Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Pharmacy), B.S.
What does it mean to be Pre-Pharmacy?
Pre-pharmacy is not a specific major. The term is used to describe students who plan to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) after completing their undergraduate degree. Pre-pharmacy students must complete of courses required for admission to PharmD programs, acquire the capacity to perform well on the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in pharmacy school.
Each PharmD program has its own specific prerequisites. Almost all require one or two semesters of physics, two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of introductory biology, a two semester sequence of human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, calculus, and statistics. Some require additional coursework such as biochemistry or genetics. Because students will generally apply to more than one PharmD program, an undergraduate degree that provides a strong background in the natural sciences and “covers all the bases” is essential.
The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Pharmacy), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities to acquire sufficient foundational knowledge to prepare students for the PCAT and the rigor of a PharmD program. Pre-pharmacy students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during the first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to receive information and advice on the timing and execution of that plan).
What Other Courses Should Pre-Pharmacy Students Take?
Pre-pharmacy students should select BIOL 221 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) and BIOL 222 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) as two of the Electives in the Major.
Because prerequisites vary among schools, we recommend that pre-pharmacy students (in consultation with their academic advisor) conduct careful research on their preferred pharmacy programs to ensure that they are using Electives in the Major or General Electives to select courses that will meet or exceed each school’s prerequisites.
What Else Should Pre-Pharmacy Students Do Before Applying to PharmD Programs?
Experience working in a pharmacy or other healthcare setting is an important component of a competitive application. Some schools require a letter of recommendation from a pharmacist. Experience may be volunteer or paid. Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493 – Cooperative Internship Experience).
What is the PCAT?
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required by many pharmacy programs. For schools that require the PCAT, it will be an important component of a competitive application. Those schools that do not require the PCAT will take scores into consideration if submitted. Thus, good PCAT scores can strengthen an application even if the school you are applying to does not require them.
The PCAT contains five sections.
- Biological Processes (General Biology, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology)
- Chemical Processes (General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry)
- Quantitative Reasoning (Basic Math, Algebra, Probability and Statistics)
- Critical Reasoning (Comprehension, Analysis, Evaluation)
- Writing (composing an original essay on a topic provided during the PCAT)
Criteria for Admission to Program
Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:
2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.
Grades of C or better in the following core courses:
GPA 2.00
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