Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and health care practitioners and provide information to patients about medications.  They must understand the use and effects of medications. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, drugstores, long-term care facilities and health clinics. They work directly with the public to provide counseling about possible drug interactions, dosage, and instructions for taking medication.

One Different Pill.jpgPrerequisites for admission can vary by program and the classes listed below are common course prerequisites for pharmacy schools in Texas. (SHSU course codes provided.)

  • 8 hours of General Biology (BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407)
  • 8 hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2403 and BIOL 2404)
  • 3-4 hours of Genetics (BIOL 3450)
  • 4 hours of Microbiology (BIOL 3470)
  • 8 hours of General Chemistry (CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412)
  • 8 hours of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 2323 & 2123 and CHEM 2325 & 2125)
  • 4 hours of Physics (PHYS 1301 & 1101)
  • 3 hours of Statistics (MATH 3379)
  • 4 hours of Calculus (MATH 1420)
  • 6 hours of English (ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302)
  • 6 hours of History (HIST 1301 and HIST 1302)
  • 6 hours of Government (POLS 2305 and POLS 2306)
  • 3 hours of Introductory Psychology or Sociology (PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301)
  • 3 hours of Public Speaking (COMS 1361)
  • 3 hours of Texas Core Component Area 4 (PHIL 1301 recommended)
  • 3 hours of Texas Core Component Area 5

    For the 2023-2024 application cycle, students must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and then apply to a PharmD degree program. (Starting in the 2024-2025 application cycle, the PCAT will no longer be administered.)  The American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) maintains a list of PharmD program admissions requirements.  PharmD programs are typically for years.  Some areas of pharmacy require a residency after graduation that lasts one or two years. Students must also take a licensing exam according to the state where they plan to practice.

    AACP has a common application service PharmCAS.  The application opens in July.  Early application is recommended. 

    Pharmacy is Right for Me is an excellent source of information for pre-pharmacy students.