Pre-Pharmacy Program
Are you passionate about pharmacy but unsure of the right pathway to pursue? Look no further! At the University of Cincinnati's Pre-Pharmacy program, we offer flexible options that lead to an exciting career in pharmacy without requiring a Bachelor's degree.
With a comprehensive 72-semester-hour curriculum, our program prepares you for entry into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, ensuring you are well-equipped for success. The best part? You have the freedom to choose at least 15 semester hours of elective courses that align with your interests and career goals.
Worried about the time constraints? Don't be! All coursework must be completed within the last seven years, allowing you ample flexibility to tailor your educational journey. Plus, there's no need to stress about grades – as long as you earn a "C" or better, you're on the right track.
And here's the best part: you don't have to complete the entire Pre-Pharmacy curriculum at the University of Cincinnati. We welcome students from accredited colleges or universities, offering a seamless transfer process to ensure a smooth transition.
Our program opens doors to various healthcare settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry – all in high demand, especially after the challenges posed by COVID.
Take the first step towards becoming a pharmacist with our Pre-Pharmacy Program – a fulfilling program that boasts impressive salary and job outcomes!
Prepare for an exciting career in pharmacy with our comprehensive Pre-Pharmacy Program. The required courses for the program include:
| UC Course Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1001 | English Composition | 3 credits |
| ENGL 2089 | Intermediate Composition | 3 credits |
| MATH 1044, 1045 | Applied Calculus I & II | 4-6 credits |
| CHEM 1040, 1041 | General Chemistry I & II | 8 credits |
| CHEM 1040L, 1041L | General Chemistry I & II Lab | 2 credits |
| BIOL 1081 | Biology I | 3 credits |
| BIOL 1081L | Biology I Lab | 1 credit |
| CHEM 2040, 2041 | Organic Chemistry I & II | 8 credits |
| CHEM 2040L, 2041L | Organic Chemistry I & II Lab | 2 credits |
| PHYS 1051 | General Physics I | 4 credits |
| STAT 1034 or 1031 | Statistics | 3 credits |
| BIOL 2031C | Microbiology | 4 credits |
| BIOL 2001C, 2002C | Anatomy & Physiology I & II | 8 credits |
| CHEM 3040 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| General Education Electives (See descriptions for required courses below) |
15 credits |
In addition to the required pre-pharmacy courses, students will also need to meet the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of general education elective courses. Among these, a minimum of 3 hours must be dedicated to diversity and culture or social and ethical issues, empowering graduates to excel and make meaningful contributions in our ever-changing global and diverse society.
- Complete a minimum of 6 semester hours in the Arts & Humanities, with examples encompassing but not limited to classics, literature, foreign languages, philosophy, linguistics, rhetoric, dance, drama, music, visual arts, and history.
- Complete a minimum of 6 semester hours in the Behavioral & Social Sciences, with examples including but not limited to communication, cultural anthropology, economics, human geography, planning, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Students who have achieved an acceptable score on an AP exam may receive credit for Pre-Pharmacy requirements. To explore UC's AP exam score requirements and corresponding course equivalencies, refer to the official guidelines.
For personalized guidance on which pre-pharmacy courses may be exempted based on AP exam scores and which courses require repetition despite achieving an acceptable score, please reach out to the College for advising.
The Pre-Pharmacy program offers students a wide array of career opportunities, with over 100 different jobs available for PharmD graduates in specialties like Ambulatory Care, Bariatrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Hospital, Veterinary, Drug Safety, Drug Research, Quality Control, Education, and Administration. These paths are thoughtfully designed to align with individual interests and aptitudes, presenting promising employment prospects for a future filled with boundless potential and gratifying accomplishments.
For Pre-Pharmacy students who choose to pursue and become PharmD graduates, a world of fulfilling and impactful careers awaits in various fields, reflecting the vast opportunities provided by the program.