strategic challenges.

 

 

  • Proposed Curriculum: 121 – 123 Semester Hours (s.h.)
    • General Education: 45-47 s.h.
    • Pharmacy Sciences Core; 43 s.h.
    • General Electives: 9 s.h.
    • Pharmacy Sciences Electives: 9 s.h.
    • Business or Regulatory Affairs Track: 15 s.h.

Both tracks will provide students an in-depth understanding of the science behind pharmaceuticals and the development, uses, and marketing dynamics of pharmaceutical projects.