PharmD Prerequisites

PharmD Prerequisite Courses

Our prerequisite requirements ensure you meet our academic standards and to help 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.

Prerequisites do not need to be completed to apply, but applicants must complete all required prerequisites (including the 72 credit hour minimum)  prior to enrolling in the PharmD program.  The prerequisites can be completed at any regionally accredited college or university.  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 courses with a minimum of 12 total credits) in Social/Behavior Science, Communication, Humanities, Cultural Studies or Foreign Language will be satisfied.

All science prerequisites must be completed within ten years of the desired year of entry. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the PharmD Admissions Office. Prerequisite courses can be taken online and must be completed with a grade of C- or better.  Summer 2027 coursework is acceptable.  All applicants are required to attend (in-person) an accredited U.S. or Canadian university for at least one full-time semester (12 credits) prior to being considered for admission.  If you have international course credit, foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES. Also see our international student requirements page.

See additional policies concerning prerequisite requirements below.

Download Prerequisite Coursework Grid

PharmD Prerequisite Policies

• Applicants must complete all required prerequisites (including the 72 credit hour minimum) by the end of the summer term prior to enrolling in the PharmD program.  Official summer transcripts must be received by August 20.
• All science prerequisites must be completed within ten years of the desired year of entry and prior to the start term. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the PharmD Admissions Office.
• All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
• If 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.
• All applicants are required to attend (in-person) an accredited U.S. or Canadian university for at least one full-time semester (12 credits) prior to being considered for admission.
• The English composition prerequisite must be completed at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Some international credits may be counted towards our prerequisite courses. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES and submitted to PharmCAS. Please see international student requirements for additional information.