URI offers a zero-to-six program in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). This means that if your application is approved, you are admitted directly to the Pharm.D. program as a first-year student. Admission to Pharm.D. is selective and open to first-year students only. If you have earned college credit while in high school, you may apply, but our program will still take you six years to complete. The admission committee carefully evaluates each candidate’s strengths in the following areas:

• High School Transcript
  Including the rigor of the high school curriculum and academic performance. We encourage you to enroll in science and math classes at the honors or advanced placement level if they are offered at your high school. AP chemistry and AP calculus, in particular, are highly recommended.
• Standardized Test Scores
  For the 2023–2024 admission cycle, URI will be test optional. If you plan to send your test scores to URI, please check “yes” in answer to that question on our Common Application. We will wait for your SAT or ACT results if you say you are submitting them, and we will consider them in the review process.
• Personal Essay
  Please provide a statement of 250 words or fewer explaining why you have chosen this major. 
• Letters of Recommendation
  We require a minimum of two letters: one from a science or math teacher and one from a guidance counselor or a teacher from another subject area. These letters of recommendation should comment on your personal motivation, initiative and interpersonal skills.
• Extracurricular Activities
  Including employment experiences and interests outside of the classroom.

The College of Pharmacy website provides detailed information regarding standards required for continuation in the Pharm.D. program, as well as graduation requirements.

All Pharm.D. applications received by the February 1 deadline will receive full consideration for the program and merit-based scholarships. We do review mid-year senior grades from many applicants to Pharm.D. before issuing a final admission decision.

Admitted Pharm.D. Profile for 2023 (middle 50%)

GPA (4.0 scale)	SAT	ACT
3.8 – 4.4	1230 – 1420	27 – 31

• We enroll approximately 130 first-year students each fall in our Pharm.D. program.
• Applicants who are not admissible to the Pharm.D. program who may be admissible to other programs at URI, may have an opportunity to request consideration for admission to another major on a space available basis.

All incoming students, including those accepted into the College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program, are initially enrolled in University College for Academic Success, URI’s academic advising college.

Students accepted as Pharm.D. majors must maintain their eligibility in the program by successfully completing two pre-professional years of coursework and a formal interview. The interview with College of Pharmacy faculty assesses the students’ verbal and written communication skills, understanding of the pharmacy profession, and commitment to patient care.

Within the pre-professional curriculum, there are 17 specific required science and math prerequisite courses; students must pass each of these courses with an average GPA of 2.7 in those classes, and earn no grades below C-. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and complete the required Communications and Writing courses by the end of the third semester (fall of the second year), at which time they must successfully complete the formal interview to proceed into the first professional year (P1) of the curriculum. 

The College of Pharmacy has limited spaces available each fall for students already enrolled at URI who would like to change their major to Pharm.D. This is a competitive process and is administered by faculty and staff of the College of Pharmacy.