Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists are in great demand due to the increasing elderly population and the growth of the health care industry. Chemistry, biology, sociology, psychology, mathematics, and physics are required in pharmacy curricula since a pharmacist combines science with human relationships in assisting consumers in the use of pharmaceuticals.

Students with an interest in pharmacy typically major in chemistry. However, they may major in other fields. Regardless of the major field, practicing pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree requiring at least three years of undergraduate coursework followed by three full calendar years (twelve months) or four academic years (nine months) of professional study. Many students take longer than the minimum three years of undergraduate work to successfully fulfill the requirements for pre-professional study.

Students may also apply to other pharmacy schools. Selection is very competitive; successful applicants maintain a high level of academic performance in all work. Most pharmacy schools require educational tests for admission including the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and/or various college entrance exam scores (i.e., SAT or ACT). The PCAT can be taken either in high school or college. The results are one of several factors usually considered in the admission of each student.

A student preparing for professional school in a health profession is responsible for determining the specific requirements for the particular school under consideration.

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy provides current admissions information for all Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs in the United States.

Pharmacy School Admission Requirements - Individual School Information

For details concerning this program, contact Dr. Kathryn K. Frantz at 724-589-2113 or kfrantz@thiel.edu.