Pharmacy

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
H375 Health Sciences, Box 357630
(206) 616-1383

The Department of Pharmacy offers graduate study leading to a PhD degree in pharmaceutical outcomes research and policy. Emphasis of this program is on the health and cost outcomes of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical services and policies. Graduate training in this program prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in universities, safety and economic evaluation of products in the pharmaceutical industry, policy analysis of governmental agencies, and drug use management within healthcare delivery and financing organizations.

Also offered is a track in the PharmD/MS program in pharmaceutical outcomes research and policy, which provides an opportunity for one-to-two students currently completing their PharmD training at the UW to enter the graduate program in their fourth year of training. The program requires completion of 64 credit hours, a written thesis, and a quarter of practicum in a managed care, government, industry, or other appropriate setting. At the end of this training, students may elect to receive a master’s degree, or continue on toward a PhD degree.

The UW’s biomedical regulatory affairs Master of Science program, offered by the UW School of Pharmacy in partnership with UW Educational Outreach, addresses a growing need for well-trained professionals in the regulatory field. The degree serves those who wish to advance their careers in the medical products industry or those entering the field from related areas.

Deadline for application for the PhD and the PharmD/MS programs is December 31. Applicants are notified of acceptance or rejection by March 30. Refer to the application deadline for the biomedical regulatory affairs master-of-science program posted at: www.biomedreg.uw.edu/admissions/deadlines.asp.

Application materials and additional information are available in the Department of Pharmacy or at program websites listed below:

sop.washington.edu/porpp/graduate-program/phd-program27.html.

sop.washington.edu/porpp/graduate-program/concurrent-pharmdms-degree-in-pharmaceutical-outcomes-research-a-policy.html.

www.biomedreg.uw.edu.

Residency and Fellowship Programs

The Department of Pharmacy offers several postdoctoral fellowships in pharmacotherapeutics and pharmaceutical outcomes, and advanced community residency programs, primarily intended for PharmD graduates. Addition information is available on the department’s website: sop.washington.edu/pharmacy/about/fellowship-a-residency-opportunities.html.

Clinical and Affiliate Faculty

In addition to the School of Pharmacy’s full- and part-time faculty listed above, a large number of practicing pharmacists contribute to the School’s academic programs. Over 500 pharmacists throughout the Pacific Northwest are members of the clinical and affiliate faculty, representing a variety of pharmacy practice settings such as community, hospital, nursing home, government, and industry. Information on the names, addresses and practice settings of these faculty members is available from the Office of Professional Pharmacy Education.

Professional Program

Doctor of Pharmacy

A four-year professional program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, the curriculum is designed to provide students the scientific background and clinical skills necessary to render pharmaceutical care in various health care settings. Individuals who wish to practice pharmacy in the United States must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy, complete required internship hours, pass licensing examinations, and meet other state-specific licensing requirements.

Admission Requirements

Consideration for admission to the professional program requires a minimum three years of pre-pharmacy training. An applicant who is admissible to the University is not assured admission to the School of Pharmacy. Admission is competitive, based on a number of factors. Academic preparedness, motivation, oral and written communication skills, critical-thinking ability, and decision-making skills are among the criteria used to determine a candidate's aptitude for the program. Following a preliminary assessment of the applicant pool, the most qualified applicants are selected for an interview in Seattle. A writing assessment is also conducted at that time. Further details on admission requirements, application procedures, and program content are available from the School's Office of Academic and Student Programs or its website.

1. Applicants to the UW School of Pharmacy PharmD program must both complete an on-line PharmCAS Application and submit a supplemental application to the UW School of Pharmacy, Office of Academic and Student Programs. Potential applicants should consult the School of Pharmacy website, sop.washington.edu/students for additional admission requirements and the most current information regarding the PharmD program.
2. Please refer to the School's website for current entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy program information at sop.washington.edu/students/.
3. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) must be taken within two years of application. The UW School of Pharmacy accepts no other admission test (e.g., MCAT, GRE) in place of the PCAT.
4. Applicants who have completed all prerequisite (pre-pharmacy) coursework prior to application and those who have earned a prior bachelor's degree or higher are given preference in the process of screening for offer of interview. The admissions committee has established minimum cumulative and prerequisite (pre-pharmacy) GPA thresholds and PCAT scores for screening for offer of interview. Applicants who meet or exceed these minimums are not guaranteed an interview. Offers of interview are dependent on the size and competitiveness of the applicant pool.
5. Interview is required as part of the UW School's PharmD admission process. After a preliminary assessment of the applicant pool, the most-qualified applicants are invited for an interview in Seattle with members of the PharmD admissions committee. Admission preference is given to residents of Washington State and residents from states participating in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).
6. It is important for applicants to research carefully the pharmacy profession and the attributes, skills, and abilities essential for pharmacists in the provision of care. Although relevant experience is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to gain pharmacy experience, either as a volunteer or employee.
7. Non-U.S. Citizens: Applicants who hold "Permanent Resident" or "Refugee/Asylee" visa status are eligible to apply. TOEFL scores are not required.
8. International Transcripts: All transcripts for coursework completed at foreign colleges or universities must be translated and evaluated course-by-course by one of the following certified agencies: the Education Credential Evaluators, World Education Services, Inc, or Educational-Perspectives.

