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Pre-Pharmacy Information

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While a bachelor's degree is not required to apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program, many students choose to complete a degree before entering professional school. For those attending Auburn University, the Drug and Biopharmaceutical Sciences (DBPS) major is the most direct route and includes a fast-track option into the Pharm.D. program.

However, Auburn students in other pre-health or science majors (such as Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, or Human Sciences) can also fulfill the requirements for pharmacy school and are encouraged to apply.

Students may complete Pharm.D. prerequisite coursework at any accredited college or university. Courses taken at two-year institutions, including dual enrollment credit, are accepted. That said, Microbiology and Biochemistry must be completed at a four-year institution to meet HCOP admissions requirements.

Please note: The prerequisite courses required for admission to the Pharm.D. program may differ from those required to complete the DBPS major at Auburn University. Students interested in the DBPS major should consult the Auburn catalog or an academic advisor for the most current degree requirements.

Students apply to pharmacy school through the The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), a centralized application system used by all accredited U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy.

To strengthen their application, students are encouraged to:

  • Gain volunteer or work experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting
  • Join organizations like the Pre-Pharmacy Club or Alpha Epsilon Delta
  • Connect with pre-health advisors or HCOP faculty for mentorship and career guidance


Early Assurance Program

The Harrison College of Pharmacy allows highly qualified applicants the opportunity to receive early acceptance into the HCOP's Doctor of Pharmacy program. Students admitted to Auburn University and the University of South Alabama can receive conditional admission to the HCOP. Successful matriculation into the HCOP would be dependent upon meeting subsequent requirements while enrolled as an undergraduate student.


College of Human Sciences 3+4 Pre-Pharmacy Program

A collaboration between the Auburn University College of Human Sciences and the Harrison College of Pharmacy has created a curricular track to pharmacy school through nutrition science undergraduate study. To become a pharmacist through the CHS nutrition plan of study, students will complete three years of undergraduate classes before starting the Pharm.D. program at the Harrison College of Pharmacy.

During their junior year, students will begin the application process for pharmacy school. After four semesters in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program, CHS will approve conferral of a student’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Nutrition Science.

For more information on this program, students within the College of Human Sciences should contact the Student Services Office.


College of Science and Mathematics Pre-Pharmacy Program

Many Auburn Pre-Pharmacy Students choose to enroll in the College of Science and Mathematics, or COSAM, Biomedical Science Program. Students complete three years of undergraduate classes in COSAM before starting the Pharm.D. program at the Harrison College of Pharmacy.

During their junior year, students will begin the application process for pharmacy school. After 3 semesters in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program, COSAM will approve conferral of a student’s Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science.

For more information on this program, students within the College of Science and Mathematics should contact the Student Services Office.


Quick Pointers

  • The pre-pharmacy curriculum typically requires four semesters to complete
  • Curriculum must be completed by end of term preceding enrollment in pharmacy school
  • Students may earn a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment in pharmacy school
  • Application process begins about one year before expected date of entry in pharmacy school
  • Students can receive help with the application process from pre-health advisors and at Pre-Pharmacy Club meetings

Helpful Links


Last Updated: July 10, 2025