UW‒Madison School of Pharmacy Difference


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.

By the Numbers (UW SoP Pharmacy stats): Top 10 Pharmacy School in the nation (US News & World Report); 98% job placment within 6 months; 8000+ alumni network; #1 Most Affordable Pharmacy School in WI; 94% First-Time Licensure Pass Rate; 100% Residency rate.
PharmD Student Outomes


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

More alumni perspectives


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

Aerial view of west side of UW-Madison campus, including American Family Children's Hospital, the UW Hospital, WI Institutes for Medical Research, School of Pharmacy, and the Health Sciences Learning Center

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)

Life in Madison


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:

Outside view of UW Hospital

  • 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.

Working in Madison


World-class campus for connections and experiences

Aerial view of UW-Madison's central campus and Lake Mendota, with colorful autumn leaves and blue sky. Photo by Jeff Miller.

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.

Excellence at UW

Your PharmD Program Guide

image of PharmD Viewbook (2020 ver)

Learn what UW–Madison has to offer with its top-ranked PharmD program.

Download our Guide

Outstanding Student Outcomes

Monroe Clinic pharmacist Sarah Clark talks to two PharmD students at the annual Career Fair.

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.

View our track record

Talk to a Current PharmD Student

Headshots of 6 School of Pharmacy student ambassadors

Our student ambassadors want to help you learn more about life in pharmacy school, living in Madison, any aspect of UW–Madison, and more.

Meet a student

Top 10 Program in the Best Place to Live

Explore life on the UW Campus

Bucky Badger statue sits in the Thinker pose, looking pensive

Favorite campus spots

Discover Madison, #1 Best Place to Live

Aerial view of the lakeshore area of campus at sunset

Explore Madison

Ready to be a Badger Pharmacist?

Your Wisconsin Experience starts here

Apply Today