Admission

We have two paths into the professional years (years 3 to 6) of the Pharm.D. program: entry directly from high school (0 to 6) or transfer into the first professional year of the program.

Most of our students come to us directly from high school, through application to the 0-6 program. Successful candidates typically have high grades in science and mathematics, do well in SATs, and often have earned advanced placement or college credit while in high school. Transfer applicants join our program in the first professional year (year 3 of 6) and have met all admission requirements.

Entry from High School

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Each admission candidate is given individual consideration. However, a minimum of 18 units of college (secondary school) preparatory work are expected:

  • 4 in English
  • 3 in algebra and plane geometry
  • 2 in a physical or natural science
  • 2 in history or social science
  • 2 in the same foreign language
  • 5 Additional units, to total 18

Selection Factors

The Admission Office carefully evaluates each candidate’s strength in the following areas:

  • High School Transcript including the rigor of the high school curriculum and academic performance
  • Standardized Test Scores (only SAT or ACT results are reviewed)
  • Personal Essay (including an additional paragraph required of all Pharmacy applicants – details are available on the application)
  • Letters of Recommendation (two letters are required: 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 unique talents

Pharmacy applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all of their application materials by the Early Action deadline. The Admission Office makes every effort to notify pharmacy applicants of their admission status by January 31.

Requirements For Progression to the Professional Program

Students who are admitted to the six year Pharm.D. program spend the first two years enrolled in University College. During this time, they are required to take all the pharmacy pre-requisite courses and the majority of the courses needed to meet the University’s general education requirement. Students may then progress to the College of Pharmacy providing they meet all the progression requirements. The progression process is initiated after the third semester in University College. Progression to the College of Pharmacy is dependent upon students meeting the following requirements.

Academic Standards

  • Students must have an overall grade point average >3.0
  • After three semesters, students must have completed 13 of the following 17 required science and math courses with a grade point average of at least 2.7 and no grade lower than C-:
  • BIO 110, 103, 220, 221, 222, 223
  • CHM 101, 102, 112, 114, 226, 227, 228
  • MTH 131
  • STA 307
  • CMB 201, 311
  • Students must have completed ECN 201, WRT 106, COM 100 and PHL 212

Pharmacy students who have met the criteria above must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 in the remaining four prerequisite courses with no grade less than C-. Students who lose their seat at the end of three semesters will be considered for admission on a competitive basis along with other transfer students into the program at the end of four semesters. Applicants with a grade point average of less than 2.70 for the designated preprofessional courses will not be considered for admission to the college. 

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

Interview

During the sophomore year, students will be required to have a formal interview. Progression to the professional program will be contingent upon a successful interview. The interview is designed to assess your commitment to the profession of pharmacy, knowledge of the profession and ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Transfer into Professional Program

We recognize and appreciate the unique journeys that lead students to our program. As a transfer student, you will enter directly into the first professional year (Year 3 of 6) and become part of a welcoming, inclusive environment committed to your success. At URI, you’ll gain hands-on clinical experience, enjoy access to over 300 industry partnerships, and have the chance to grow alongside peers and faculty dedicated to making a difference. With a 98% job placement rate, you will graduate prepared to shape the future of healthcare—your way.

Who Should Apply?

If you have completed the required coursework and are passionate about making an impact in the pharmacy field, we encourage you to apply! 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 transfer process and help you succeed in our program.

How to Apply

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.

Apply Now

We strongly encourage you to complete your application by March 1 to ensure you have time for interviews. The official deadline is June 1.

 

General Admission Requirements

Admission to the Pharm.D. Program is extremely competitive.

All students must meet basic college- preparatory unit requirements (typically completed in high school): 4 in English, 3 in math (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), 2 in science, 2 in history/social science, and 2 units in the same foreign language.

The College of Pharmacy requires a solid academic program of study with a strong background in math and science.

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

Minimum Requirements for Consideration

The University minimum requirements for consideration include:

  • Personal statement explaining why you have chosen to pursue a career in Pharmacy
  • Provide two letters of recommendation (pharmacy-related work experience is a plus!)
  • Completion of the following courses* with a grade point average of at least 2.7 and no grade lower than C- (courses completed outside URI must be a C or higher to transfer):
    • Principles of Biology I (with lab)
    • Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
    • General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
    • Organic Chemistry I and II (with lab)
    • Introductory Biochemistry
    • Introductory Medical Microbiology
    • Applied Calculus I
    • Introductory Statistics
    • Principles of Economics (Microeconomics)
    • Writing and Communication courses
    • Ethics

* Courses must be complete by the end of the summer session prior to first professional year.

Note: Completion of the academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the Pharm.D. program.

Interview

Applicants will be invited to interview if the minimum requirements for consideration are met. The interview is designed to assess applicants’ commitment to the profession of pharmacy, knowledge of the profession, and ability to communicate orally and in writing.