School of Pharmacy

  • Philip Hritcko, Pharm.D., Dean
  • Kathryn Wheeler, Pharm.D., BCPS, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
  • Nathaniel Rickles, Pharm.D., Ph.D., BCPP, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs

The School of Pharmacy professional program requires completion of two years of pre-professional requirements, two years in the professional program leading to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Pharmacy Studies (B.S. Pharmacy Studies), followed by two additional years leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). This professional B.S./Pharm.D. program is a full-time professional program (146 minimum credits professional program plus 64 credits pre-professional for a minimum total of 210 credits), making the Pharm.D. graduate eligible to stand for licensure upon completion.

For the final two years of the professional program (Pharm.D. years), there will be additional tuition and required fees for in-state students and proportional increases for New England Regional and out-of-state students.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies is awarded after the completion of four semesters of pre-professional requirements, including University general education and Pharm.D. prerequisites and the successful completion of the first two professional years in the Pharm.D. program. The B.S./Pharm.D. are consecutive degrees and as such, the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies must be earned before entry into the last two years of the professional program. Upon recommendation of the faculty, the degree of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies is awarded by vote of the Board of Trustees to students who have met the following requirements:

  1. Earned 137 credits;
  2. completed all requirements for the first two years of the professional program;
  3. satisfied the University’s General Education Requirements; and
  4. earned at least a 2.0 grade point average for all calculable required pharmacy courses.

The B.S. in Pharmacy Studies does not entitle an individual to sit for a pharmacy licensing examination.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

The Doctor of Pharmacy is a professional doctoral degree, not a graduate degree. It is awarded as a post-baccalaureate/professional degree after the conferral of the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and successful completion of the Pharm.D. requirements. Upon recommendation of the faculty, the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy is awarded by vote of the Board of Trustees to students who have met the following requirements:

  1. Earned minimum 210 credits;
  2. completed all requirements for the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and the Pharm.D. degrees;
  3. satisfied the University’s General Education Requirements; and
  4. earned at least a 2.0 grade point average for all calculable required pharmacy courses.

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree entitles an individual to sit for a pharmacy licensing examination.

Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program

This program targets a small number of highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education suitable for professional licensure with advanced research-based training in the pharmaceutical sciences. Students completing this program will earn consecutive dual degrees, the Pharm.D. and the Ph.D. Students in the dual track are afforded early acceptance into the Ph.D. program and, if they successfully complete the Pharm.D. curriculum, a modified graduate curriculum will be tailored to shorten the total time required to complete the Ph.D. degree. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs and apply to the Ph.D. program in the spring semester of the P2 (second professional) year as they complete the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies.

Pharm.D./MBA Dual Degree Program

A dual degree Pharm.D./MBA program is offered to highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education with business managerial knowledge and skills. After completing second professional year and graduating with the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies, students enroll in the MBA program for the third year. Students then return to the School of Pharmacy for the last two years of the Pharm.D. program, which would consist of both pharmacy and business courses. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs and apply to the MBA program in the spring semester of the P2 (second professional) year as they complete the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies. Both the Pharm.D. and the MBA will be conferred simultaneously after the program requirements have been successfully met.

Pharm.D./MPH Dual Degree Program

A dual degree Pharm.D./MPH program is offered to highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education with special skills in public health as it relates to pharmacotherapy and health promotion, disease prevention and medication safety. After completing the second professional year and graduating with the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies, students enroll in the MPH program for the third year. Students then return to the School of Pharmacy for the remaining two post-baccalaureate/professional years of the Pharm.D. program, which would consist of both pharmacy and public health courses. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs and apply to the MPH program in the spring semester of the P2 (second professional) year as they complete the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies. Both the Pharm.D. and the MPH will be conferred simultaneously after the program requirements have been successfully met.

