The reimagined bachelor's program prepares students for careers across the entire drug development lifecycle, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and patient-centered research.

What does it take to move a new medicine from a lab bench to a patient's bedside? It takes scientists who understand discovery, clinical professionals who understand trials, and regulatory experts who understand the standards that protect patients. And increasingly, it takes professionals who understand all three.

Campbell University's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is answering that need with an undergraduate degree reimagined for the future of health care innovation: the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Research, or BSPSCR.

The interdisciplinary program unites Campbell's Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research into one comprehensive degree. By bringing the strongest elements of both programs together, the BSPSCR prepares students to contribute at every stage of drug development from laboratory research and pharmaceutical manufacturing to clinical trials, data management and regulatory approval.

"This program represents where pharmaceutical sciences and clinical research education is headed," said Charles Carter (PharmD, MBA), chair of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences. "The development of safe and effective treatments does not happen in isolated stages. It requires professionals who understand the science behind a product, the processes used to evaluate it in clinical trials, and the regulatory standards that protect patients."

One degree, expanded possibilities

That vision is built directly into the curriculum. The 124-credit BSPSCR curriculum maintains a rigorous foundation in chemistry, biology, mathematics, scientific communication, and laboratory science while incorporating specialized coursework in drug development, ethical conduct of research and clinical trials, regulatory affairs and data management. The BSPSCR provides students with the conceptual framework for a career in clinical and pharmaceutical research.

Students gain hands-on training in laboratory techniques, project management, data analysis and applied clinical research, alongside coursework in drug action mechanisms. Coursework incorporates industry tools, clinical trial workflows and standards such as Good Clinical Practice, along with Food and Drug Administration and United States Pharmacopeia requirements that shape how medicines are approved and manufactured.

The result is an applied, career-focused education spanning the evaluation, manufacturing, regulation and delivery of pharmaceutical products, medical devices and innovative therapies. Students also learn to recognize and explain the implications of research at both the preclinical (laboratory) and clinical (human) stages of development.

"The breadth of this program is one of its greatest strengths," Carter said. "Students will graduate with a clear understanding of how scientific, clinical and regulatory professionals work together. That perspective will position them to enter a rapidly evolving workforce with confidence and to grow as new technologies, treatments and career opportunities emerge."

Experience that leads to opportunity

A semester-long, 12-credit industry internship serves as the program's capstone experience. Students apply what they have learned in a professional setting while developing scientific, analytical, communication, teamwork and project management skills.

Internships may take place in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, manufacturing, analytical laboratories, clinical trials and other related settings. Many opportunities are available through external partner organizations in the greater Research Triangle Park area, one of the world's leading centers for pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation, as well as through emerging regional hubs.

These experiences provide more than an introduction to the workplace. They allow students to contribute to active research and drug development efforts, build professional relationships and demonstrate their capabilities to prospective employers. Many Campbell students have secured permanent employment as a direct result of their internship experiences.

Prepared for employment or advanced education

As drug development and clinical trials become increasingly sophisticated, graduates who possess scientific, clinical and regulatory knowledge will be prepared to support teams working across traditional professional boundaries.

BSPSCR graduates may pursue across three broad areas:

Research and development - Laboratory and pharmaceutical research, pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology, and analytical and forensic laboratories.

Clinical operations and data - Clinical trial coordination, clinical data management, and roles with contract research organizations, the specialized firms that run trials on behalf of drug developers.

Regulation and quality - Regulatory affairs and compliance, quality assurance, and positions with government agencies and academic or health care research institutions.

The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced education. After completing the BSPSCR, graduates may continue their studies at Campbell through the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Master of Science in Clinical Research programs. Eligible students may also take advantage of Campbell's accelerated 3+2 programs, which provides a pathway to complete both bachelor's- and master's-level study in five years. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue professional or doctoral education in pharmacy, medicine and other health and scientific fields.

Is the BSPSCR right for you?

If you are curious about science, healthcare, drug and biopharmaceutical development, data management and the research process, this program was designed with you in mind. Successful students are detail-oriented problem-solvers who value teamwork, communicate effectively and are committed to conducting ethical research that protects patients and contributes to the development of safe, effective treatments.

You can enter the program directly after high school, transfer to Campbell with previous college credit or an associate's degree or change majors after enrolling at the University. Academic advisors will help you identify the pathway that best supports your educational and career goals.

The future of drug development belongs to professionals who can bridge discovery, evaluation and regulation; and Campbell's BSPSCR is designed to prepare them.

Discover where a degree connecting science, research and patient impact can take you. Explore the BSPSCR program, request more information or begin your application today.

Contact Admissions at (800) 760-9734 or [email protected].