Considering Pharmacy School?

Here is what you need TO KNOW!

SOU’s pre-pharmacy program prepares students for admission to an accredited pharmacy school. Students typically take three years to complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum at SOU. Since requirements for admission to pharmacy schools may change, pre-pharmacy students should see their advisor at least once per year. Admission to pharmacy school is highly competitive. Statistics for Oregon’s pharmacy programs are listed below.

Phamacy Program / Pacific University / OSU
Number of Applicants / 1350 / 1100
Number Interviewed / 320 / 200
Number Admitted / 98 / 80
Average Incoming GPA / 3.4 / 3.5
Length of Program / 3 years / 4 years

In order to increase one’s likelihood for acceptance into a pharmacy program, it is highly recommended (though not currently required by Oregon’s pharmacy schools) that students simultaneously pursue and complete a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students should gain practical experience working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in a hospital or community pharmacy. Information on how to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician can be found at

Some pharmacy programs (NOT OSU or Pacific University) require students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), which is given at the Southern Oregon University Testing Center in January, June, August, and October of each year. Information regarding the PCAT can be found at

Applications for both OSU (process opens in June) and Pacific University (process opens in July) must be submitted through PharmCAS®, the National Pharmacy Application Program. This allows applicants to submit one application simultaneously to all pharmacy schools of interest. However, a Supplemental Application is required by both OSU and Pacific University.

Considering Pharmacy School?

Here is what you need TO DO to complete your pre-pharmacy requirements!

1. Decide what type of degree you want:

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is a professional degree that allows an individual

to work as a pharmacist in a community, clinical, hospital, industrial or administrative pharmacy.

OR

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacy is a graduate degree that allows an individual

to teach and conduct research in academic, industrial and government settings.

OR

A dual Pharm.D./Ph.D. degree

*If you are interested in seeking a Ph.D. in Pharmacy, you must first obtain an undergraduate degree. Be sure to discuss your plans and selection of courses with your MAJOR Degree Advisor.

*To help you make an informed decision, you should carefully review OSU’s ( and Pacific University’s ( pharmacy program websites (as well as websites of any other pharmacy programs you are considering attending).

2. Decide if you want to:

Complete ONLY your pre-pharmacy requirements here at SOU and then pursue a Bachelor’s of General Science as well as a Pharm.D. degree at OSU, Pacific University or another pharmacy school that offers this option. Note: Some pharmacy schools may require you to obtain a Bachelor’s degree prior to entering their program.

OR

Complete your pre-pharmacy requirements here at SOU AND pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at SOU. If this is your option, you also need to decide what you want to MAJOR in and who your MAJOR Degree Advisor will be.

3. Review the following list of SOU courses you must complete to meet your pre-pharmacy requirements and write out a tentative schedule to complete these requirements over the next several years (typically requires 3 years to complete the pre-pharmacy requirements).

4. Bring all of your materials (including a list of ALL college courses completed) and come by and see Hala Schepmann (SC 272, office hours posted on office door, , 541-552-8172).