Pre-Pharmacy
Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and health care practitioners and provide information to patients about medications. They must understand the use and effects of medications. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, drugstores, long-term care facilities and health clinics. They work directly with the public to provide counseling about possible drug interactions, dosage, and instructions for taking medication.
- 8 hours of General Biology (BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407)
- 8 hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2403 and BIOL 2404)
- 3-4 hours of Genetics (BIOL 3450)
- 4 hours of Microbiology (BIOL 3470)
- 8 hours of General Chemistry (CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412)
- 8 hours of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 2323 & 2123 and CHEM 2325 & 2125)
- 4 hours of Physics (PHYS 1301 & 1101)
- 3 hours of Statistics (MATH 3379)
- 4 hours of Calculus (MATH 1420)
- 6 hours of English (ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302)
- 6 hours of History (HIST 1301 and HIST 1302)
- 6 hours of Government (POLS 2305 and POLS 2306)
- 3 hours of Introductory Psychology or Sociology (PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301)
- 3 hours of Public Speaking (COMS 1361)
- 3 hours of Texas Core Component Area 4 (PHIL 1301 recommended)
- 3 hours of Texas Core Component Area 5
For the 2023-2024 application cycle, students must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and then apply to a PharmD degree program. (Starting in the 2024-2025 application cycle, the PCAT will no longer be administered.) The American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) maintains a list of PharmD program admissions requirements. PharmD programs are typically for years. Some areas of pharmacy require a residency after graduation that lasts one or two years. Students must also take a licensing exam according to the state where they plan to practice.
AACP has a common application service PharmCAS. The application opens in July. Early application is recommended.
Pharmacy is Right for Me is an excellent source of information for pre-pharmacy students.