Accreditation

The University of Connecticut’s Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted full accreditation by The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The School of Pharmacy also offers a number of courses leading to the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). Students holding the degree of Bachelor of Science may prepare for the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in a number of pharmaceutical science fields.. The Master of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences may be awarded in the above subject areas and pharmacy administration (see the Graduate School Catalog).

Regional Plan

In conformity with plans approved by the Boards of Trustees of the six New England land grant universities for regionalization of certain fields of specialized education, the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy has been designated as a regional New England school for all other New England states except Rhode Island. Regional students enrolled in the professional program receive a tuition savings over out-of-state tuition rates.

Continuation of B.S. Pharmacy Studies Pre-Professional Students into the Professional Program

To be considered for continuation into the P1 professional coursework, all pre-professional students in the B.S. Pharmacy Studies program are subject to the review and approval of the School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Admissions Committee and therefore must apply, meet the requirements for their application pathway, and be successfully admitted into the professional portion of the program.

Admission

Pre-Professional Admission to B.S. in Pharmacy Studies:

See Admission to the University. The School of Pharmacy admits students into the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies pre-professional major directly as first-year students. School of Pharmacy B.S. students are highly encouraged to attend the Storrs campus as first-year pre-professional students and must switch to the Storrs campus for their third and fourth semesters during which they apply to the professional program and complete the following prerequisite courses; CHEM 2443 and 2444; MCB 2000 and 2610; PNB 2264 and 2265. Students not admitted into the School of Pharmacy at the time of entry to the University may apply for admission to the pre-professional major through School of Pharmacy procedures. Admission is competitive. Decisions will be based holistically on several criteria including the applicant’s academic record, courses completed, interview, and space availability.

Students at other post-secondary institutions who are not currently attending or who have never attended the University of Connecticut as an undergraduate degree-seeking student must file a separate University application with the Transfer Admissions Office, 2131 Hillside Road, Unit 3088, Storrs, CT 06269-3088 by the University Transfer Admissions Deadline. Transfer students wishing to transfer directly into the School of Pharmacy as pre-professional B.S. students should have made progress towards completing the first-year/sophomore, 1000-2000 level requirements, particularly those courses which are prerequisites for the Common Body of Knowledge/Entry Level courses (CHEM 1127Q–1128Q; BIOL 1107; ECON 1201; ENGL 1010 or 1011; MATH 1131Q, PHYS 1201Q) and must successfully complete all of these courses by the end of the first-year spring semester.

Admission to Professional Pharmacy Program

Student applications for admission to the professional P1 year are only accepted for the fall semester. There are two methods of application review for admission into the Professional P1 year; 1) Competitive Review for UConn students and 2) External Transfer Students.

Continuation and/or Admission for ALL applicants to the P1 year is based upon: 1) cumulative grade point average in the math and science prerequisites; 2) overall academic performance; 3) grades in the prerequisite courses; 4) non-academic and extra-curricular experience; 5) recommendations and personal statement; and 6) personal interview.

After successful admission into the professional program, students are enrolled into the fall semester, when they begin their P1 Pharmacy (PHRX) coursework. Only those students who have successfully completed their pre-professional coursework and the School of Pharmacy admissions process according to procedures and are admitted by the School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Admissions Committee may proceed onward with their fall P1 PHRX coursework. Entering P1s who have not fulfilled the University General Education requirements before they enter the professional program will have to complete those courses by May of the second professional year.

A criminal background check will be conducted on all students admitted to the Professional Program. Students will not be admitted if their background check does not pass.

Any pre-professional Pharmacy Studies B.S. student failing to successfully apply, or gain admittance to the professional P1 year, will be dismissed from the School of Pharmacy B.S. Pharmacy Studies Program and will be advised regarding alternative major options.

