The Destination for Pharmacy Education

Pre-Pharmacy Information

Students walk on campus

The pre-pharmacy program is offered through the College of Science and Mathematics and provides a solid foundation for success in pharmacy school. The program is designed to prepare students for pharmacy school with classes that pertain to the profession. Students in pre-pharmacy will receive individual guidance from the Auburn pre-health advising program in the College of Science and Mathematics.

Although students are not required to earn a degree before attending pharmacy school, some students chose this option. The most common major for these students is Biomedical Sciences. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree requires four academic years of professional pharmacy study beyond the pre-pharmacy program requirements.

Students can apply through The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). PharmCAS facilitates application to United States colleges and schools of pharmacy with completion of one application.

In addition to a strong academic portfolio, students are encouraged to volunteer in various pharmacy settings and be part of pre-health profession clubs such as Alpha Epsilon Delta (health pre-professional honor society) and the Pre-Pharmacy Club.


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

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep up with your studies and be a part of clubs. Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) holds meetings twice a month on Tuesday evenings and house speakers that address a variety of topics related to the health profession. Members also have opportunities to participate in volunteer and leadership activities sponsored by the organization. The Pre-Pharmacy Club is affiliated with AED and has meetings on Monday nights throughout the academic year.
Volunteering is a great way for students to gain experience in various pharmacy settings and allows them to confirm their interest in a pharmacy career. It also provides additional information about all aspect of the pharmacy profession.

To apply to pharmacy school students should apply through the The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). Additionally, interested students should contact the Harrison College of Pharmacy at pharmd@auburn.edu.

Yes. There are a limited number of scholarships available for highly qualified students. See the scholarship page.

Registration packets are available in the COSAM Dean’s Office in Room 239 Sciences Center Classroom Building. Information can also be obtained from www.pcatweb.info.

The prerequisite academic work required for entry into the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Pharm.D. program consists of a minimum of 62-66 semester hours, including 24 hours of humanities and social sciences and 38-42 hours of science and math. Visit the pre-requisite admissions requirements page for the full overview of coursework.


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Last Updated: August 17, 2022