Pre-Pharmacy
The practice of pharmacy in the United States requires the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Degree plus an internship. This degree requires six years of post high school study. In Michigan, accredited pharmacy programs are offered at Ferris State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Internships can be completed at a variety of sites and are typically arranged before graduation. Each program has a different set of admission requirements. The program is completed at a regular college of pharmacy. Please contact the Pre-Pharmacy advisor for complete admission requirements.
The following abbreviated schedule indicates some of the recommended courses for a student interested in pharmacy. Only the first semester is indicated so that all students may begin without undue delay. No later than the second semester of the first year, All students should consult with the pre-pharmacy advisor concerning appropriate coursework during their first semester on campus.
Note for Transfer Students: The recommended prerequisite courses have been chosen to provide students with the appropriate background to be successful in the professional curriculum. For students transferring from other institutions, the specific courses taken may vary and the equivalency of the content in those courses to meet the prerequisite requirements will be determined by the faculty of the program.
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT): This test, required by all pharmacy schools, is usually administered as a computerized exam offered in July, September and January. Student can register for the exam online and should plan on preparing for the exam three (3) months before the scheduled test date.
Application to Pharmacy Schools: These materials should be obtained and prepared during the spring semester prior to the application process, which normally occurs during the summer. Most pharmacy schools use the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). This application service can be found online.
Recommended Course of Study
Biology
| BIO 111 | Foundations of Evolution and Diversity | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 112 | Foundations of Cell Biology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 211 | Foundations of Genetics | 4(3-3) |
Microbiology
| BIO 320 | Biology of Microorganisms | 4(3-3) |
Communication
| COM 101 | Introduction to Communication | 3(3-0) |
Anatomy
| BIO 337 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4(3-3) |
| OR | |
| HSC 214 | Human Anatomy | 4(3-3) |
Physiology
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
| CHM 345 | Organic Chemistry I | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 346 | Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Bioorganic Chemistry | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 349 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2(0-6) |
Biochemistry
| CHM 520 | Introductory Biochemistry | 3(3-0) |
| OR | |
| CHM 421 | Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences | 3(3-0) |
Mathematics
Statistics
| PSY 211QR | Introduction to Psychological Statistics | 3(3-0) |
| OR | |
| BIO 500 | Biological Statistics | 3(2-2) |
| OR | |
| STA 282QR | Introduction to Statistics | 3(3-0) |
| OR | |
| STA 382QR | Elementary Statistical Analysis | 3(3-0) |
Physics
| PHY 130QR | College Physics I | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 170 | College Physics Laboratory I | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 131 | College Physics II | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 171 | College Physics Laboratory II | 1(0-2) |
| OR | |
| PHY 145QR | University Physics I | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 175 | University Physics Laboratory I | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 146 | University Physics II | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 176 | University Physics Laboratory II | 1(0-2) |
Psychology
| PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Sociology
| SOC 100 | Introductory Sociology | 3(3-0) |
English Composition
| ENG 101 | Introductory Composition | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate Composition | 3(3-0) |