Pharm.D. Admission

Competitive Admission for direct entry into the Professional P1 year is limited, and on a space-available basis. Students should apply for admission early in the application cycle, which ends in the beginning of January. To be eligible, students must have all required math, science, and English courses completed by May for entry into the professional program the following fall semester. Both Content Area 2 courses (Economics and Sociology/Psychology/Anthropology) must be completed before admission into the fall semester. Students who have not fulfilled the University General Education requirements before they enter the professional program will have to complete those courses by May of the second professional year.

Direct Admission into the Professional P1 Program is competitive and based upon: 1) Successful completion and submission of PharmCAS application by January deadline along with supporting documents 2) Cumulative grade point average in the math and science prerequisites; 3) Overall academic performance; 4) Pharmacy-related and / or other non-academic and extra-curricular experience; 5) Recommendations and personal statement; and 6) Personal interview.

Additionally, external transfer students who have completed their pre-professional curriculum at regionally accredited degree-granting institutions of higher education in the United States will be eligible to apply for direct admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy Professional Program. Applications to the University by transfer students are due April 1. Transfer students who have completed their pre-professional curriculum at an international institution may be eligible depending upon how international coursework transfers into the University and is evaluated. Students will be considered for an interview and admission on a competitive basis. An outstanding academic record may be one of the components used to prioritize student interviews. Students receiving an interview should not assume they will be admitted to the professional program.

Calculation of the Math/Science Prerequisite GPA

To calculate the cumulative math/science prerequisite GPA, the total grade points earned for courses are divided by the number of total credits.

Substitutions

When approved course substitutions are taken, the courses are treated as substitutions and not as replacements for specific prerequisite courses. For example, grades for MATH 1125Q and 1126Q will be averaged and substituted for MATH 1131Q. Grades for CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, and 1126Q will be averaged and substituted for CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q. The required prerequisite for Biochemistry is MCB 2000. However, MCB 3010 may be a substitute. The same applies for other approved substitutions.

Physics

The required prerequisite for physics is PHYS 1201Q (four credits). With approval from the School of Pharmacy, PHYS 1401Q, 1501Q, etc. can be substituted for PHYS 1201Q. However, taking another physics course (e.g. PHYS 1401Q, 1501Q, etc.) in addition to PHYS 1201Q may be considered repetition of a prerequisite.

Advanced Placement

When AP work is applied toward prerequisites, the number of total prerequisite credits is reduced by the number of credits earned by that AP work.

Rounding for GPA

The School of Pharmacy does not round when calculating grade point averages. For example, a 2.99 will not be rounded to a 3.00.

Communication Skills

It is essential that Pharmacy students have excellent written and oral communication skills. Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, physicians and with other members of the health care team. The academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all applicants and U.S. citizens or permanent residents for whom English is not the native language and/or primary language of instruction. A minimum score of 7.5 is required for admission to the program.

Supplementary Scholastic Standards for the Pre-Professional B.S. Pharmacy Studies Students

Pre-professional B.S. students in the School of Pharmacy must meet and maintain the criteria stated in the School of Pharmacy Student Handbook. In addition, School of Pharmacy B.S. students must successfully apply through School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. admission procedures and gain successful admission by the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee in order to progress into the Professional PHRX curriculum.

If admission to the Professional P1 Program is denied, students will be dismissed from the B.S. Pharmacy Studies Program. Students will be advised regarding alternative major options.

Scholastic Standards for Professional Program

Students admitted to the professional pharmacy program must maintain standards of scholastic achievement to continue and/or complete the program as stated in the School of Pharmacy Student Handbook.

All required Pharmacy courses must be taken for a grade (i.e., may not be taken on Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).

Following any leave of absence from the professional program, the school reserves the right to impose certain requirements before returning to the program, up to and including academic assessments.

Failure to meet any of the requirements may result in dismissal of the student from the program.

Technical Standards for Students in the Professional Program

Students admitted to the School of Pharmacy must have the ability to safely apply their knowledge and skills to effectively interact with patients and others in educational and health care settings. Basic nonacademic qualifications required in addition to academic achievements are considered essential for admission and successful completion of the pharmacy curriculum.

