Prerequisite coursework for pharmacy varies greatly amongst programs; therefore, it is crucial to be aware of individual schools’ requirements. A comprehensive list of program requirements can be found here.
UW-Madison School of Phamacy's prerequisites can be found here.
For a Pre-Pharmacy academic planning guide, click here.
The majority of pharmacy schools require the following prerequisites:
+ Mathematics
-
Most pharmacy schools require at least one semester of calculus.
This requirement can be met by taking:
- Math 211 OR Math 221
Most programs also require at least one semester of statistics. This course can be taken in your major department.
+ Chemistry
-
GENERAL CHEMISTRY: Choose one of these three sequences:
- Chem 103 & 104
- Chem 109 & Chem 311 or 327 or 329
- Chem 115 & 116
-
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: All courses are required
- Chem 343 Introductory Organic Chemistry
- Chem 344 Introductory Organic Chemistry Lab
- Chem 345 Intermediate Organic Chemistry
+ Biology
Choose one of these two course tracks:
-
1. GENERAL TRACK:
- Biology 151 & 152 Introductory Biology
- Biocore 301-302 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 303-304 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 323-324 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 333 Biological Interactions
2. BIOCORE TRACK:
Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
+ English / Public Speaking
Most pharmacy schools require 6 credits of English, or literature taught in English, with an emphasis on composition.
Many pharmacy schools also require a course in public speaking.
+ Physics
-
GENERAL PHYSICS: Choose one of these three sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (without calculus)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based)
+ Anatomy/Physiology
-
Many pharmacy schools require coursework in anatomy and/or physiology.
This requirement can be met by taking:
- Anatomy 328 AND/OR
- Physiology 335 or Physiology 435
+ Other Courses
-
Many schools also require or recommend coursework in the following areas:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Humanities
- Microbiology
There are 2 primary tracks for students interested in Pharmacy. Choose a track based on whether you want to be a practicing pharmacist or would rather do academic research in the field.
PharmD
The PharmD is a 4-year professional degree required to practice pharmacy independently. It has replaced the B.S. undergraduate degree in pharmacy as the only licensed degree.
M.S. / Ph.D. in Pharmacy
The M.S. and PhD in Pharmacy are academic research degrees, and do not qualify the recipient to be a pharmacy practitioner.
Two-thirds of pharmacy schools require the PCAT, which tests the following areas: verbal ability, biology, reading comprehension, quantitative ability, chemistry, and writing.
