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Pharmacy students check vitals in the patient simulation center
School of Pharmacy

Pre-Pharmacy, BS

The PharmD program at WVU is classified as a “2+4” program, meaning students need a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate prerequisites prior to starting the professional curriculum.

High-achieving, first-time freshmen have the opportunity to participate in the School of Pharmacy’s Direct Admit Pathway. The DAP program offers early assurance and prepares students for the PharmD admissions process.

Students who do not qualify for DAP should complete the courses listed in the PharmD plan of study through the Healthcare Pathway with Pharmacy Interest major or other science-based majors such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.

Students begin the PharmD admissions process in the year before entering the 4-year professional curriculum including completing a PharmCAS application and interviewing if deemed a competitive applicant. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test is optional. Application review is holistic, and a full list of necessary materials for evaluation are found on the PharmD Admissions page.

Your Degree Plan

A young woman in a white coat talks while holding a tube of medication as another student looks on
To prepare for the professional pharmacy curriculum, you must complete a pre-pharmacy curriculum that emphasizes the biological and chemical sciences. You’ll also take a variety of courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

  • 100+ years of educating pharmacists.
  • WVU School of Pharmacy is ranked among the top 25% by U.S. News & World Report.
  • 7:1 student to faculty ratio.
  • 5 areas of emphasis to tailor PharmD degree: Advanced Clinical Practice, College Teaching in Pharmacy, Geriatric Pharmacy, Global Health and Translational Pharmacy Research.
  • Conduct research at an R1 university, the highest possible research ranking in the Carnegie classification of higher education.
  • Pre-Pharmacy and DAP students who receive a merit scholarship may use all 4 years of their award, during the professional program.
  • DAP students have a seat saved for them within their respective PharmD class.
  • DAP students receive in-class online Kaplan PCAT preparation as a part of their exclusive course work.
  • Top 10% in the nation for residency placement.
  • The Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
  • WVU School of Pharmacy is ranked among the top 25% by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

Upon entering the PharmD program, students will have an opportunity to join several professional programs, including:

  • Kappa Psi
  • Lamda Kappa Sigma
  • Phi Lamda Sigma
  • Rho Chi
  • National Community Pharmacists Association
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Pharmacists

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $133,260

Possible Job Titles: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician's Assistant

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,780

Possible Job Titles: Outside Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Representative (Sales Rep), Salesman

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $117,960

Possible Job Titles: Clinical Director, Health Information Management Director (HIM Director), Health Information Manager (HIM Manager), Nursing Director

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Has a Bright Outlook

May Require Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $105,620

Possible Job Titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Professor

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Pre-Pharmacy major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Requirements for admission to the Direct Admit Pathway for Pharmacy

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 3.5
  • ACT Math: 20
  • SAT Math: 520
  • ALEKS: 65

Tuition and Aid

How much does Pre-Pharmacy at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Pre-Pharmacy, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Request Info

Want to know more about Pre-Pharmacy at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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