Thus, candidates for the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and for the Doctor of Pharmacy degrees must be able to perform essential functions in each of the following categories: Observation, Behavioral and Social Attributes, Intellect, Communication, and Psychomotor Skills. Upon request of the student, the University will make good faith efforts in providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

More information on these standards can be found in the School of Pharmacy Student Handbook.

Honors Program

Students in the School of Pharmacy may be eligible to participate in a variety of enrichment programs. These include independent research projects with a faculty mentor, the Honors Program, and the University Scholars Program. Each of these programs offers the motivated student a way of individualizing their intellectual environment to better meet their needs while providing distinction to their academic record. For more information on these programs, ask to speak with the Pharmacy Honors Advisor.

School and Experiential Site Requirements

Participation in the experiential program requires direct patient contact and is completed in accordance with affiliation agreements with the experiential sites. As such, a variety of items are required to be submitted prior to attending these activities. These requirements include (but are not limited to) a physical exam, immunization titers and possible revaccination, tuberculosis testing, drug screening and background checks, to name a few. Student progression through the program depends on meeting all of the requirements of the school and site. Students must use a computer database to upload information for approval by an authorized outside vendor.

Computer Requirements

Students must provide their own laptop computers. Laptops must meet the minimum specifications provided on the school’s website. In addition to those specifications, laptop computers must be able to operate on battery power for a minimum of four hours.

Transportation

Students must provide their own transportation to experiential sites during the professional program. They should allow for transportation expenses, which would include cost of gasoline and parking fees where necessary.

Insurance

Health Insurance

All students are required to carry health insurance as stated in the University’s health policy.

Any medical expenses incurred by the student will be the student’s responsibility.

Professional Liability Coverage

All students are required to carry specific professional liability (malpractice) coverage. Although the State of Connecticut has statutory protection for students in “field placement programs” (Chapter 53 of the Connecticut General Statutes), there are sites that will not accept this as adequate protection. Therefore, the School of Pharmacy has required all students to have the blanket University malpractice coverage.

Additional Degrees

Students wishing to take a second degree in another school or college should consult their Advisor as early in their program as possible.

Intern Registration

It is mandatory that all Pharmacy students register with the Connecticut Board of Pharmacy upon enrollment into the Pharmacy professional program. Failure to receive and maintain a valid Pharmacy intern card will result in students not being allowed to participate in experiential curriculum.

License to Practice Pharmacy

Any request for information concerning Connecticut internship training requirements and other qualifications for examination and licensure as a pharmacist should be addressed to The Board Administration, Commission of Pharmacy, State Office Building, Hartford, Connecticut. Students seeking licensure in other states should contact the Boards of Pharmacy in those states.

Required Courses for the Professional Degree

I. General Education Requirements for B.S. program

The University Senate has adopted General Education Requirements in a variety of curricula areas, which must be satisfied as part of every degree program. These requirements are listed in the General Education Requirements section of the Course Catalog. The course requirements are those of the School of Pharmacy and satisfy the University requirements.1

School of Pharmacy Requirements

Mathematics and Science Courses: CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, and 1126Q; or CHEM 1127Q, 1128Q; CHEM 2443, 2444; BIOL 1107; PHYS 1201Q; MATH 1131Q; MCB 2000 or 3010, 2610; PNB 2264, 2265 or 2274, 2275. English Courses: ENGL 1007, 1010, or 1011. Social Sciences Courses: ECON 1201; 1000-level sociology or psychology or anthropology course.

Information Literacy Competency: Information literacy competencies will be met through successful completion of program major courses. Writing in the Major: PHAR 3097W or PHRX 4001W will satisfy the writing in the major competency.

II. Required Courses and Recommended Sequences for the Pre-Professional Years

First College Year

First Semester: CHEM 1127Q; BIOL 1107; ECON 1201 1 or GER E-Lit Course; MATH 1131Q. Second Semester: CHEM 1128Q; ENGL 1007, 1010, or 1011; PHYS 1201Q; Arts and Humanities course (GER Content Area 1); Diversity course (GER Content Area 4).

