Pre-Pharmacy Advising
In general, a pharmacy program may consist of one to three years of pre-professional coursework followed by at least four years of professional study. Some colleges, however, offer the entire program at the pharmacy college.
Since entrance requirements vary, students should consult the catalog of the colleges to which they intend to apply.
Listed below is a general recommendation for a two-year program in pre-pharmacy. Keep in mind, some schools require grades of C or better with a 2.5 – 3.0 or higher grade point average overall and in the sciences. Students should always check this information with the specific schools to which they intend to apply.
First Semester
Biology 1811, Introductory Biology I
Chemistry 1111, Introductory Chemistry I
Math 1800, Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Second Semester
Chemistry 1121, Introductory Chemistry II
English 1100, Freshman Composition
History 1031, Topics in European Civilization: Emergence of Western Europe
to 1715
Psychology 1003, General Psychology
Third Semester
Biology 1131, Human Physiology and Anatomy I
Chemistry 2612, Organic Chemistry I
English 2120, Topics in Writing (or Composition II in transfer)
History 1032, Topics in European Civilization: 1715 to the Present
Physics 1011, Basic Physics
Fourth Semester
Biology 1141, Hyman Physiology and Anatomy II
Chemistry 2622, Organic Chemistry II
Chemistry 2633, Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Physics 1012, Basic Physics
Sociology 1010, Introduction to Sociology
In addition to pre-professional courses, many pharmacy schools require students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). For more information about this exam, students may call the Psychological Corporation 1-800-622-3231. Students should also consult the catalogs of the pharmacy schools to which they intend to apply, especially with regard to the following matters:
- application deadlines and procedures,
- GPA requirements, and
- letters of recommendation.
For additional information and pre-pharmacy advising at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, contact the Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences, (314) 516-5501. Information is also available in the Pharmacy School Admission Requirements, which is published yearly. For a copy, call 1-703-739-2330, or visit the web site for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy at http://www.aacp.org.