Pre-Pharmacy

Is this career right for you?

  • Do you pay close attention to detail?
  • Do you like searching for facts and figuring out problems?
  • Would you enjoy educating patients and serving as an expert consultant to physicians?
  • Are you patient and good at delivering detailed instructions?
  • Do you understand the importance of chemistry and how it is practically applied?

Prerequisite courses

Any major is acceptable. Pharmacy schools seek applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and have done well in their coursework. The best major for you to choose is the one you will find most interesting and challenging.

On your path toward pharmacy school, you will engage in many facets of development. Pharmacy schools are seeking well-rounded, compassionate, creative, bright, service-minded individuals. You must develop and demonstrate personal attributes that will enable you to be an effective healthcare provider.

Your academic preparation is still extremely important. The courses listed below meet the requirements for most pharmacy schools, however, there is variability among school policies.

You are responsible for verifying the prerequisites for each of the schools that interest you. 

Many pharmacy schools require only 90 hours of undergraduate coursework; they do not require an undergraduate degree. However, in our experience, competitive applicants have completed their bachelor's degree.

Pharmacy schools have differing policies for AP and IB credits and it is important to verify each school’s policy for which you would like to apply. Consult the admissions requirements. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can help answer complex quesitons regarding pre-requisites; however, OPHA generally recommends retaking AP/IB credits that are part of the course requirements for health professional schools. Because many schools do not accept AP/IB credits for prerequisite requirements, this helps students keep their options open when it comes time to apply as each school can differ in their exceptions.

Most pharmacy programs require grades of at least C or higher for all prerequisites. If you do not receive satisfactory grades in required courses, we highly recommend you retake to ensure mastery of content and competitiveness of application.

There is a lot of variability and nuance when it comes to pre-requisites. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can assist you in determining what courses you need to be most competitive and for which schools.

Biology

There are two options at CU Boulder available to fulfill the general biology requirements.

Option 1:

  • General Biology 1 and Lab (EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1230), 4 credits
  • General Biology 2 and the Lab (EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1240), 4 credits
  • Genetics (EBIO 2070), 4 credits

Option 2:

  • Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCDB 1150), 3 credits
  • Principles of Genetics (MCDB 2150), 3 credits
  • 2 credits of first-year biology labs - choose one:
    • From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Lab (MCDB 1161), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1171), 2 credits
    • Biological Probiotic/Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1181/IPHY 1181), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens 2 (MCDB 2171), 2 credits

Additionally, the following courses are also required:

  • Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab (IPHY 3410 and IPHY 3415), 5 credits
  • Human Physiology and Physiology Lab (IPHY 3430 and IPHY 3435), 6 credits
  • Microbiology (EBIO 3400), 3 credits and Microbiology Lab (EBIO 3410), 1 credit

While not always required, one or more of the following biology classes (with lab) can enhance your application and is recommended by our office: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology

Chemistry

Generally two courses with associated labs in general (inorganic) chemistry and two courses in organic chemistry are required. Some schools require biochemistry, as well.
Lectures and labs should be equivalent to 8 semester hours for general chemistry, and 4-8 hours for organic chemistry, depending on the school specific requirements.

  • Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 1021), 4 credits (Recommended, but optional to provide foundational knowledge)
  • General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114), 5 credits
  • General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 1133 and CHEM 1134), 5 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 3311 and CHEM 3321), 5 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 3331 and 3341), 5 credits
  • Biochemistry (BCHM 4611), 3 credits

If you are CHEM or BCHM major, be sure to talk to your Pre-Health Advisor, who can help you find the appropriate chemistry courses.

Physics

Generally two courses in physics are required. Not all schools require labs. At CU Boulder, you have the option of taking an algebra-based sequence or a calculus-based sequence. The algebra-based sequence is usually most recommended, unless your major requires the calculus-based sequence.

Option 1 (Algebra-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 2010), 5 credits, lab included
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 2020), 5 credits, lab included

Option 2 (Calculus-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 1110), 4 credits
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 1120), 4 credits
  • Experimental Physics 1 (PHYS 1140), 1 credit

Math

Generally, calculus is required and Calculus I (MATH 1300), 5 credits, is recommended. Some schools may require a statistics course.

Writing/English Composition

Most schools require two semesters of writing or English Literature/Composition courses. This requirement can be fulfilled via any WRTG or ENGL course. Most commonly, students complete the following:

  • First-year Writing (WRTG 1150), 3 credits
  • Upper-division Writing (WRTG 3020), 3 credits (or a 3000-level scientific writing course in EBIO or IPHY)

    Public Speaking

    Generally, a verbal communications or speech class is required.

    • Public Speaking (COMM 1300), 3 credits

    Economics

    We recommend MicrobabyÖ±²¥apps, but some schools will accept Macroecnomics.

    • Principles of MicrobabyÖ±²¥apps (ECON 2010), 4 credits

    Additional Classes to Consider

    Most pharmacy schools require or recommend additional coursework in the following courses. Refer to the for admissions requirements for the most current information and talk to your Pre-Health Advisor to determine which are right for you and your journey.

    • Three courses (or nine credits) of humanities/social science electives in one of the following departments: Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, History, Education, Political Science, History, or Geography
    • Additional biology courses (see Biology section above) can enhance your application

    Courses in additional disciplines that are of interest to you will provide you with a broad and relevant foundation for dental school. Consider enhancing your studies in art, ethics, philosophy, global and public health, and cross-cultural studies. Talk to your Pre-Health Advisor to find out which of these might help set your application apart.

    Other Desired Traits and Experiences

    Getting into professional school is about desiring to be a better person and better future professional. It is a complex process and OPHA's Pre-health Advisors are here to help you find out what experiences, like shadowing and direct patient interaction, are right for you. They can also help you build a comprehensive application, showcasing your unique skills that set you apart.

    Updated November 2023