Degree Requirements

Recently revised. Current degree requirements for entering classes are reflected in the graduating class of 2015 and later. (Graduating classes of 2014 and earlier have different course sequences as a result of this revision.) Below are the current degree requirements:

1. Year 1 (47 core, 5 elective credits): CONJ 401, CONJ 402, CONJ 403 (4,4,4); MEDCH 561 (4), MEDCH 570 (4); PCEUT 531, PCEUT 532, PCEUT 533 (4,4,4); PHARM 500 (1); PHARM 558 (3); PHARM 584, PHARM 585, PHARM 586 (3,3,3); PHARMP 511, PHARMP 512, (1,1); 5 electives; MEDCH 400 (3 credits) is required for students who do not pass the MEDCH qualifying exam, which if taken, can be credited as a professional elective.
2. Year 2 (46 core, 5 elective credits): MEDCH 562, MEDCH 563, MEDCH 564 (3,3,3); PHCOL 401, PHCOL 402 (3,3); PHARM 509 (1); PHARM 537 (2); PHARM 539 (3); PHARM 543, PHARM 543 (2,3); PHARM 559 (6); PHARM 563 (2); PHARM 592, PHARM 593, PHARM 594 (3,3,2); PHARMP 513, PHARMP 514 (1,2); PHARMP 531 (1); 5 elective credits
3. Year 3 33 core, 18 elective credits): PCEUT 510 (3); PHARM 541 (3); PHARM 560; PHARM 561, PHARM 562 (6,7,6); PHARM 564, PHARM 565 (2,2); PHARMP 532, PHARMP 533, PHARM 541 (1,2,1); 18 elective credits
4. Year 4: Nine required clinical rotations (6 credits each) for a total of 54 credits

PharmD/PhD Concurrent Program

PharmD/PhD Program Coordinator
H272 Health Sciences, Box 357610
(206) 543-3796

The accelerated dual-degree program is intended for outstanding students committed to earning the PharmD degree and a PhD degree in either Pharmaceutics or Medicinal Chemistry. Students are equipped to enter academic careers that require competence in both teaching and research. Graduates of this program possess the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to work with colleagues across multiple disciplines essential to performing integrated and translational medical and pharmaceutical research. Many applicants have worked in research and developed an interest in public health and pharmaceutical sciences through that experience.

Students admitted to the concurrent degree program are able to complete the requirements for both degrees in about seven academic years, rather than the nine academic years normally required to receive both degrees.

Applicants must meet competitive admission requirements of both the PharmD and PhD programs. Admission to the PharmD/PhD program is based on the recommendation of the admission committees of the professional degree program, the graduate program, and the PharmD/PhD program. For additional admission criteria, see respective programs.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete admission requirements of both the PharmD and PhD programs. Consideration for the PharmD/PhD program is contingent upon completion of a PharmD application, Graduate School application, and PharmD/PhD application (available online at: sop.washington.edu/school-of-pharmacy/degree-programs/concurrent-degree-opportunities.html).

1. PharmD program application is composed of (a) verified completion of all application materials by the deadline as stated on the school website, (b) PCAT scores, (c) prerequisite and cumulative GPA, (d) ability to complete prerequisite courses by the end of spring term prior to School of Pharmacy matriculation. For details, see PharmD admission requirements.
2. Graduate School application for medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutics includes (a) undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, biology, or a closely related field, (b) statement of purpose, (c) GRE scores, (d) prior research experience, (e) Three letters of recommendation. Graduate School application deadline as stated on the school website.
3. In addition, applicants are required to submit information requested in the PharmD/PhD concurrent program application checklist, available on the above stated website.

Financial Aid

Financial support in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships may be available to prospective and continuing students. Availability of financial aid is limited, typically to the first and second academic year. Prospective students should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information on financial support.