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Prepare to launch your pharmacy career. Students who intend to apply for the Doctor of Pharmacy program can complete prerequisites, build core skills, and gain foundational knowledge as a pre-pharmacy student at South Carolina.
If you’re preparing for your first year of college, pre-pharmacy admission is handled through USC Undergraduate Admissions — but we're here for your questions.
Pre-pharmacy students typically complete four semesters of undergraduate coursework focusing on Pharm.D. program prerequisites.
Learn about the Gamecock Pharmacy Assurance pathway providing provisional early acceptance to the Pharm.D. program at USC.
To practice pharmacy in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and pass state licensure examinations.
As a pre-pharmacy student, you'll take courses in life sciences, mathematics, social sciences and liberal arts to provide a strong foundation for the professional degree program. Pre-pharmacy students typically begin the Pharm.D. program as early as their third collegiate year, after completing all prerequisite courses and being admitted to the professional program.
South Carolina boasts the nation's best honors college and best first-year experience among public universities.
Students in the University of South Carolina's pre-pharmacy program gain year-round
access to pre-pharmacy advisors and a head start on building a personal network of
pharmacists, researchers and other professionals. Our pre‑pharmacy program is tailored
to the entrance requirements of the USC Doctor of Pharmacy program and completion
of the Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from USC.
Each pre-pharmacy student is assigned an undergraduate advisor to help you with the
transition into the university. Your advisor will help you define and achieve your
academic goals. After beginning classes, our College of Pharmacy advisors will meet
with you each semester to review your progress and help you plan the next steps on
your educational journey.
Pre-pharmacy students have access to many opportunities to enrich their overall student experience, such as:
Gamecock pre-pharmacy students make up about 80% of our incoming Pharm.D. class each year. The College of Pharmacy offers pre-pharmacy students a variety of experiences to gain pharmacy exposure and develop as future professionals, including but not limited to:
If you’re preparing for your first year of college, we are more than happy to answer your questions and provide guidance as you begin your college journey. As pre-pharmacy admission is handled through Undergraduate Admissions, we may direct you to the University Admissions staff for specifics regarding deadlines and/or scholarships.
To pursue Pre-Pharmacy studies at USC, declare B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences as your desired major on your university
application.
The admissions process varies slightly if you are a USC student interested in changing your major or a student from another college or university transferring to USC.
If you’re applying as an international freshman or international transfer, there are certain steps you will be required to take as part of your admissions process. The university’s highly trained and experienced staff in the office of International Student Services are available to assist international students during their time on campus.
Pre-pharmacy students will typically complete four semesters of undergraduate coursework focusing on pharmacy prerequisites. Course schedule and total number of credit hours per semester will vary between students depending on AP / IB credits, transfer credits, and placement scores. Pre-pharmacy advisors will work with students to determine a curriculum sequence based on individual needs.
Students can opt to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences as they work toward their Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina. The bachelor's degree is awarded at the end of the second professional year of pharmacy school. You cannot practice pharmacy with this B.S. degree.
This optional degree is available only to USC Pharm.D. students who have successfully completed pre-pharmacy coursework and the first two years of the professional program, as well as all Carolina Core requirements at an accredited institution.
View or download the Major Map [pdf] - The recommended course plan for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.
Join the Rx for Your Future email list to receive news, tips and application cycle reminders from the College of Pharmacy.
Kristi Kinslow, M.Ed., Director of Pre-Professional Studies and Recruitment