Elective Policies

Elective Credit Requirements

  • Entering Class of Fall 2022 (Graduating Class of 2026): 7 elective credit hours required before starting P4 rotations.
  • 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

  • SPPS Courses: PHM and PHC courses offered by the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS).
  • Non-SPPS Courses: Up to 1 approved non-SPPS course (maximum 3 credits) may count toward the elective requirement. Must be on approved list, or submit a request for approval to pharm-advise@buffalo.edu. Non-SPPS courses must relate to your future pharmacy practice and generally be numbered 400 or above.

Additional information for non-SPPS 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.