Pharmacy schools typically require applicants to complete specific prerequisite coursework and meet minimum GPA standards. Commonly required courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physics, calculus, English Composition, communication, psychology or sociology, and statistics. Most programs set a minimum overall GPA requirement, usually around 2.5 to 3.0, though the average GPA of admitted students is often much higher. For example, the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy recommends a GPA of 3.0 or better for a competitive application. Since requirements vary by institution, prospective students should review the admissions criteria for each pharmacy school to ensure they meet all necessary prerequisites.
Course List:
BIO 181
BIO 182
Some schools require Biology I & II, while others require any course with bio as a prefix. It's important to find out exactly what each school on your list requires.
Course Description: Biology I introduces students to the fundamental concepts of biology, focusing on the structure and function of living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics covered include cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular biology, genetics, and mechanisms of inheritance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles governing life processes and the molecular basis of biological phenomena. Laboratory exercises complement theoretical concepts, allowing students to apply experimental techniques and develop critical thinking skills.
Biology II explores more advanced topics in biology, including organismal biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Students study the diversity of life on Earth, the structure and function of organisms at the organismal and ecological levels, and the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Topics may include plant biology, animal biology, microbiology, population ecology, community ecology, and conservation biology. Laboratory work continues to play a significant role in reinforcing theoretical concepts and developing skills in scientific inquiry and data analysis.
Course List:
BIO 205
Course Description: Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae, and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the environment. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the diversity, structure, function, and ecology of microorganisms, as well as their roles in health, disease, industry, and biotechnology.
Course List:
BIO 201
BIO 202
Course Description: Human Anatomy and Physiology I provides students with a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the human body. This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Through lectures, laboratory exercises, and interactive learning activities, students explore the organization, function, and regulation of these systems at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.
Human Anatomy and Physiology II continues the exploration of the structure and function of the human body. This course focuses on the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, pregnancy and development, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
Course List:
CHM 151 + CHM 151LL
CHM 152 + CHM 152LL
Course Description: General Chemistry I covers topics including atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, the periodic table, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, and gas laws. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills and understanding the fundamental principles governing chemical behavior. Laboratory experiments complement theoretical concepts, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and develop essential laboratory techniques.
General Chemistry II delves deeper into chemical principles and explores topics such as chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and coordination chemistry. Laboratory work continues to play a significant role in reinforcing theoretical concepts and enhancing experimental skills, with an emphasis on data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication.
Course List:
CHM 235 + CHM 235LL
CHM 236 + CHM 236LL
Course Description: Organic Chemistry I introduces students to the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, including the structure and bonding of organic molecules, stereochemistry, nomenclature, and functional groups. Topics covered include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds, and the principles of chemical reactivity and reaction mechanisms. Laboratory experiments complement theoretical concepts, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to the practical synthesis and characterization of organic compounds.
Organic Chemistry II explores more advanced topics in organic chemistry, including spectroscopic methods for structural determination (such as NMR and IR spectroscopy), reaction mechanisms, synthesis strategies, and the chemistry of functional groups such as alcohols, ethers, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, and amines. Laboratory work continues to play a significant role in reinforcing theoretical concepts and developing advanced synthetic and analytical techniques.
Course List:
PHY 111
PHY 112
Several medical schools don't require physics, but physics is on the MCAT. It is highly recommended that students take 2 semesters of general physics
Course Description: Physics I introduces students to the fundamental principles of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. The course covers topics including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and thermodynamics. Through lectures, demonstrations, and problem-solving sessions, students develop a conceptual understanding of these principles and learn to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems in mechanics and thermodynamics. Laboratory experiments reinforce theoretical concepts and provide hands-on experience with experimental techniques and data analysis.
Physics II covers topics including electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. The course emphasizes the application of fundamental principles to understand electromagnetism, wave phenomena, and the nature of light and matter. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations complement theoretical concepts and provide opportunities for hands-on exploration of electromagnetic and wave phenomena.
