List of Pharmacy Schools Among HBCUs

A small number of historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, offer a pharmacy degree. HBCUs are higher education institutions founded before 1964 for the purpose of educating African-Americans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment outlook for pharmacists will increase by 25 percent between 2010 and 2020. The need for qualified pharmacists is urgent. HBCU's offer exemplary degree programs for students desiring careers in pharmacy.

HBCU

Historically black colleges and universities offering a degree in pharmacy include public and private institutions. Each institution provides students with academic opportunities such as dual-degree programs and exposure to research projects led by faculty members. Students pursuing a degree in pharmacy focus on topics related to drug informatics, pharmaceutical chemistry, biomedical sciences, geriatrics and microbiology/immunology. Students enrolled in pharmacy school earn the professional degree of Pharm.D., or Doctor of Pharmacy. HBCUs with pharmacy programs prepare students to deliver pharmaceutical care and services to their communities.

Top-Ranked Research Program

Located in New Orleans, La., Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy ranks among the top 20 colleges of pharmacy in research funding by the National Institutes of Health. Students must complete 209 semester hours of coursework before earning the Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Xavier University. Students enroll in a variety of coursework related to basic pharmaceutical care, medication counseling and patient interviewing. The university is home to several research centers, including the Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education.

Dual-Degree Program

Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla., provides students with the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degree concurrently. Pharmacy students at Florida A&M must complete 280 credit hours of coursework to satisfy graduation requirements. Coursework includes pharmacy and business topics related to global business, physiological chemistry and drug analysis, pharmacy management and principles of drug action. The dual-degree program prepares graduates to fulfill clinical, management and administrative roles once they enter the job market.

Nestled in the nation's capitol, Howard University has been educating pharmacy students for approximately 145 years. Students concentrate on subject matter focusing on biomedical science, pharmaceutical science, drug information and pharmacy practice. Pharmacy majors at Howard University can also receive a Master of Business Administration in conjunction with the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Competitive Pharmacy Degree Programs

Along with the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Texas Southern University awards a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Houston, Texas, university is committed to preparing students to serve as leaders in pharmacy environments. Students studying at Texas Southern University must earn the 146 credit hours included in the professional pharmacy curriculum as well as fulfill additional departmental pre-pharmacy course requirements.

The pharmacy department at Hampton University consists of faculty dedicated to research associated with drug therapies. Hampton University awards the entry level Doctor of Pharmacy degree for aspiring pharmacists. Hampton University pharmacy graduates constantly score above the national average on the pharmacy board exams.