In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid to help you on your path to a Pharmacy degree.
Pre-Pharmacy Program
About the Pre-Pharmacy Program
Pharmacists work in the field of medicine and drugs in order to treat illness. To become a pharmacist, you’ll first need an undergraduate degree before entering professional school to earn your Pharmacy degree. At Wayne State, you can study chemical sciences or chemistry health sciences, and you’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Then with your Pharmacy degree, you will be ready to practice pharmacy in a wide range of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: This program is set up so you can receive your B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry from WSC. After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll be ready to move on to graduate work at a professional pharmacy school.
Suggested courses of study at WSC: Chemistry Health Sciences, Chemical Sciences
Hours required:
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Department: Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Research: Individualized research experience designed for your interest
Nationally Ranked Program
Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
College Factual
Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
College Factual
In a recent ranking of the best chemistry degree programs by College Factual, Wayne State College earned #79 of all colleges in the U.S., placing us in the top 10% nationwide for 2019. Three metrics measure how College Factual determines which colleges are the "Most Focused."
- Percentage of students studying a particular major - the higher the better. This is a signal from students at the college that they recognize the strength of the program, and also stands to reason that more resources are dedicated to departments with more students.
- Market share - We take it as a positive signal if a college is attracting a lot of students to a particular major. This usually means that a college has more income from tuition to further invest in the program.
- Post graduate resources - If a college has significant graduate and doctoral level programs, that indicates they are even more focused on a particular major. This can mean more resources available to all students.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Pre-Pharmacy program.
Skills Learned
- Chemical processes and materials
- Chemical experiment and design
- Modern equipment usage
- Analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Molecular genetics
- Human anatomy
- Probability and statistics
- University physics and experimentation
- Advanced lab techniques and management
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Research, observation, and analysis of data
- Communication
Possible Careers
- Chemist
- Medical lab technician
- Medical research scientist
- Pharmacist
- Biochemical researcher
- Pathologist
- Toxicologist
- Forensic scientist
- Phlebotomist
- Chemical engineer
- Doctor / physician
Employers
- Pharmacies
- Drug stores
- Medical research labs
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Veterinary clinics
- Government / federal agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Public health centers
- Forensic labs
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Science and medicine publications
Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)
The Pre-Pharmacy program is eligible for RHOP. The only program of its kind in the state of Nebraska, RHOP educates students from rural Nebraska who will return to practice in rural areas of the state. If selected for RHOP, you’ll receive free tuition at Wayne State College and guaranteed admission into the relevant Pharmacy program at UNMC.
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Pre-Pharmacy program.
DJ Black JR
Assistant Professor
Michael Marmorstein, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Pre-Pharmacy program by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Biology Club
- Health Science Club (Lambda Delta Lambda)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Research, trips, and more – Conduct your own research and even present your findings at regional conferences, help judge at the Junior Academy of Science Fair, and visit area science labs.
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, or be part of a support system for new students, all while gaining valuable experience for your resume.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
Internships are not required for the Pre-Pharmacy program at Wayne State College, as these are typically completed in professional school for degree completion. However, Career Services is available to help you find job opportunities if you are looking for field-related work experience.