Pre-Pharmacy

Besides being highly educated about drug actions and interactions, today’s pharmacist must be skilled in written and verbal communications, identifying and solving problems, and working as a partner with patients, physicians and other health care providers. These days, the technical tasks of filling and labeling a prescription are being delegated to support personnel and even to highly sophisticated computers and robots. This allows the pharmacist more time to do things like counsel patients, consult with physicians and work with health care providers to develop policies for drug use.  The goal is to assure that patients obtain the maximum benefit from their medications with the least side effects and at the most affordable price – in other words, to improve the health of the public.

Pharmacy programs require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Some programs require that students earn a baccalaureate degree before matriculating to pharmacy school. Regardless, it is strongly recommended that students complete a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation in pharmacy school. Portland State offers a pre-pharmacy program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the pharmacy school preparation and application process.

There are two pharmacy programs in Oregon. The College of Pharmacy at Oregon State University (OSU) and the School of Pharmacy at Pacific University (the program is housed in the Health Profession Campus, which is located in Hillsboro, OR). Applicants for admission to OSU must have at least 135 quarter hours of acceptable credits, or 93 quarter hours for Pacific University.  To become a licensed pharmacist, applicants must graduate from an accredited, recognized pharmacy program, pass a national licensing examination, and complete a one year pharmacist-supervised internship.

Portland State University Pre-Pharmacy Course List 

Most pharmacy schools require a C- or higher in all prerequisite courses. 

Pre-requisite Course(s)Oregon State UniversityPacific University
MathematicsMTH251Z Calculus (4 credits) Note: MTH112Z is a pre-requisite for this courseMTH112Z or higher (4 credits) Note: MTH111Z is a pre-requisite for this course
StatisticsSTAT243Z Elementary Statistics I (4 credits)Recommended but not required
General (inorganic) chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors

General Chemistry: CH221Z/227Z, CH222Z/228Z, CH223Z/229Z (15 credits total) Note: MTH 112Z is the prerequisite for this sequence.

General Chemistry: CH221Z/227Z, CH222Z/228Z, CH223Z/229Z (15 credits total) Note: MTH 112Z is the prerequisite for this sequence.

Biology – 1 year sequence for science majorsPrinciples of Biology: BI211/214, BI212/215, BI213/216 (15 credits) Note: CH221Z/227Z is the pre- or co-requisite for BI211/214Principles of Biology: BI211/214, BI212/215, BI213/216 (15 credits) Note: CH221Z/227Z is the pre- or co-requisite for BI211/214
Organic Chemistry – 1 year sequence for science majors

Organic Chemistry: CH334/384*, CH335/337/385*, CH336/338/386* (16-19 credits) Note: CH223 is the prerequisite for this sequence

*CH384, 385, 386 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses

Organic Chemistry: CH334/384*, CH335/337/385*, CH336/338/386* (16-19 credits) Note: CH223 is the prerequisite for this sequence

*CH384, 385, 386 are recommended 1 credit workshop courses

Anatomy & Physiology with labs

Human Anatomy & Physiology with labs: BI301, 302, 303 Note: BI211 is a pre-requisite for this sequence

Upper division coursework is preferred

Human Anatomy & Physiology with labs: BI301, 302, 303 Note: BI211Z is a pre-requisite for this sequence

All parts of the series should be taken at the same institution

Microbiology

Microbiology BI380 Note: BI334 is a prerequisite for BI380. 

PSU students will take Molecular Biology (BI334) as the prerequisite for Microbiology (BI380) . Completion of BOTH Molecular Biology (BI 334) and Biochemistry (CH 350) will meet the requirement for OSU.

Recommended, not required
Biochemistry Biochemistry: Combination of Biochemistry (CH 350) and Molecular Biology (BI 334) will meet the Biochemistry requirement.Recommended, not required
Economics Recommended, not requiredMicroeconomics: EC201Z
English/WritingNot required if earning a bachelor's degreeNot required if earning a bachelor's degree
Speech/CommunicationNot required if earning a bachelor's degreeNot required if earning a bachelor's degree
PsychologyNot required if earning a bachelor's degreeNot required if earning a bachelor's degree
Social/Behavioral SciencesNot required if earning a bachelor's degreeNot required if earning a bachelor's degree
Humanities/Fine ArtsNot required if earning a bachelor's degreeNot required if earning a bachelor's degree

Additional considerations for Oregon pharmacy schools:

Oregon State University College of Pharmacy

Transcript Evaluation

Informal evaluations of prospective students’ transcripts can be made by the College of Pharmacy Student Affairs Office upon request. Submit copies of your transcripts via e-mail to pharmacy@oregonstate.edu, or send via postal mail (Transcript Evaluation; 203 Pharmacy Bldg, Corvallis, OR 97331).  Unofficial transcript copies are sufficient for the informal evaluation.  Include your name and e-mail address so results can be communicated to you. Allow 4-6 weeks to receive the results.

