Schools of pharmacy recommend that applicants complete at least three years of college coursework before matriculating; however, the vast majority have completed their baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling. Candidates may major in any area; however, due to the large number of required science courses, most students major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry. Detailed schedules of these majors are available from their departmental chairs. In addition to the required core courses, there are a number of additional courses required and recommended for pre-pharmacy students pursuing a bachelor of science degree. Many of the required courses need to be completed prior to taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Requirements for pharmacy school do vary slightly between programs, so be sure to consult with individual schools and the preprofessional advisor. Many of the Hillsdale College required core courses (e.g. ENG 104 and 105; POL 101) satisfy prerequisite courses for pharmacy schools and are not listed in the courses below.
General Requirements:
FRESHMAN YEAR: CHM 201-202, General Chemistry I and II (8 hours); MTH 120, Differential Calculus (4 hours)*; BIO 200, Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 hours), and BIO 201, Evolution and Biological Diversity (4 hours). *Or MTH 112 and 113, Integrated Calculus.
SOPHOMORE YEAR: CHM 303-304, Organic Chemistry I and II (8 hours); and PHY 101-102 or 201-202, College or University Physics I and II (8 hours), and BIO 308, Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 hours).
JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEARS: CHM 452, Biochemistry (3 hours); BIO 309, Genetics (3 hours); BIO 340, Biostatistics (4 hours); BIO 360, Microbiology (4 hours); BIO 408, Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 hours) and PSY 101, Introductory Psychology (3 hours); ECO 202 or 203, Principles of Microeconomics or Macroeconomics (3 credits). Additional recommended courses: RPA 201, Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 hours); CHM 453, Advanced Biochemistry, (3 hours); and BIO 302, Developmental Biology (4 hours).
See the Preprofessional Programs in Medicine section for information on the early acceptance program in the LECOM School of Pharmacy.