Is a PharmD a STEM Degree?

Wondering if PharmD is a STEM degree? Answer this question and get valuable insights into what sets this degree apart.

The world runs partly on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—STEM. Individuals in these industries create new innovations, advance technologies, and make important discoveries that everyday people use to make their lives better, safer, and easier. In 2021, 24% of the U.S. workforce worked in STEM occupations, and that number has only increased in recent years.

One area closely connected to STEM is pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a professional doctoral degree that prepares graduates for licensure as pharmacists. While the PharmD curriculum is highly science-intensive, it’s not designated as a STEM degree. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), students in the six-year pathway earn a STEM-designated Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences during the preprofessional phase. The PharmD itself is a professional doctorate and doesn’t carry STEM designation.

For international students, Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility and potential STEM OPT extension eligibility depend on the STEM designation of the BS in Life Sciences—not the PharmD degree.

This article explains how the PharmD curriculum is grounded in science and how MCPHS pathways differ in terms of degree credentials and STEM designation.

What Does STEM Mean in Higher Education and Careers?

In higher education, STEM simply means that students will focus on the four core topics that help push decision-making and transformation. Unlike equally important non-STEM degrees like humanities, arts, social sciences, and business, STEM programs are often found in rapidly changing industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. They emphasize:

• Scientific reasoning
• Data analysis
• Laboratory and clinical application
• Evidence-based decision-making

STEM degrees don’t just mean extensive education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that STEM occupations are expected to grow by 8% through 2034, highlighting that securing a PharmD could also mean more employment opportunities.

The Scientific Foundation of a PharmD Program

When you think of a pharmacist, you most likely picture a medical professional whom you see when grabbing medication or during a consultation. While this is correct, it’s only a portion of the work pharmacists do daily. Several core disciplines in pharmacy education set pharmacists up to be extremely knowledgeable and irreplaceable in the medical world:

Biology and Human Physiology

PharmD programs provide the foundational understanding of how the human body functions at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Pharmacy students study normal biological processes and disease states to understand how medications interact with the body, influence physiological systems, and support patient health.

General, Organic, and Biochemistry

These types of chemistry form the backbone of drug development and usage. Students learn the chemical properties, structures, and reactions of molecules, giving them a knowledge of how medicine is made and behaves in the body.

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Students focus on how drugs affect biological systems and how the body responds to therapeutic agents and toxins. They also examine the various uses of drugs and their side effects, drug interactions, and toxic responses to ensure medications are used safely and effectively.

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Formulation

PharmD academic programs cover the development, preparation, and delivery of medications. This includes studying dosage forms, drug stability, bioavailability, and controlled-release systems to make sure medicine maximizes outcomes.

Mathematics and Statistics

In this pharmacy program, students gain quantitative skills to calculate accurate drug dosages and analyze how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated. Statistical methods are used to interpret clinical data, personalize therapy, and support evidence-based decision-making in patient care.

Understanding the MCPHS Pathways and Degree Credentials

At MCPHS, we offer a direct-entry PharmD program that includes a two-year preprofessional phase, which then progresses to a four-year professional phase, for a total of six years.

Students in the six-year pathways earn a BS in Pharmacy and Life Sciences, a STEM-designated degree. Students then continue into the professional phase to complete the PharmD, which isn’t STEM-designated. For international students evaluating OPT eligibility, the STEM designation applies to the BS in Life Sciences degree earned during the six-year pathway—not to the PharmD. Eligibility for a STEM OPT extension is tied to the CIP code and official STEM designation of the bachelor’s degree.

In the PharmD – Accelerated program, you are eligible to pursue a master’s degree in a complementary area of study:

• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master in Clinical Research
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master in Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Science in Health Informatics
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Technology (MBA)
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master in Clinical Investigation and Development (MS)
• Doctor of Pharmacy/Master in Regulatory Sciences (MS)

These dual degrees provide a competitive edge for fellowships, residencies, jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, and more. They're designed for those looking to deepen their knowledge of drug development and seek employment beyond the traditional pharmacy setting.

For international students: With our optional STEM-eligible master’s programs, you may be able to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. The Center for International Studies and the Center for Career Development provide specialized services to help you transition your license to your home country or open the doors to career opportunities in the U.S.

When pursuing a dual degree, MCPHS offers a 50% alumni scholarship for the portion of the master’s degree completed after graduating with a PharmD.

If you want a more flexible option, our Online PharmD – Accelerated is the best solution. During this hybrid program, you’ll complete online coursework while experiencing in-person immersions and hands-on learning, giving you both high-quality, patient-centered training and a more tailored schedule.

What Does the PharmD Curriculum Look Like?

Typical PharmD degree academic programs include:

• Lab-based pharmaceutical sciences.
• Pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
• Pathophysiology and therapeutics.
• Evidence-based medicine and clinical decision-making.

Like many science-intensive programs, at MCPHS, we utilize wet labs, simulation environments, and case-based clinical education to ensure students understand what real roles will look like upon graduation. Clinical training is where STEM skills meet patient care. Experiential education and hands-on learning reinforce analytical and quantitative competencies, preparing students to step into the workforce confidently. From introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experience to clinical rotations using data, diagnostics, and therapeutic monitoring, each learner will be well-equipped to handle fast-paced environments and make quick, informed decisions.

Why Choose MCPHS for a Science-Driven PharmD Education?

With over 200 years of trusted teaching under our belt, MCPHS ties tradition with modern practices and technology to create a unique learning experience for each pharmacy student. If you’re considering this career path, we can ensure you get early exposure to pharmacy and life sciences and interactions with integrated labs, simulations, and clinical training.

Apply to our School of Pharmacy today to start your PharmD degree journey.