Pre-Pharmacy

The pre-pharmacy program at UB is not a baccalaureate degree granting program. The program includes a set of courses that prepares students for admission to the professional doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. Pre-pharmacy coursework involves a minimum of two years of undergraduate coursework.

Students who enter UB directly from high school as intended pharmacy majors are automatically eligible for admission into the professional PharmD program if they adhere to our Early Assurance (EA) Program requirements. All other applicants and EA program students who become ineligible for the program are accepted as PharmCAS Applicants after taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and completing the prerequisite courses. Those who are not eligible for the EA program may complete their pre-pharmacy courses at UB and then apply to the PharmD program, or they may complete their prerequisites at another accredited institution.

Early Assurance Program

As the most established training program in Western New York and a renowned center for education and groundbreaking research, admission to our PharmD program is competitive. Through the Early Assurance Program, qualified students are afforded entrance into our well-established program without having to compete with over 1000 applicants who apply each year. The school has offered this opportunity to students since 1998 and has consistently provided them with a well-rounded curriculum in preparation for entrance into our competitive PharmD program.

Students accepted to the University at Buffalo who indicate pharmacy as their intended major are automatically eligible for the four-year professional PharmD program after completing a minimum of two years of pre-pharmacy coursework. Program requirements include earning a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in science and math prerequisites, completing all enrolled courses with a grade equal to or greater than a C, completing a maximum of three prerequisite courses outside of UB (with the exception of Biology and Chemistry courses) by the end of their fourth semester, and passing an interview.  There is no additional paperwork to complete as an incoming freshman.  Transfer students are not eligible for this program. 

While in high school, take as many Biology, Chemistry, and Math courses as you can to prepare for the pre-pharmacy curriculum. Review the Early Assurance requirements. Transfer students and others who are ineligible for the Early Assurance Program can find more information on the PharmCAS Applicants webpage. 

Apply!

High school and transfer students may apply to UB to complete the pre-pharmacy courses through the Common Application, SUNY Application,or through the Office of International Admissions. For application questions, call 1-888-UB-ADMIT or e-mail ub...@buffalo.edu (716-645-2368 or in....buffalo.edu for international students). 

For application information to the professional PharmD program, visit the PharmD Admissions webpage.

Be sure to Visit UB! While you are visiting UB, please feel free to schedule an appointment with our Assistant Dean for Advisement Services to learn more about the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) by calling (716) 645-2825 (option #1).