Second College Year

First Semester: CHEM 2443; PNB 2264; GER W Course; GER E-Lit Course1; Any 1000 level Sociology, Psychology, or Anthropology course from Content Area 2) 1, 2; MCB 2610. Second Semester: CHEM 2444; PNB 2265; MCB 2000 or 3010; Arts and Humanities course from GER Content Area 1; Diversity course from GER Content Area 4.

Minimum Total pre-professional credits: 64

1 These courses need not be taken in the semester indicated, but must be completed during the first two years.

2 Any 1000-level sociology, psychology, or anthropology course. This course need not be taken in the semester indicated but must be completed during the first two years.

III. Curriculum in Pharmacy for Consecutive B.S. and Pharm.D. Degrees

To be eligible to enroll in the first year fall semester PHRX courses, students must have successfully completed the pre-professional requirements, the Pharm.D. application procedures and have been admitted to the professional curriculum by the School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Admissions committee.

First Professional Year (37 Credits)

First Semester (20 credits): PHRX 3000, 3002, 3006, 3008, 3009, 3030, 3050, 3060. Second Semester (17 credits): PHRX 3001, 3003, 3007, 3031, 3032, 3040, 3065.

Second Professional Year (36 Credits)

First Semester (19 credits): PHRX 4030, 4031, 4040, 4041, 4050, 4063; three credits of Professional Electives. Second Semester (17 credits): PHRX 4000, 4001W, 4042, 4043, 40444062, 4065; three credits of Professional Electives.

Total credits for Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies: 137

Doctor of Pharmacy (73 Credits)

Students must complete two additional years to earn the Pharm.D. with a total of 210 credits.

Third Professional Year (37 credits)

First Semester (19 credits): PHRX 5040, 5041, 5042, 5046, 5060, 5062; three credits of Professional Electives. Second semester (18 credits): PHRX 5043, 5044, 5045, 5048, 5065; three credits of Professional Electives.

Fourth Professional Year (36 credits)

Students must have completed the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and the first year of the Pharm. D. program.

Rotating Professional Experiences (required): Rotating professional experiences, one month (four credits) each for a total of 16 credits. Courses (direct patient contact indicated by D notation): PHRX 5100D, 5101, 5102D, 5103D. With the approval of the Director of Experiential Education, substitutions may be made.

Electives (20 credits): Minimum of five, one month each. At least two of the electives must be direct patient contact. All of the PHRX courses in the following list are offered for four credits (Direct patient contact indicated by D notation): PHRX 5104D, 5105D, 5106D, 5107D, 5108D, 5109D, 5110, 5111D, 5114D, 5115, 5116, 5117, 5118, 5119, 5120, 5122, 5123D, 5124D, 5125D, 5126D, 5128D, 5129D, 5130D, 5131D, 5132D, 5133, 5134, 5135, 5136, 5137D, 5138, 5139, 5140, 5141D, 5142D, 5143D, 5144D, 5145, 5146, 5147, 5148D, 5149D, 5150D, 5151, 5152, 5153, 5154D, 5155, 5156D, 5157, 5158D, 5159D, 5160, 5161, 5162, 5163D, 5164D, 5165, 5166, 5167D, 5195, 5199.

Professional Development Courses (zero credit): PHRX 5260 and 5265. Students must achieve a grade of “S” in each course to denote satisfactory completion and eligibility for graduation.

Minimum Total credits for Doctor of Pharmacy: 210

Exemption and Substitution

Students who desire to be excused from any of these requirements or to substitute other courses for those prescribed, should consult the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Such exemptions or substitutions must be approved by Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs of the School of Pharmacy. Any waivers or substitution for professional courses must be approved by the School of Pharmacy Curriculum Committee.