I chose UW–Madison for pharmacy school for several reasons. First, this program is fantastic. It is ranked highly so I knew that I would get a quality education here. Second, the atmosphere at the school is one of collaboration and support. The people all seemed to want to help each other out so everyone could succeed, and that was very important to me.
– Holly Dorscheid, PharmD alum
Make a great choice with UW‒Madison School of Pharmacy
Our proven four-year curriculum provides the critical scientific foundations, the essential clinical skills in patient care, and the invaluable leadership and interprofessional team capabilities to be successful in today’s healthcare landscape. With innovative degree options to customize your PharmD education and one of the largest global health programs with partnerships in six countries, you can stand out in the job market. Badger Pharmacists are known to be among the best in the profession. And our results speak for themselves.
The faculty are amazing. They are extremely welcoming and inclusive. They always cared. The faculty, I’d say, is one of the things that absolutely makes us head and shoulders above the rest.
– Christopher Frye, PharmD alum
Hear from our alumni about what makes our PharmD program special
National reputation others recognize
Learning from the best
Making valuable connections
Enormous opportunities available
Make friends and connections for a lifetime
Our PharmD program is small with 100 – 120 students per incoming class — about the size of a high school. You’ll get to know your classmates, who will become lifelong friends, and maybe even your spouse! Our faculty and staff will know your name and will help support you in achieving your academic and professional goals.
Many students consider the School of Pharmacy community like family — a place where collaboration, not cut-throat competition, is the norm and where success is measured in relationships and service to patients. Be a part of our caring and passionate culture of pioneers and change agents who want to change lives for a better world.
First year of pharmacy school
School of Pharmacy community
More PharmD student perspectives
What I loved about the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy PharmD program was really the teachers, all the professors, the relationships that I’ve built with them over the years. And the relationships that you make with your fellow students. You’re going to carry those on for a lifetime. And they’re always people and resources that you can go back to.
– Patti Thornewell, PharmD alum
The good life in Madison
The School of Pharmacy is situated in scenic Madison that’s conveniently located 90 minutes from Milwaukee, two hours from Chicago, and five hours from Minneapolis. As one of the best places to live in the nation, Madison offers everything from Big Ten sports with Badger football and basketball to world-class performing arts and the hottest concerts. Our outdoor wonderland features gorgeous lakes for boating and kayaking as well as endless miles of cycling and running trails. With more than 900 restaurants of every cuisine, Madison is a foodie paradise with James Beard award-winning chefs and amazing local craft beers.
For many students, the city of Madison begins to feel like home. And here’s a few reasons why (see more rankings):
- #1 Best Place to Live in America (Livability.com)
- #2 Best City for Work/Life Balance & Mental Health (Coworking Cafe)
- #3 Best Quality of Life in the U.S. (U.S. News and World Report)
- #3 Happiest Cities in America (WalletHub)
- #6 Fittest Cities in America (American Fitness Index)
- #7 Best Cities for Young Professionals (SmartAsset)
Madison has everything to love about a big city but has a small city feel to it. It’s an overall beautiful place to live, learn, and work.
– Emily Blaski, PharmD alum
Boundless professional opportunities in Madison
Madison bursts with professional opportunities as a world-class healthcare hub. Home to more than five hospitals and three hospital systems, Madison has several top ranked health care facilities, including:
- University Hospital and UW Health at The American Center, ranked #1 Best Hospital in Wisconsin by U.S. News & World Report.
- UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital ranks as a top children’s hospital with two nationally ranked pediatric specialties, placing it among the elite children’s hospitals in the nation.
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, affiliated with the UW‒Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and known as one of the most innovative veterans hospitals with a 5-star rating.
In addition to being on a top medical campus, the School of Pharmacy is also only one of a select few in the nation with a leading health sciences campus that includes schools of pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine.
Plus, as a top-tier research university, you have all of the resources of a global research powerhouse with endless research opportunities at your feet. Some of the best minds in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, engineering, and many other disciplines are right here at UW‒Madison — making incredible new discoveries to improve human health and pushing the frontiers of scientific knowledge for the next breakthrough.
World-class campus for connections and experiences
As a flagship university and research powerhouse, UW–Madison makes incredible discoveries about our world and changes lives in the state, the nation, and the world. You can experience it all and make lifelong connections with many of today’s top thinkers, researchers, and leaders.
Your PharmD Program Guide
Learn what UW–Madison has to offer with its top-ranked PharmD program.
Outstanding Student Outcomes
Our PharmD program has a consistent track record of success in placement for jobs and residencies, as well as one of the best NAPLEX pass rates in the country.
Talk to a Current PharmD Student
Our student ambassadors want to help you learn more about life in pharmacy school, living in Madison, any aspect of UW–Madison, and more.