Doctor of Pharmacy – Curriculum

Doctor of Pharmacy

Our nationally-recognized Doctor of Pharmacy program offers an outstanding record of student success with a proven curriculum. With top clinical training on a leading medical campus, the PharmD program combines the best of student life, acclaimed faculty, and cutting-edge research and facilities.

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We are educating tomorrow’s pharmacy leaders and innovators.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is designed to prepare students to become leaders in health care. As the health care landscape transforms, our time-tested curriculum evolves with it so you’ll leave our program with the knowledge and skills employers need.

Our graduates are pharmacists trained as both scientists and clinicians who are ready to make a better world for patients and improve people’s health. Here’s how our innovative curriculum develops some of the country’s best pharmacists.

Proven curriculum at the forefront of patient care and science

Work with Patients in Hands-On Learning

Patient care is at the heart of what pharmacists do. On a top medical campus, you'll learn by doing as you help patients. From immunizing patients to screening for chronic diseases like diabetes, you'll make a difference in people's health as a student pharmacist.
Stand Out with Top Clinical Training
Our award-winning approach to building clinical skills will prepare you to be an outstanding pharmacist. You'll gain both the knowledge and skills needed in modern pharmacy practice, from patient communications and dispensing to problem-solving and critical thinking — all making you competitive in the job market.
Learn With Medical and Nursing Students at a Leading Health Sciences Campus
Pharmacists work with many health care professionals, such as doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and others, as part of the interprofessional team. You'll learn how to be a key player on today's health care team at our leading health sciences campus where you'll interact with students from medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine.
Get a Front-Row Seat to Cutting-Edge Science at a Top 10 Research University

A strong scientific foundation is essential for great pharmacists. You'll experience all of the principles of drug discovery (medicinal chemistry), drug action (pharmacology), and drug delivery (pharmaceutics) and how to apply them in pharmacy practice. Plus, be at the forefront of personalized medicine and the latest pharmaceutical breakthroughs at one of the best research universities.
Gain Leadership Skills and Professional Development

Developing student pharmacists to become leaders is woven throughout the curriculum. Pathways, electives, and certificate options provide specialization in your career interest. Outside the classroom, there are boundless opportunities for community outreach, entrepreneurship, and leadership experiences — all to help you distinguish yourself.
Learn From the Best

Classes are taught by top experts who are nationally-recognized faculty and practitioners on the cutting edge of pharmacy practice. You'll learn from innovative thinkers who are shaping the pharmacy profession and revolutionizing health care. Many of our renowned faculty are fellows of the most prestigious organizations, recipients of coveted awards and honors, editors of major journals, patent holders, and awardees of impressive research grants totaling $13 million in funding.

PharmD curriculum and courses

Customize your degree and career path through our Scholars in Pharmacy Program

Where do you want your PharmD degree to take you? Our Scholars in Pharmacy Program offers numerous certificates, concentrations, and cross-discipline study opportunities so you can chart a career path that’s all your own.

Dual Degree

PharmD/MPH (Master of Public Health)

Concentrations and Paths

PharmD student video on Path of Distinction in Antimicrobial Stewardship

VIDEO: Student Perspective

Watch this Instagram Story by a PharmD student on her experience in the Antimicrobial Stewardship Path of Distinction and how it's advancing her career interest in the growing field of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Watch Maryann's Story

PharmD Path Focuses on Antimicrobial Stewardship

This Path of Distinction equips student pharmacists to optimize antibiotic use to reduce resistance and meets an increasing need for infectious disease pharmacists.

VIDEO: Student Perspectives on Leadership Program

Hear from our PharmD students on why the Path of Distinction in Leadership is helping them realize their full potential as leaders as well as helping them stand out in the job market.

watch video

Brett Kelly, assistant professor in the School's Division of Pharmacy Professional Development, brings his background as a managed care pharmacist with extensive leadership experience to mentor PharmD students like Jalen McMartin (DPH-2) in the Leadership Certificate and Mentor Program.

Leadership Certificate and Mentor Program Prepares Student Pharmacists for Career Success

Mentorship is a key aspect.

Path of Distinction in Psychiatric Pharmacy

Path of Distinction in Research

VIDEO: Path of Distinction in Research

Watch this Instagram Story by a PharmD student on her research experiences.

Watch Maggie's Story

School of Pharmacy Introduces Pathway of Distinction in Research

Gaining research skills enhance career possibilities.

Certificate Programs

Explore global learning opportunities

Badger pharmacists are making a difference around the globe, and we help them get started. You can use your Global Health programs to travel the world while gaining research and practical experience towards your PharmD degree.

Global Health Courses

Doctor of Pharmacy and Pharmacology & Toxicology students can take special summer field courses offered through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Global Health Institute.

A volunteer helping children understand how to use an inhaler.

PharmD Service Learning Opportunities

Our second-year (DPH-2) PharmD international service learning trips let you explore different cultures while putting your pharmacy training to work.

International Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE)

Fourth-year (DPH-4) Doctor of Pharmacy students can complete an APPE clerkship in one of seven countries. Each one offers unique benefits and encourages students to broaden their outlook and work with diverse cultures and populations.

Beyond the UW–Madison PharmD

Our graduates are ready to build on their pharmacy expertise through advanced training after they leave our school. Learn about our pharmacy residencies.

Community Pharmacy Residency

This residency program strives to develop transformative leaders in the field of community practice. The program offers innovative practice experiences through a variety of community practice sites as well as unique opportunities for teaching and research with School of Pharmacy faculty members.

Health System Pharmacy Administration MS and Residency

The combined Master's degree and residency at UW Health is designed to provide the resident with a solid background in the administration of exemplary pharmacy services across an integrated health system. The primary objective of the program is to develop health system pharmacy administrative leaders.

Doctor of Pharmacy – Curriculum