It has never been easier to become educated. Online schooling has become increasingly popular over the years, and many institutions are now offering traditional brick and mortar degrees once only offered on a college campus, in an online learning environment. Students now have more program choices, and many are choosing to pursue an education in pharmacology. A degree in pharmacology is generally a graduate degree. To sign up for one of the many pharmacology programs online you will need to have a bachelor’s degree already. Some programs do have a fast track option where you can combine undergraduate and graduate work. This option will save you time and money in the long run if you do not already hold a bachelor’s degree.

When looking at pharmacology programs online, you want to be sure that you are looking at a program that is right for you. If you want to be the pharmacist that works in a pharmacy, you are going to need a Ph.D. or doctoral program. Most of these programs offer all of the courses including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics online with a residency of some sort either at the school or at a participating pharmacy. Here are the top online pharmacology programs in the U.S.:

1. Howard University
This school offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree that can be completed online. The courses can be finished in two years, and the program requires two residencies. The tuition for this school is on the high end coming in at $1,287 per credit hour. Howard University is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) as well as other accrediting bodies.

2. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado offers a 35 credit hour Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This university allows students to complete their residencies on or off campus. Tuition is $800 a credit hour, and ACPE and the Higher Learning Commission accredit the school.

3. Creighton University
Creighton University has been ranked high by many establishments for its online education. This is probably why tuition is $1,509 per credit hour. They do offer an online Doctor of Pharmacy degree that includes some residencies to be completed on their campus over the summer. You will learn the inside and out of pharmacodynamics at this school.

4. Shenandoah University
This is one of the better-priced universities at $650 per credit hour for your Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The program takes about two and a half years to complete with two on-campus weekend residencies. The ACPE and other accrediting bodies accredit the school.

5. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
This is a large state college tuition for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree is $870 per credit hour. Students are required to visit the campus one Saturday every semester for hands-on learning about pharmacokinetics, bedside manners, and much more. This school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.