PharmD Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisites do not need to be completed to apply, but must be completed before you begin
the PharmD program in the Fall. The prerequisites can be completed at any regionally accredited college or university. See the prerequisite grid and prerequisite requirements below to ensure you meet all standards or track your academic progress.

To see specific course equivalency information, see our Approved PharmD Prerequisites page, which lists approved coursework for selected colleges and universities.

The Admissions Committee may be concerned about math and science coursework that may have been completed more than 10 years ago. If this may apply to you, consult with our admissions advisor regarding your specific situation. All prerequisite courses can be taken online and must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Summer 2024 coursework is acceptable. In addition, courses taken for P (Pass), CR (Credit), or SD (Satisfactory-Disruption) during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through the Spring of 2021 semester may be used to satisfy prerequisite requirements.

If an applicant earns a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, the English Composition and the General Elective coursework requirements (4 course/12 credits in Social Science, Communication, Humanities, Foreign Language, or Diversity Studies) will be satisfied.

Prerequisite Coursework Grid

A calculus course designed for math or science majors.

A general chemistry I & II course sequence (2 courses). Labs required.

An organic chemistry I & II course sequence (2 courses). Labs required. The lab can either be part of each lecture component or can be a standalone 2-credit lab.

A two-semester integrated sequence of general biology. If a sequence of general biology is not available, then a combination of a single general biology course combined with an advanced biology course in cellular/molecular/genetic biology will be accepted. Labs are required for general biology sequences. A lab is preferred for the advanced biology course option.

A microbiology course focusing on the study of microorganisms and their activities; emphasis on structure, function, ecology, physiology, and genetics. A lab is not required.

A Human or Comparative Physiology course. Lab is preferred, but not required.

An algebra or calculus-based course accepted. Lab is not required.

A college-level statistics course.

An English composition course or a course equivalent to the UW‒Madison Communication “A” requirement. This requirement will be satisfied if you earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation.

Four courses (and a minimum of 12 credits) of general elective coursework in social science, communication humanities, foreign language, or diversity studies. This requirement will be satisfied if you earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation.

Applicants must complete a minimum of 72 total credits before beginning the PharmD program.

Check Coursework that Meet PharmD Prerequisites

To see if the courses you’ve taken meet our prerequisite requirements, please check our list of approved coursework for selected colleges and universities.

Because course offerings can change, please contact our Admissions Team for a course substitution request or to report coursework inaccuracies.

Course Equivalencies & Approved Coursework

AP & IB Test Credit Policies

If your AP/IB tests appear as completed courses on your pre-pharmacy transcript, we will honor your school’s test score requirements. For example, if you earn credit for general chemistry at your college through an AP test, the PharmD program will give you credit for this course.

If you completed prerequisite coursework at UW–Madison, AP and IB test credits will be granted according to the UW‒Madison Credit by Exam policies.