Earn a pre-pharmacy associate degree and transfer directly to pharmacy school! There is a high demand for well-paid pharmacists in community pharmacies as well as drug companies. Many QCC students also receive scholarships to attend pharmacy school.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Arts

n this program, you will learn the basic science and math skills to succeed in pharmacy school. You will use modern equipment to create and analyze many drug compounds.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

73 credits

QCC's pre-pharmacy program was my first choice because it was highly recommended by my wife who herself was a QCC student and followed the same steps. The support and quality of teaching she received from faculty and the other professors were beyond all expectations. In the end, I felt that the success of my project was assured because QCC will bring me everything I need to succeed and I should just add hard work to it. 

- Wilfrid Fotso Tasse, Pre-Pharmacy Student

Learn Online

This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will introduce the basics of chemistry, biology, English, and mathematics.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will explore more advanced biology, chemistry, English, and mathematics and introduce psychology.
Communication

Semester 3

This semester will focus on anatomy, sociology and communication skills.
Math & science

Semester 4

This semester will cover microbiology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Advanced Science

Semester 5

This semester will explore more advanced chemistry, physics, and science electives
See the full curriculum

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

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 DiversityBIO 106F/S4Coreq: ENG 101
General Chemistry ICHM 105F/S/SU4MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
StatisticsMAT 122F/S/SU3College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
  Total14 

Semester 2 (Spring)

Biology II: Introduction to Cells and MoleculesBIO 107F/S/SU4CHM 105 or CHM 123, ENG 101
General Chemistry IICHM 106F/S/SU4CHM 105
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
College Mathematics II: TrigonometryMAT 124F/S/SU3MAT 123 or approp place score
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total17 

Semester 3 (Summer)

  • Meet with Academic Advisor to choose Electives required for program.
  • Complete BIO 111 with lab.
Anatomy & Physiology IBIO 111F/S/SU4BIO 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 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Economics Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total13 

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 ORBIO 231F/S4BIO 107
Medical MicrobiologyBIO 232F/S/SUBIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Organic Chemistry ICHM 201F/S/SU4CHM 106 or CHM 124
Calculus IMAT 233F/S/SU4MAT 124 or approp place score
History Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total15 

Semester 5 (Spring)

  • Prepare for interview with pharmacy colleges for admission.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Organic Chemistry IICHM 202F/S/SU4CHM 201
General Physics I: Newtonian MechanicsPHY 105F/S/SU4MAT 233
Political Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
Psychology Elective (200-level) or Sociology Elective (200-level)---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  73 

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.

Admissions Process:

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

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.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & 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.

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@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

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.

The General Studies Program is unique in that it attempts to meet the academic needs of QCC career programs, four-year transfer institutions, and area employers. It has been designed to develop broad-based academic and employability skills. It provides a comprehensive, responsive, directed academic experience in which students identify educational and career choices, develop individualized career plans (CAPS), and implement career pathways leading to further education or careers. In addition, the QCC General Studies Program has articulation and transfer agreements with numerous colleges and universities. The General Studies Program allows students to tailor the selection or courses to meet the requirements of a transfer institution. It also provides students with the opportunity to tailor a program of study to meet specific professional/ career competencies.

Remember that all of the information contained on this site pertains to the most recent program requirements. Your requirements may differ because you must meet the requirements that were in effect when you entered the program. You may petition the Registrar if you wish to follow curriculum changes different from what you see in your degree audit.

Remember that in addition to the General Studies Program there are several options available in General Studies. You can find the description and the course requirements below.

Also, we have several additional links you will find useful:

Transferring to a 4-year college / University

We intend to make this website as useful as possible, please contact the General Studies Coordinator Marilyn Martin marilynm@qcc.mass.edu with ideas to improve the usefulness of this page.

Course Requirements

Course and credit requirementsNotes
English Composition & Literature I
(3 credits)		ENG 101
English Composition & Literature II 
(3 credits)		ENG 102
College Algebra or
Topics in Mathematics or
Statistics (one course – 3 credits)		In order to meet QCC graduation requirements, learner must complete MAT 100, MAT 121, MAT 122 or any college level MAT course. In order to meet the requirements of MassTransfer, learner must complete MAT 121 or higher.
Strategies for College & Career or
Self Assessment & Career Planning
(3 credits)		PSY 115 is recommended for students placing into ENG 100 or ENG 101. ORT 110 is recommended for students placing into ENG 090, ENG 091, ENG 095, ENG 096 or ESL courses. Students must complete either PSY 115 or ORT 110 prior to the completion of twenty credits in order to register for additional courses in the General Studies Program.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
(3 credits)		HUM 101
Speech Communication Skills
(3 credits)		SPH 101
History Elective
(3 credits)		HST ---
Behavioral Science Elective
(3 credits)		Behavioral Sciences involve seeking to discover general truths about human behavior. Courses with the following designations are considered Behavioral Science Electives:
Anthropology (ANT)
Psychology (PSY)
Sociology (SOC)
Program Electives 
(4 courses - 12 credits)		Program Electives are:
a. Courses with the objective of preparing students for a specific occupation or semester of occupations.
b. Courses that have been recommended based upon the student’s Academic and Career Plan.
c. Courses that meet developmental, core, or general education requirements are not program electives.
Humanities Elective
(two courses – one must be 200 level – 6 credits)		The Humanities courses present knowledge concerned with humanity and world culture: philosophy, literature, and the fine arts. These arts are distinguished from the sciences and are produced or intended primarily for beauty, not utility. Sculpture, painting, drawing, architecture, literature, drama, music, and dance are examples of such expressions. Courses with the following designations are considered Humanities Electives:
American Sign Language (ASL); Art excluding Interactive Media courses (ART); English (ENG); French (FRC); German (GER); Humanities (HUM); Music (MUS); Philosophy (PHI); Spanish (SPN); Speech (SPH)
Laboratory Science Elective
(two courses – 8 credits)		Electives that are specifically designated as Lab Science Electives require a science that includes lab, which are all 4 credit courses. Four credit courses with the following designations are considered lab science electives Biology (BIO) (excludes BIO 140); Physics (PHY); Chemistry (CHM); Science (SCI)
Social Science Elective
(two courses – 6 credits)		All the social sciences are concerned with the study of people and their behavior, both individually and as a member of groups, nations, cultures and societies. Courses with the following designations are considered Social Science Electives: Anthropology (ANT); Economics (ECO); Geography (GEO); History (HST); Political Science (PSC); Psychology (PSY); Social Science (SOS); Sociology (SOC)
Elective (two courses - 6 credits)Any college level course qualifies as an elective, and a student may enroll in any college level course for which s/he meets the prerequisites.

Learn More

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508.854.4374