OSU Early Assurance Program (EAP)

EAP Oregon is designed for high school seniors, current college students, and postbaccalaureate students to assure the availability of a position in the OSU Pharm.D. program. EAP Oregon students complete undergraduate prerequisite coursework at any regionally accredited Oregon institution, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a field of their choice. Students engage in professional development opportunities and gain experience in the healthcare field. As an EAP Oregon student, you have a seat in the professional program reserved for you. 

OSU Bachelor’s Completion Option

OSU does not require completion of a bachelor’s degree. Students may transfer back to PSU up to 48 credits of the first year's work in the professional phase to complete the PSU requirements for a bachelor's degree with a major in biology or science. For the transfer back option, students must meet PSU’s University Studies requirements and their chosen PSU major requirements.

Completion of the B.S. prior to matriculation to the program is recommended. If a student applies and matriculates without a bachelor’s degree, they must have the following courses complete (in addition to the prerequisite courses listed above): 

  • Interpersonal Communication – 3 quarter hours (Public Speaking and Small Group Communication can also meet this requirement)
  • English composition – 4 quarter hours (AP English Lit & Comp score of 3, 4, or 5 fulfills one course requirement)
  • Social or behavioral sciences - One course from any of the following departments: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or Ethnic Studies

Oregon State University College of Pharmacy: Phone: 541.737.3424 or pharmacy@oregonstate.edu

Pacific University School of Pharmacy

Transcript Evaluation 

This unofficial prerequisite evaluation is recommended prior to applying to Pacific University and is available to help you determine which required coursework you have completed and which coursework you still need to complete in order to meet the prerequisite requirements. Required prerequisite coursework does not need to be completed to apply to the School of Pharmacy. Completed worksheets can be submitted via email, fax, or postal mail. Email: pharmd@pacific.edu  Postal Mail: Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions Pacific University, 190 SE 8th Ave Ste 181 Hillsboro, OR 97123 or Fax: (503) 352-7290 along with copies of your unofficial transcripts.

Pacific University & Portland State University Bridge Program

The Bridge Program creates a path for eligible PSU undergraduate students to pursue guaranteed conditional admissions at Pacific University School of Pharmacy while building relationships with School of Pharmacy students and faculty.  These programs aim to nurture career interests, provide enriching pre-professional development, and pave a way for success in Pacific University’s 3-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. Students accepted into the Bridge Program will:

  • Receive educational and career support from School of Pharmacy faculty
  • Participate in pre-professional workshops
  • Participate in select School of Pharmacy events
  • Build mentorship relationships with current School of Pharmacy students
  • Receive guaranteed conditional admissions to the School of Pharmacy’s PharmD program pending completion of bridge program requirements

Pacific University & PSU 3+3 

This articulation agreement states that students who complete a specific curriculum at PSU and are accepted into Pacific University’s Bridge program can transfer back their first year of pharmacy school to fulfill requirements for a BS in Science.  For this option, students must work directly with the PSU pre-pharmacy advisor.   

Pacific University Pharmacy Program Office of Admissions: Phone: 800-933-9308 or 503-352-7222

Email: pharmd@pacific.edu

Additional Resources:

Students typically apply to pharmacy school about a year and a half before they expect to matriculate to pharmacy school (e.g. in the summer before their last academic year in college). The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) serves as the primary application for participating pharmacy programs. PharmCAS will calculate your GPA, gather electronic letters of reference and send your application to the pharmacy programs you designate. Supplemental applications, some pharmacy schools request additional information from students, such as a response to an essay question, a supplemental application fee, etc. PharmCAS typically begins each application cycle in mid-July.

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT): Although OSU & Pacific do not require the PCAT, other pharmacy schools to which you plan to apply may require it. For test dates and enrollment deadlines, please visit: 

Helpful Websites: