Admission
Applicants to the program are required to apply online through Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS): www.pharmcas.org. The final deadline for the PharmCAS applications typically is January, but may change each year. Check our website for updates. Admission is highly competitive and selective and enrollment to the School of Pharmacy is limited. Pacific is now participating in Early Decision, which allows applicants who feel Pacific is their first choice an advantage of an earlier interview day and possible early admission. The Early Decision deadline is in early September each year.To be eligible for admission, students must meet prerequisite requirements by the date of enrollment, or by mid-July of the enrollment year. First-time pharmacy student admission is offered only into the first professional year. Due to the 3-year modified block curriculum, the School will evaluate students who wish to transfer on a case-by-case basis and will conduct a student interview. Please refer to the School of Pharmacy admissions webpage for updated application deadlines: https://www.pacificu.edu/pharmacy/admissions/apply-now.
As part of the PharmCAS application, applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, submitted directly to PharmCAS
- At least 2 letters of reference submitted directly to PharmCAS
- Qualifying TOEFL scores, if English is a second language
In addition to the PharmCAS application, applicants must submit a $50 application fee (USD).
Based on the review of applications by the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee, selected applicants are invited for on-campus personal interviews. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision. It allows the Admissions Committee to assess skills that may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is based on knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career as a Pharmacist, ability to think clearly and logically, writing skills, self-confidence, professionalism and verbal expression of critical thinking skills.
Interviews are held October through April each year. Applicants are interviewed by a team consisting of one or more of the following:
- School of Pharmacy faculty and
- One local/regional pharmacist and/or one current Pacific pharmacy student.
The School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee considers the following factors in the selection process:
- Strength and breadth of academic record
- Strength of written letters of recommendation
- Content, completion, and neatness of application forms
- Quality of writing ability as demonstrated by personal narrative and current issue essays
- Understanding of the pharmacy profession
- Quality, quantity and type of community activities
- Strength of on-campus personal interview
The School of Pharmacy does not require the applicant to take a standardized examination (i.e. Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)) to be eligible for admission.
Reapplication Procedures
Students reapplying to the School of Pharmacy in subsequent years must fill out current application forms and submit all requested information, including official transcripts for all work completed since the last application. The student should provide evidence that any deficiencies noted on the last application have been addressed. It is required that the student reapplying for admission submit a reapplicant essay outlining steps taken to strengthen the application.
All previous applications are kept on file for two years. When an applicant reapplies, we combine the previous application(s) with the new application and application materials in order to compare all of the information provided. For each admissions cycle, all re-applicants must complete a PharmCAS application. We will match your old application to your new PharmCAS application.
Prerequisite Courses
The applicant must complete a minimum of 62 semester credits of pre-pharmacy study in a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Competitive candidates are recommended to have a 2.7 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, and have received a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. GPA is calculated by PharmCAS, which includes courses from all institutions attended. Courses taken pass/fail will not be accepted. Science prerequisite courses must be for science majors and include laboratory as indicated below. Low level non-science major courses will be unacceptable in meeting the requirements. The costs associated with the evaluation of the adequacy of the prerequisite courses taken in other countries will be the responsibility of the student. The program does not grant advanced standing for any course. While a bachelor’s degree is not required in order to apply to the PharmD program, it can make an application more competitive.
It is recommended that all required science coursework be completed within seven calendar years of the time of application to the program. The applicant must report all coursework completed and failure to reveal educational history will forfeit eligibility for admission. All materials submitted to Pacific University for admission become the property of the University and will not be returned or released.
Biological Sciences – minimum of 19 semester credits or 29 quarter credits
- General Biology with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
- Microbiology: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits (lab not required)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
Chemistry - 16 semester credits or 24 quarter credits
- General Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
- Organic Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
Physics - 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits
- General Physics with Lab: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits
Calculus - 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits
- Must include Calculus: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits
English Composition - 6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits
- Must include one English composition course: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits
- One other English course: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits
Speech/Communication/Debate - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits (one course)
- Can include Speech, public speaking, oral communication, debate
Psychology - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits
- Must include General or Abnormal Psychology
Economics - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits
- Must include Micro or Macro Economics
Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits
- May include Anthropology, Government, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Humanities/Fine Arts - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits
- May include Geography, History, Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Performance, Visual Arts, Drama
Specialization in Research and Scholarship
This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to be involved in research throughout their three years of the School of Pharmacy curriculum. Students will be trained in problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and research design, and experience 1:1 mentorship with faculty. The skills acquired will increase their marketability for residency and job search and open additional opportunities for industry employment. Ideal outcomes for both students and faculty will be dissemination of scholarship in the form of posters, presentations, and publications. Students will participate in research electives during their first and second year, APPE electives in their third year and, finally, present their research in a capstone project (poster, presentation, and/or publication). Students apply for the Research and Scholarship Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.
Specialization in Leadership and Practice Management
Students focus on the values of leadership and professional advocacy, as well as explore and develop of leadership skills. Student apply for the Leadership and Practice Management Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.
Specialization in Precision Medicine
This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to dive deeper into the emerging field of precision medicine. Students will be given the foundation to understand and apply precision medicine and to furthermore become advocates of precision medicine for other health care providers and patients. Student apply for the Precision Medicine Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.
Specialization in Care of Underserved Populations
This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to increase their awareness of the health care disparities and challenges faced by rural and medically-underserved communities. Students will engage in advocacy and service initiatives designed to promote the health of underserved populations. This specialization will prepare students to practice in a rural or medically-underserved community as part of an interprofessional team. Student apply for the Care of Underserved Populations by contacting the Program Administrator.
Electives
One of more of the following electives for a total of 1.0 credit.
Additional Requirements
Additional requirements include a minimum of 10 hours of service to underserved populations. Students should contact their mentors for approval of participation hours.
Specialization in Clinical Practice
This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to be involved in advancing clinical practice throughout their three years in the School of Pharmacy curriculum under the guidance of a faculty pharmacist mentor. Students completing the track will be positioned for future success by beginning to develop an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, professional attitudes, and clinical competence for expanded practice in their desired interest area. Students will participate in clinical practice electives during their first through third year, enhanced activities during their APPE rotations in their third year and, finally, present their capstone project (poster, presentation, and/or publication). Students apply for the Clinical Practice Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.
