Hi guys. I’m new to this site and I was just wondering, has anyone used a post-bac program to do something else–like get a masters in a biological science. I really love medicine, but I think pharmacology is more exciting than becoming a doctor. Do you think the post-bac courses are sufficient prep for a MS/PhD in pharmacology?
Many of the postbacc programs are listed as general prehealth or preprofessional. You need to research what courses are required by the MS/PhD . I would venture a guess that postbacc are a good place to start but I would imagine that some more advanced chemistry (likely physical chem and advanced inorganic) and biology (likely Biochem, Molecular Bio, and perhaps immunology) may be needed.
Action items for you would be:
- find out required courses for entrance to MS/PhD programs either from the programs website, Programs/College Association, Guide book or other source
- See which postbaccs may offer the array of courses needed
- consider a do-it-yourself postbacc by taking courses at a nearby college
Thanks. I’m actually finding it difficult to find a program that only offers the MS. Many pharmacology degrees are only PhD. However, they require a bachelors in like chemistry or a natural science. I studied Humanities, btw. I figured since post-bacs prepare for med school, they’d be more than enough. I guess not though. Also, I really don’t like the idea of a diy program, because I just like the accountability and structure of a formal post-bac. Thank you, though, for the advice.
As the former director of both the Johns Hopkins and Goucher post-bac programs I can provide you with some guidance. Most post-bac programs are geared solely at med school, with some including dental and vet programs, as well. It will be difficult to find a program with your focus. However, some larger programs might be willing to help tailor a curriculum to suit your needs. The problem, however, is that most of the advising in these programs is tailored to students who want to go to med school. As a student in one of these programs you may feel marginalized without either the program or its students intending to have that effect. My advice is to contact students enrolled in the PhD programs you’re interested in and to get advice from them as to the best way to fulfill the prereqs. I think they would tell you to take the classes on your own and to find mentors in the field to help you find the supportive community you will need and find helpful. Depending on where you are, it could also be much less expensive to take the classes on your own, although getting the actual classes could be problematic. Again, this depends on the options that might be open to you and enrollment policies at various institutions.
Adding on to my last post: You may want to check out the Drexel Post-Bac Program; they seem to offer more flexibility than some of the other programs. There is a PharmD option through that program. Best of luck!