PharmD
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a professional degree leading to pharmacist careers in hospitals, outpatient ambulatory care settings, community pharmacies, nursing homes, managed care, academia, research, industry, government agencies, and other pharmacy practice settings.
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Learn moreDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
The UCI PharmD program is a four-year professional degree program that prepares graduates to be practice-ready pharmacists who are problem solvers, independent lifelong learners, team players, and leaders who will drive transformative changes in the healthcare system. The curriculum is taught by faculty from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice and delivered using innovative instructional methods and applying evidence-based practices.
Learn more about pharmacy careers
Visit PharmacyForMe.org or ExploreHealthCareers.org to access resources and information about the wide range of pharmacy settings.
What Makes Us Unique?
Strong foundation of pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, and clinical sciences integrated throughout the curriculum
Interprofessional education within the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences
Rigorous clinical training at UCI’s academic medical center to ensure graduates are ready to work in interprofessional teams
Integrative health approach to treating the whole patient with a wide range of preventive and treatment modalities
Committed to serve under-represented populations and advance healthcare equity
Commitment to Enhancing Diversity
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Plurality of experiences, accomplishments, and values leads to greater innovation and creativity at all levels of scholarship and inquiry.
The UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is committed to enhancing diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and other attributes in its students, staff, and faculty. We will strive to maximize opportunities and inclusion so that all its members can utilize their potential and achieve excellence in accomplishing the school’s academic mission. This academic excellence will translate to clinical excellence and help serve the communities in the region, the state, and beyond.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.
Additional information can be found here.
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Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet general requirements of the UCI Graduate Division. Satisfactory completion of the following required undergraduate credit courses with a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above:
| Prerequisite Course | Semesters | Quarters |
|---|---|---|
| General Biology | 1 | 2 |
| Biochemistry | 1 | 1 |
| Human Physiology | 1 | 1 |
| General Chemistry with Lab | 2 | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry with Lab (must be completed prior to application) | 2 | 3 |
| Calculus | 1 | 1 |
| Statistics | 1 | 1 |
| English / Writing | 1 | 1 |
| Macro- or Microeconomics | 1 | 1 |
| Psychology | 1 | 1 |
| Public Speaking or Debate | 1 | 1 |
Admissions Requirements
- The PCAT and GRE are not required or considered for admissions review
- A Bachelor’s degree is required
- Applicants earning their bachelor’s degree at the time of application must have degree conferred no later than end of spring term of matriculating year, e.g spring 2024 degree certification to start fall 2024.
- Applicants must complete prerequisites with a minimum letter grade of “C”
- Exception: A “PASS” grade is acceptable for coursework completed during Spring or Summer 2020
- All courses must be completed at the undergraduate level
- Advanced Placement (AP) used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements are acceptable
- Prerequisites requirements should be met by in-person learning with the following exceptions
- Acceptable subjects completed online: Writing, Macro- or Microeconomics, and or Psychology
- Online courses completed during winter quarter/spring semester 2020 through spring quarter/semester 2022 are acceptable
- Organic chemistry courses must be completed with grades posted on the transcripts prior to application submission
- Other courses may be in progress with final grades posted no later than August 5, 2024
- “Human Physiology” should be clearly labeled in the course title/or course description and taught by the department/discipline of Biology/ Biological Sciences or Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Prerequisite science coursework must be completed within ten years prior to the matriculation year
*All entered coursework in PharmCAS are self-identified by the applicant. These courses are subject to review and approval. Any course(s) not approved must be completed by the August 5th
Coursework questions can be directed to pharmd@uci.edu.
Course Equivalencies
Tuition & Financial Aid
UCI is committed to providing financial aid and resources to reduce indebtedness of our students. Our staff are dedicated to assisting students with options for funding their professional degree and planning for financial health following graduation.
Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid
Students may be eligible for scholarships based on documentation provided in the applications and through FAFSA.
Prior to the start of your first term, the UCI Financial Aid office will provide a workshop to discuss funding professional education, including options for federal financial aid programs and need-based aid provided by the school.
Scholarships / Fellowships
There are multiple scholarships, fellowships, grants and awards that students may apply for; information will be provided in advance of application deadlines.
- AACP list of scholarships, grants and awards (Learn More)
- UNCF/CVS Health Foundation Health Care Career Scholarships
- Financial need-based, merit-based, leadership, and social impact-based scholarships are available.
- Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
Loan Forgiveness Programs
NIH Loan Repayment Program (Learn More) pays up to $70,000 of student loan debt in exchange for a two year commitment to conduct research funded by a nonprofit or governmental institution.
California’s state loan repayment program for pharmacists who work full time in Health Professional Shortage Areas provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment (Learn More).
Pharmacists who work in governmental or non-profit organizations (e.g., Veteran’s Administration, Food & Drug Administration, health departments or state boards) can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs (Learn More).
AACP Financial Literacy Resources (Learn More)
Contact UCI Financial Aid
Phone: (949) 824-6725
Email: finaid@uci.edu
Accreditation Status
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC): Approved as of November 30, 2020
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE): Candidate status approved as of June 30, 2022. The University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted Candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60603-3499, 312-644-3575; FAX 866-228-2631; website: www.acpe-accredit.org
Once students have enrolled in a new program that is currently recognized by ACPE with Precandidate Status, such program may be granted Candidate Status by ACPE. The granting of Candidate Status denotes a developmental program that is expected to mature in accordance with stated plans by the time the first class has graduated. Granting of Candidate Status brings rights and privileges of Accredited status. Public disclosure by the program of the terms and conditions of Candidate Status is required (see paragraph 7, “Reference to Accreditation”). With respect to clarification of the meaning of Candidate status, graduates of a program so designed would, in the opinion of ACPE, have the same rights and privileges of those graduates from a fully accredited program. The Candidate status denotes a developmental program that is expected to mature in accord with stated plans within a defined time period. It should be underscored, however, that decisions concerning eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity reside with the respective state boards of pharmacy in accordance with their state statutes and administrative rules. Should Candidate status be awarded to a program, ACPE would, however, make its position known and make recommendations consistent with that position.
Licensure and Certification Disclosure
University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. Student pharmacists who are denied an intern license by the California Board of Pharmacy or have their license revoked are not eligible to continue in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Accreditation Timeline & Milestones
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) approved: November 30, 2020
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE):
- Initial On-site Evaluation approved: June 2020
- Pre-Candidate Status approved: February 1, 2021
- Candidate Status approved: June 30, 2022
- Next ACPE visit: 2023-2024 Academic Term
UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Timeline & Milestones
