What degrees are offered? Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) - This degree prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry or for post-baccalaureate education in graduate or professional schools. This program has a four-year curriculum. This degree has the option of two Educational Goals: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy. Those wishing to become licensed Pharmacists should select Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy as their Educational Goal. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) - Students who wish to become licensed as pharmacists must graduate from the Doctor of Pharmacy program. This four year professional program requires a minimum of two years of Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy study.
Which is the degree that will allow me to work as a pharmacist? The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is the only licensure degree available nationwide which will allow graduates to dispense prescription drugs.
What coursework is required in the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy Educational Goal curriculum?
How long does it take to complete the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy requirements? For most students, the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy coursework can be completed in two years and summer school is not necessary.
What happens in the last year of the PharmD program? All students go on a 40-week clinical rotation schedule called Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE). Students gain experience through working in different pharmaceutical care environments including community and institutional settings. 16 weeks of elective rotations allow the students to tailor their APPE and gain additional experience in the areas pertinent to their own career path and development.
Please visit the Admissions website for more information on high school course requirements. * Two semesters of biology and chemistry, and two semesters of physics are recommended. It is preferred that separate chemistry and physics courses are taken, but an integrated chemistry/physics course is acceptable.
Is a foreign language required? Purdue requires four semesters of a foreign language in high school for admission consideration. No students will be required to take additional foreign language classes once accepted to the program.
I go to high school in Indiana. Will my Core 40 requirements be acceptable? Yes. Purdue University applauds the state's efforts to strengthen Indiana's high school students' academic preparation and encourages all students graduating from high school to complete the Core 40 requirements.
How do I apply to the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy program? Students must first apply to Purdue University and enroll in the College of Pharmacy for the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences program (designated as "PC"). To indicate your desire to become a licensed pharmacist, you will select the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy Educational Goal. They then apply for admission to the College of Pharmacy in the Doctor of Pharmacy professional program after completing the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy requirements (this is the same as the first two years of the Pharmaceutical Sciences curriculum).
When should I apply to Purdue University? You should apply for admission to Purdue after completing your junior year of high school. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply early. For additional information or an application, contact the Office of Admissions: General Web site:http://www.admissions.purdue.edu/ Mailing address: Purdue University Office of Admissions Schleman Hall West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2050 Phone: (765) 494-1776 General website:http://www.admissions.purdue.edu/ Application web site:http://www.admissions.purdue.edu/apply/apply.php Due to limitations of staff and facilities, the University reserves the right to close admissions to any academic program once it is filled.
Is the PCAT test required? No. The PCAT is not required by Purdue University to enter the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
May I fulfill my Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy coursework at another accredited institution? Yes. The College of Pharmacy has plan of study curriculum guides for many of the schools in Indiana. However, coursework does not need to be fulfilled in Indiana. Several guides for plans of study at regional and nearby college and university campuses are available. For more information contact Mr. Steve Myszak via phone at (765) 494-1394 or e-mail smyszak@purdue.edu.
If I am already a student at Purdue University, do I still need to apply to the College of Pharmacy? Yes. Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program does not guarantee admission to the professional program. Students that complete their Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy prerequisites at Purdue University – West Lafayette with the intention of entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program as their major are eligible for Pharmacy Priority Admission status. Students meeting the requirements while enrolled in other colleges at Purdue may also apply. The most qualified students will be selected.
What application is needed for the PharmD program? Students must complete an application through the national Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). The Purdue PharmCAS deadline is normally the first week of January.
How can I obtain an application to the professional program? The PharmCAS web-based application is found at www.pharmcas.org.
What are the admissions criteria to the professional program? The Admissions Committee will select the best qualified applicants for the PharmD program based on a composite assessment of the following characteristics.
Evidence of academic readiness for, and commitment to PharmD learning goals
Evidence of organizational involvement, leadership, and social responsibility experiences
Evidence of quality interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communications
Evidence of passion for pharmacy and empathy towards others
Knowledge about various pharmacy practice environments
Cumulative grade point average for all coursework taken after high school (suggested minimum 3.00)
A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all pre-pharmacy core math/science courses (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, calculus, physics, and statistics).
Work experience
Two letters of evaluation (required)
Applicant statements
Personal interview with one or more representatives from the Admissions Committee
Extemporaneous written and verbal communication exercises
Completeness of application
Personal interview with representatives of the Admissions Committee. Each applicant given final consideration for acceptance will be interviewed at least once by one or two faculty or professional staff members.
Extemporaneous writing and verbal communication exercises.
Completeness of application forms.
What is the application process for the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) program? Students desiring admission into the BSPS program may apply for admission to Purdue after completing their junior year of high school. Official high school transcripts and results from the SAT or ACT are required. Off-campus students also are welcome to apply and are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Assessment of high school and/or college subjects and quality of academic record are important factors for admission.
How many students are accepted each year? Approximately 275 students are accepted each year into the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy program. Approximately 400 applications are received from eligible candidates each year for the professional program with a goal of accepting 150.
Are applications accepted each semester? Students are only admitted for the fall semester of the PharmD program. Applications are accepted each semester for the BSPS program.
What is the required grade point average (GPA) for admission into the professional program? There is no specific GPA requirement because admission is based on several factors in addition to grade point. However, a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and higher is generally the minimum considered. The average GPA of students admitted over the last five years was about 3.50.
Is preference given to in-state versus out-of-state applicants? No. Preference is given to the most qualified applicants.
Are there any additional costs that I will incur? Yes. Students in the Professional program must pay a special professional tuition rate. For the 2018-19 school year the differential fee is set at $12,024.00 ($6,012.00/semester) in addition to regular in-state or out-of-state tuition. This rate applies only during study in the Professional program (typically four years), and does not apply while in the Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy program. The University Undergraduate Admissions office maintains an estimate of costs of attendance. However, the University's fee structure is complex, and depends in part on which semester you first enrolled at Purdue. Please see the Bursar's list of tuition and fee rates for PharmD students for more information.
The Student Body
What percentage of pharmacy students are from Indiana? Approximately 70% of the students are from Indiana.
What is the ratio of the male to female students in the College of Pharmacy? The Male:Female ratio is about 35% to 65%.
Additional Information
What if I have more questions about the undergraduate and professional programs at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy? If you are a new applicant (high school student), you may contact the Office of Student Services via phone at (765) 494-1361 or e-mail at pharmlife@purdue.edu. If you are an off-campus student or have previous college credits or degrees, please contact the Director for Professional Program Admissions and Recruitment, Mr. Steve Myszak via phone at (765) 494-1394 or e-mail smyszak@purdue.edu.
