Aspiring pharmaceutical professionals with a passion for research and the desire to make an impact on society can learn to navigate the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry through two new academic programs at Pacific. The newly launched bachelor of science in pharmaceutical science and master of science in regulatory science degree programs prepare students for careers as scientists and specialists in the design, development and production of new drugs.

The bachelor of science in pharmaceutical science is focused on job placement immediately following graduation. Students will have the advantage of gaining extensive hands-on training through laboratory research and experiential learning. In addition, they will secure internship placements in the final semester with the help of dedicated faculty advisors.

“This new degree program is really different from the others in California in our focus on creating pathways for our graduates to go straight into industry jobs after four years,” said Dean Berit Gundersen ’84, PharmD.

Graduates can find rewarding careers with pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, diagnostic laboratories and biotechnology firms. This program also creates a pathway to graduate programs in pharmaceutical or regulatory science.

Pacific’s new regulatory science graduate program prepares students to lead pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations to ensure new pharmaceuticals, devices and health care products comply with all regulations in domestic and global markets. A regulatory scientist’s comprehensive knowledge of science is a valuable asset for corporate teams navigating the complex drug development process.

“Regulatory scientists have a deep understanding of the science, whether it is chemistry or pharmacology, and how to apply standard operating procedures that are established by the Food and Drug Administration or by individual organizations to ensure the drug product’s identity, strength, quality and purity,” said Vijay K. Tammara, PhD, FAAPS, adjunct professor of pharmaceutical sciences.

For many newly approved drugs, the FDA’s Center for Drugs and Biologics prepares a Summary Basis of Approval to inform the public about the drug’s safety and efficacy. Through a multidisciplinary course, students will review and analyze these reports to gain an understanding of the intricacies of the process and the diverse expertise required to guide new drugs or medical devices from concept to market.

“Students will also complete a semester-long internship to gain hands-on experience, including developing FDA submission protocols with industry experts,” said Bhaskara R. Jasti ’95, MPharm, PhD, FAAPS, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and associate dean of graduate education and research. “Our goal is to train students to understand the legal regulations and how they can be interpreted to meet the industry guidelines.”

With more than 30 years of experience in global regulatory affairs, drug development and clinical strategy, Dr. Tammara believes a career in regulatory science can be rewarding for anyone.

“If you are interested in developing drug molecules for different diseases or helping patients, this is the right opportunity for you. It’s a great pathway into the industry and to get professional training in a health care environment,” said Dr. Tammara.