Doctor of Pharmacy

Admission

We’re looking for driven students who are passionate about healthcare and ready to make a difference. Whether you’re entering from high school, or transferring from URI or another college, or looking to advance your career, we’re thrilled to have you consider joining our community. 

students working in a pharmacy

Why Pharmacy at URI?

  • Collaborative Community: Flourish in our inclusive environment, where supportive faculty and passionate peers help you build a rewarding and impactful college experience.
  • Direct Entry from High School: Start as a freshman, successfully complete your first two years of pre-professional study and requirements, and progress directly into the Professional Years of Our Pharm.D. Program.
  • Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on training through cutting-edge labs, clinical rotations, and research opportunities designed to prepare you for the future.
  • Experiential Opportunities: Complete rotations with over 250 industry partners in a variety of settings including including CVS Health, Merck, Northwell Health, Yale New Haven Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brown University Health System.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from a team of renowned faculty members who bring industry expertise and real-world experience.
  • Innovative Research: Get involved in groundbreaking drug discoveries and treatment advancements, supported by millions in annual research funding.
  • Impact and Leadership: Take on roles in student clubs, present your research, and actively contribute to initiatives that extend beyond the local community, shaping positive change on a global scale.
  • Accreditation: The College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the national agency for the accreditation of pharmacy professional degree programs and providers of continuing pharmacy education.

Our candidates come from diverse academic backgrounds, typically with an interest in science and mathematics, and a passion for engaging in transformative healthcare practices. Regardless of your background, we are here to support you through the process and help you succeed in our program. We have two entry paths:


High School Admission

Start as a freshman, complete the first two years of pre-professional study, and transition directly into the Professional Years of our Pharm.D. program. Applicants to the PharmD program must complete 18 units of high school preparatory work, including English, math, science, history, and foreign language courses. The Admissions Office considers academic performance, standardized test scores, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. During the sophomore year, students must successfully complete a formal interview to assess their commitment to the pharmacy profession and maintain a 2.7 grade point average in the required math and science prerequisite courses. We encourage you to submit your application materials by the Early Action deadline. The Admission Office makes every effort to notify pharmacy applicants of their admission status by January 31.

Fall 2026 – Deadlines for High School Admission

The URI College of Pharmacy begins accepting applications in mid-July, with a deadline in early February the following year.

Early DecisionEarly ActionRegular DecisionEnrollment/Housing DepositFAFSA Filing
November 1December 1February 1May 1March 1

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply from High School

Professional Entry

Enter into First Professional Year (P1)

Professional applicants may seek direct admission to our Professional Program if you:

  • Already have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited institution.
  • Have completed, or have in progress, the required coursework at another university.
  • Are interested in applying as a transfer applicant from another University of Rhode Island college.

Priority deadline is December 1 for scholarship consideration. We strongly encourage you to complete your application by March 1 to ensure you have time for interviews. The official deadline is May 1. We utilize the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)a centralized application system. You can learn more about our program requirements on our PharmCAS Directory page.

Fall 2026 – Deadlines for Professional Entry

The URI College of Pharmacy begins accepting applications in mid-July via PharmCAS, with a deadline in early May the following year.

Priority DeadlineRegular ApplicationFAFSA Filing
December 1May 1March 1

Ready to Take the Next Step?

apply for transfer via pharmcas

General Admission Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, students must be able to meet the requirements for a pharmacy intern license and certain introductory and advanced practice sites also require you to undergo a criminal background check and submit to drug testing. Students are expected to meet the technical standards and adhere to the professional standards of behavior.


Have questions?

Visit Undergraduate Admission or contact Erica Estus, Clinical Professor and Director of Recruitment and Engagement, at 401.874.7638 or rxadmission@uri.edu