Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program
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PhD and MS Programs
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Chartered in 1878, the School of Pharmacy has a tradition of developing leaders and innovators that drive the future of pharmacy. We investigate, discover, and create ways to improve patient health and, through partnerships, change practice and improve efficiency of care. We also use computational and bench research methods to discover and develop drugs and drug delivery systems, and optimize drug therapy. The School of Pharmacy (Pitt Pharmacy) leads the way in education, personalizing education and getting students to expert faster. Pitt Pharmacy is among the oldest pharmacy schools in the country. Pitt Pharmacy is in the top tier of schools of pharmacy in US News & World Report rankings and NIH-funded research.
Mission
The School of Pharmacy develops pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists as innovators and leaders to improve the health and well-being of the world around us.
Through inclusive excellence, innovation, and leadership, we achieve pioneering and exemplary:
- Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences education,
- Research and scholarship, and
- Patient care and service.
Vision
To be an outstanding school of pharmacy renowned for excellence in the discovery and advancement of science-based use of medicines and other interventions to enhance the vitality and quality of life.
Values
Integrity guides our daily work. We foster:
Professionalism
Integrity
Teamwork
Trust
Passion
Health Equity
Accountability
Responsibility
Mutual Respect
The professional curriculum is composed of a course of study requiring sixty-two (62) credits of pre-professional study followed by four years of professional courses. The four-year professional curriculum emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking, blending classroom and laboratory learning with experiential learning in practice. The required component of experiential learning is designed to facilitate progress from initial stages of making meaningful connections with patients to caring for complex patients with acute and chronic diseases. Experiences include patient care in communities, in hospitals, and during transitions of care. This experiential education begins in the first weeks of the first professional (P1) year.
Through our commitment to personalizing education, PittPharmacy inspires students to use their unique interests and talents to improve the lives of people through the safe, effective, and responsible use of medications and other interventions.
The PharmD program prepares students to be practitioners who advance the profession by fostering innovation, leadership, interprofessional collaboration, civic engagement, advocacy, life-long learning, and a professional attitude of inclusion.
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60503, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, web site www.acpe-accredit.org.
Contact Information
School of Pharmacy
3501 Terrace St
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Admissions: 412-383-9000
E-mail: rxschool@pitt.edu
www.pharmacy.pitt.edu
Special Academic Opportunities
PittPharmacy provides opportunities to personalize students’ education and get them to expert faster.
Areas of Concentration
Areas of Concentration (ARCOs) provide ways to tailor education to explore personal and professional interests. During pharmacy school, students can pursue an area of pharmacy in depth through specialized courses and experiences, mentoring, and a scholarly project. Students may apply for an ARCO during their second professional (P2) year of PharmD training. Each ARCO has specific requirements.
- Community Leadership, Innovation, and Practice
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care
- Global Health
- PharmacoAnalytics
- Pharmacotherapy Scholars
- Pharmacy Business Administration
- Research
International Pharmacy Travel
Pitt student pharmacists have the opportunity to gain exposure to diverse practices of pharmacy and global cultures through international experiences.
Student-Driven Independent Study
Students have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member to design an elective Special Topics course organized around a specific project, inquiry, or experience. Unlike traditional electives, students play an active role in establishing the goals and parameters of the course and generate a specific product at its conclusion, such as a research poster, article, or teaching resource.
Selecting Experiential Rotations
Students can design an individualized combination of core and elective rotations that are unique to their professional interests, talents, and goals. Students are able to choose from over 1,000 rotations in a wide range of pharmacy careers locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Pitt Pharmacy PharmD program admits students to PharmD programs through one of two pathways - guarantee or open. Those two admission pathways are detailed below:
Pharmacy Guarantee First Year Admission
The School of Pharmacy does not directly admit first year students to the professional program. All high school students should first submit an application to the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. The School offers a guaranteed acceptance to a number of high school seniors who enroll at one of the University of Pittsburgh campuses.
Applicants should select the Dietrch School of Arts and Sciences as the first-year admitting school and select pharmacy in the Guaranteed Admissions drop-down box on the Application for Undergraduate Admissions to be considered for the guarantee as part of the comprehensive individual reivew for admissions conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions. Students who receive the guarantee are expected to perform well in the pre-professional courses in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. To secure a seat in the PharmD Program, students must earn:
- a letter grade of a C or better in all preprofessional courses
- a 3.25 or greater overall GPA in PharmD preprofessional courses
- a 3.25 or greater GPA in the required math and science preprofessional courses
NOTE: Required math and science courses must be taken at the University of Pittsburgh. AP and college in high school credits will be reviewed and may be used to fulfill preprofessional credits.