Course List:
MAT 150, MAT 151 OR MAT 156
MAT 187
MAT 220
Every applicant will be required to complete a minimum mathematics level of college algebra, but there are a handful of schools that will require up to calculus I. MCC's associate of science degree requires a minimum of calculus to fulfill the math requirement.
Please review each medical school's course requirements.
Course Description: Analysis and interpretation of the behavior and nature of functions including linear, quadratic, higher-order polynomials, rational, exponential, logarithmic, power, absolute value, and piecewise-defined functions; systems of equations, using multiple methods including matrices, and modeling and solving real-world problems.
Course List:
MAT 206
PSY 230 & PSY 231
Most medical schools recommend at least one semester of statistics with a math or psychology course designation. Please review each medical school's course requirements.
MAT Course Description: Basic concepts and applications of statistics, including data description, estimation, and hypothesis tests.
PSY Course Description: An introduction to basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis on application to psychology. Consideration is given to the methods of data collection, sampling techniques, graphing of data, and the statistical evaluation of data collected through experimentation.
(Completed at university)
Course Description: Biochemistry is a comprehensive study of the chemical processes and molecules that occur within living organisms, with a focus on understanding the structure, function, and regulation of biological macromolecules. This course integrates principles from chemistry and biology to elucidate the molecular basis of life processes and the biochemical mechanisms underlying cellular function, metabolism, and genetic information flow.
Course Description: Pharmacology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of drug action and the rational use of drugs in the treatment of diseases. Through theoretical instruction, laboratory investigations, and case-based learning, students develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to understand drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, assess drug efficacy and safety, and optimize drug therapy for individual patients. This foundational knowledge prepares students for further study and careers in medicine, pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare administration.
Course List:
ENG 101
ENG 102
Course Description: College English I emphasizes the development of college-level writing skills, including thesis development, organization, paragraph structure, grammar, punctuation, and style. Through a variety of writing assignments, students learn to craft clear, coherent, and persuasive essays that engage with complex ideas and texts. The course also introduces students to critical reading strategies, textual analysis, and documentation styles (such as MLA or APA).
College English II focuses on argumentation, research methodologies, and synthesis of sources. Students learn to conduct independent research, evaluate sources critically, and integrate evidence effectively to support their arguments. The course also explores advanced rhetorical strategies, genre conventions, and the nuances of audience awareness in writing.
Course List:
PSY 101
SOC 101
ASB 100
At least one semester of a Social & Behavioral Sciences course (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.)
Course Description: Behavioral Sciences is an interdisciplinary field that explores the biological, psychological, and social aspects of human behavior and mental processes. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories, and methodologies used to study human behavior and its underlying determinants.
Social Sciences encompass a broad range of disciplines that study human society and social interactions, as well as the institutions, cultures, and behaviors that shape them. This course provides students with an interdisciplinary overview of the theories, methods, and applications used to study social phenomena and understand the complexities of human societies.
Course List:
ASB222 & ASB223
HIS103
REL100
Course Description: Humanities college courses explore the diverse aspects of human culture, history, and expression, providing students with a deeper understanding of society, philosophy, and the arts. These courses cover subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, religious studies, languages, and the fine arts, encouraging critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for different perspectives. Students engage with classic and contemporary works, examining themes related to identity, ethics, politics, and human creativity. Humanities courses often involve reading and interpreting texts, writing essays, and participating in discussions that challenge students to think critically about cultural and historical contexts. Additionally, many programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from various fields to analyze human experiences. By studying the humanities, students develop strong communication and reasoning skills, preparing them for careers in education, writing, law, public service, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of people and societies.
Course List:
CSC 100AB
CSC 110AB
Course Description: Computer Science is the study of algorithms, computation, programming languages, software systems, and computer hardware. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of computer science. Through lectures, programming assignments, projects, and hands-on laboratory exercises, students explore fundamental concepts in computer science and develop the skills necessary to design, implement, and analyze algorithms and software systems.