Elective Policies

Elective Credit Requirements

  • Entering Class of Fall 2023 (Graduating Class of 2027): 10 elective credit hours required before starting P4 rotations.
  • Entering Class of Fall 2024 and beyond (Graduating Class of 2028): 8 elective credit hours required before starting P4 rotations.

Students completing a dual/collaborative degree may have their PharmD elective requirements met by the other program. While students are free to opt for elective courses, it is not required to do so.

Eligible Elective Courses for PharmD Credit

Elective Course Options

See Fall Electives, Spring & Summer Electives and Independent Studies for options.

Non-SPPS Courses

  • Up to one approved non-SPPS course (maximum 3 credits) may be applied toward the elective requirement.
  • The course must either be on the approved course list or receive prior approval. To request approval, email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu and include the course description as well as the syllabus (if available).
  • Non-SPPS courses should be relevant to your future pharmacy practice and are generally expected to be 400-level or above.
  • Please note that non-SPPS courses may not use the H/S/U grading scale. Consult the course instructor if you have grading questions.
  • If an approved non-SPPS course is not appearing correctly on your Academic Advisement Report (AAR), email pharm-advise@buffalo.edu to request an adjustment.
  • For non-UB courses: Refer to the external institution’s website for tuition, fees, and other details. Send an official transcript showing the grade earned to: pharm-advise@buffalo.edu or UB School of Pharmacy, 270 Pharmacy Building, Buffalo, NY 14214.

Grade Requirements

  • Procedure for Non-PHC/PHM Courses: Submit a written request for S/U grading to the course instructor by the university’s resign deadline. The instructor’s decision will be final and communicated in writing. S/U grading is not required to receive credit.
  • Grading Requirements: An S or C (or higher) is required to earn elective credit.

Additional Guidelines

  • Courses Not Eligible for Elective Credit:
    - Courses completed before admission to the PharmD program.
    - Courses taken to fulfill another degree (unless part of an approved joint/dual degree program).
    - Courses taken during the P4 year (must be completed prior to starting APPE's).
  • Curriculum Changes: The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences reserves the right to update the curricular plan as needed to align with Accreditation Standards and Guidelines, as well as university, state, and federal regulations.