PharmD Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions Application
Yes, applicants must submit an application through PharmCAS.
In previous years, our PharmD application process has required prospective students to complete two applications: One through PharmCAS, and one through UCI Graduate Division. We are happy to report that both applications have been consolidated into the PharmCAS application. However, please note that a supplemental application fee to UCI Graduate Division is required. Both PharmCAS and UCI Graduate Division offer a fee waiver application.
The personal history section is optional; however, we encourage any applicant who would like to be considered for scholarships to complete this section. Please use this section to explain how you may meet merit, financial need, and/or social impact criteria (see the UC statement on diversity).
Both PharmCAS and UCI Graduate Division have their own application fee waiver processes. Since they have their own criteria, it is possible that you may qualify for one and not the other. Please review fee waiver instructions for PharmCAS and/or UC Irvine Graduate Division and directly to apply.
Any specific admissions questions may be directed to the PharmD Admissions Office at pharmd@uci.edu.
Prospective UCI student pharmacists do not need to complete the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). PCAT scores will not be evaluated in the admissions consideration review.
Yes, a Bachelor’s degree is required. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please reach out to the
No, we will consider applicants with any undergraduate major as long as they complete all the prerequisite courses with the minimum “C grade” requirement.
A minimum grade of a C is required.
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 5th.
Visit our list of course equivalencies (click the buttons at the end of the “Admissions Requirements” section of our website’s PharmD page) to search for your enrollment institution. Reviewed and approved courses are listed. If a course or institution is not evaluated, feel free to email pharmd@uci.edu. The email should include the following information to assist with our review:
- The name of the institution where courses have been completed (or plan to be completed)
- Course title, prefix, and number; and direct catalog URL with a course description or attached syllabus.
No, a single course cannot be counted twice for prerequisites.
Online courses completed anytime from Spring 2020 to Spring 2022 are acceptable. Acceptable subjects completed online include Writing, Macro- or Microeconomics, and or Psychology. Please contact pharmd@uci.edu if you have any other questions related to online courses.
The preferred cumulative GPA for admission is 3.0 or above.
We plan to enroll 60 students each year.
Our priority deadline is December 1st, 2023. Applicants who apply by our priority deadline, December 1, 2023 are eligible for reimbursement for the Graduate Division supplemental fee post-matriculation into the PharmD program. We encourage all applicants to apply early since we have a rolling admissions process.
May 1, 2024 is the final application deadline, but we encourage you to apply before this date.
Yes, we will be offering rolling admissions.
We encourage applicants to seek letters of support from those who can evaluate their academic ability, communication skills, work, research, or volunteer experiences, and personal characteristics. Examples of people who may be able to address these areas in detail include professors, mentors, academic advisors, employers, or volunteer supervisors. Letters from family members or friends are not suitable.
For the letters of recommendation in the Graduate Division system, please enter your evaluator’s name, but enter in “pharmd@uci.edu” as the sender’s email address for us to upload your letters of recommendation from PharmCAS.
The UCI PharmD program does not accept transfer students. All students must apply through the regular admissions process and enroll in the PharmD program as a first-year student.
More information about the PharmD program and our admissions requirements can be found on the following pages:
UCI PharmD Department Home Page
PharmCAS Directory: UCI PharmD Program
Our office welcomes you to fill out the PharmD interest form to be kept up to date with admissions information and outreach opportunities for prospective students. Prospective students who fill out the form will be contacted regarding upcoming outreach opportunities.
Admissions Interviews
We plan to begin interviewing in October and will continue interviewing through the spring.
More information will be sent to students prior to their scheduled interview date.
Applicants generally choose to wear professional attire, however we do not have a dress code requirement.
Financial Aid
It is important for all eligible domestic prospective students should complete a FAFSA application for the planned matriculation year. The application opens in December. Click here to check for important dates and deadlines.
We will be offering a limited number of “need-based,” “merit-based,” “leadership” and “social impact” scholarship opportunities. Recipients must be permanent residents of the United States to be eligible for consideration.
AB-540 candidates, please refer to the California Dream Act Application, https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/resources-california-dream-act-application and https://dream.uci.edu for financial aid resources.
All admitted students must complete a FAFSA for the entering academic year.
AB-540 students do not complete the FAFSA application for graduate school. Please refer to the California Dream Act Application. An additional resource is: https://dream.uci.edu.
Misc FAQs
Many of our rotations will take place at the UCI Medical Center. Students will also benefit from a diversity of rotations in Southern California.
Please refer to our accreditation page.
UCI Medical Center has several residencies you can apply for. To learn more, visit UCI Health Pharmacy Residency..
We encourage you to visit Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) and the ASHP residency directory.
