Pharmacy

Graduate Program

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

The Department of Pharmacy offers graduate training leading to either the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree.

The graduate program in pharmaceutical outcomes research in the Department of Pharmacy provides M.S.- and Ph.D.-level training with a focus on economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and medical technology, pharmacoepidemiology, and pharmaceutical-policy evaluation. Outcomes research is the study of the health and cost consequences of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical-related policies on individuals and populations. Graduates of this program are trained to assess the use, outcomes, and cost of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, medical technologies, and pharmaceutical policies and practices. Students are prepared for careers in (1) teaching and research in colleges and universities; (2) pre- and post-marketing efficacy and safety; (3) policy analysis for industry, health insurance, and governmental agencies; and (4) drug-use management and evaluation within managed health-care organizations.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

1. One copy of official transcripts from each college attended outside the United States. Transcripts from U.S. institutions are required by the department only.
2. Microeconomics (a 5-credit quarter or 3- or 4-credit semester course).
3. Official GRE Scores, unless the applicant has a terminal doctoral degree and the requirement is waived by the Chair of the Admission Committee.
4. International students for whom English is not the native language, TOEFL and TSE scores.
5. Statement of personal goals describing the student's background, academic interests, and career objectives in the field of outcomes research and policy.
6. A resume or curriculum vitae listing educational and employment history.
7. Three letters of recommendation from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate school. At least one recommendation must be from a person at the last school attended for full-time study, unless the applicant has been out of school for five years or longer. Due to the online application procedures of the Graduate School, referees will receive an email directly from the Graduate School. Instructions should be followed so letters will be uploaded, and available only to the admissions committee of the department to which the student is applying.

Degree Requirements

90 credits, as follows:

1. Core courses: Epidemiology - EPI 512 (4), EPI 513 (4), BIOST 511 (4), BIOST 512 (4), BIOST 513 (4), PHARM 532 (4), PHARM 533 (3), PHARM 534 (3), PHARM 535 (3), PHARM 597 (9)
2. Electives: A sufficient number of electives to meet program credit requirements, determined in consultation with adviser to meet the student's interests and focus
3. General examination
4. Dissertation and final examination

Professional Program

Doctor of Pharmacy

A four-year professional program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) 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 (Pharm.D.) 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 Pharm.D. 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 Pharm.D. 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-pharm) 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-pharm) 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 Pharm.D. 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 Pharm.D. 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

The program is currently under revision. Please see the School's website at sop.washington.edu for the latest information on degree requirements.

Pharm.D./Ph.D. Concurrent Program

Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program Coordinator
H272 Health Sciences, Box 357610
206-543-3796

The accelerated dual-degree program is intended for outstanding students committed to earning the Pharm.D. degree and a Ph.D. 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 Pharm.D. and Ph.D. programs. Admission to the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is based on the recommendation of the admission committees of the professional degree program, the graduate program, and the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program. For additional admission criteria, see respective programs.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete admission requirements of both the Pharm.D. and Ph.D. programs. Consideration for the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is contingent upon completion of a Pharm.D. application, Graduate School application, and Pharm.D./Ph.D. application (available online at: http://depts.washington.edu/pha/students/applying.html).

1. Pharm.D. program application is composed of (1) verified completion of all application materials by the stated January 4 deadline, (2) PCAT scores, (3) prerequisite and cumulative GPA, (4) ability to complete prerequisite courses by the end of spring term prior to School of Pharmacy matriculation. For details, see Pharm.D. admission requirements.
2. Graduate School application for medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutics includes (1) undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, biology, or a closely related field, (2) statement of purpose, (3) GRE scores, (4) prior research experience, (5) 3 letters of recommendation. Graduate School application deadline is January 15.
3. In addition, applicants are required to submit information requested in the Pharm.D./Ph.D. 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.