Test optional and international applicants are eligible for the pharmacy guarantee.
To exercise the Pharmacy guarantee, all applicants must complete the pharmacy admissions process and requirements typically in the second year of study in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences:
- submit a completed application and fee in the Pharmacy College Application System (PharmCAS)
- The PharmCAS application must include three letters of evaluation with two from college faculty in any subject area, math and science are recommended. Letters are NOT accepted from teaching assistants or graduate students. The third letter can be from any employer, faculty advisor, pharmacist, health care professional, or supervisor.
- participate in a satisfactory interview, when invited, during the admissions process
- complete standardized writing assessment, when invited
Pharmacy guarantee students who meet these performance criteria will be admitted into the PharmD Program. Those not meeting these criteria will be considered as part of the open admissions pool that is holistically reviewed by the PharmD Admissions Committee. More information about PharmCAS and application deadlines can be found at www.pharmcas.org.
Open Admission
Students admitted to the program through the open admission pathway compete for remaining spaces in the class. The requirements to be considered a competitive applicant for the Pitt Pharmacy PharmD program are:
- completion of the pre-professional requirements
- Applicants can apply while courses are in progress
- competitive Math and Science GPA in preprofessional courses of 3.0
- submission of a verified PharmCAS application and fee
- Three letters of evaluation, including 2 from faculty are required
- selected applicants will be required to participate in a satisfactory interview (interviews are by invitation only)
- complete standardized writing assessment (selected applicants who are invited for an interview)
More information about PharmCAS and deadlines for application can be found at www.pharmcas.org.
Visit the School of Pharmacy Web site at www.pharmacy.pitt.edu.
Application Procedures and Deadlines
The application process consists of one application.
PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service): This service enables students to generate one primary application that can be submitted to multiple PharmD degree programs. All applicants must file an application through PharmCAS, www.pharmcas.org by the application deadline.
The application process, application deadlines, and other admission requirements are summarized on the School of Pharmacy Web site.
Throughout the application process, it is the student’s responsibility to follow all instructions and meet all deadlines. Failure to do so might result in their application being canceled. It is highly recommended that students apply early to ensure that all application materials are received by the deadline.
Preparing to Complete the Application
Pitt Pharmacy recommends that students thoroughly review the application process before entering data or filling out forms so that they are aware of all the information they will need to gather and how much time the entire process will take. Visit the PharmCAS Web site at www.pharmcas.org and review the “Preparing to Apply” tab. Then review the Checklist, PharmCAS Instructions, and the Applicant Code of Conduct links. Review the time line for the application process: Admissions Calendar
Complete Preprofessional Courses and Minimum Eligibility Requirements: All required math & science courses must be completed by the end of Spring term of the year of entry in the professional program. All remaining courses should be completed by the end of the Spring term and must be completed prior to the Fall term entry into the professional program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates and fees for the current academic year can be found on the University’s site at www.tuition.pitt.edu. Select undergraduate if you do not have a previous college degree and graduate if a degree has been earned. Select the Pittsburgh campus. The page has details for Pennsylvania residents and out-of-state residents.
The University also offers a wide range of financial support through the Office of Financial Aid and the Financial Wellness Center, where students can receive coaching and advice on financial needs. We encourage all students to explore these options as well.
Pitt Pharmacy is grateful to the many donors who make our scholarships possible each year. The School of Pharmacy has an appointed committee who reviews each individual applicant each year. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need with consideration of merit and service. The needs of the applicant pool change annually, and scholarships are awarded based on the individual with regard to the overall needs of the entire applicant pool.
We are deeply proud of the work of our students. We appreciate the value of scholarships to support the academic journey of each student. We are also grateful that we continue to have additional mechanisms to support student achievement through support of student organizations, travel, and innovative learning experiences in the classroom that afford all students to learn and grow as leaders.
Academic and Professional Standards
Academic Integrity
School of Pharmacy students are responsible for upholding the standards of behavior outlined in the University’s Guidelines on Academic Integrity, the University’s policy on sexual harassment, and other policies related to student behavior.
Enrollment in the School of Pharmacy carries with it obligations of conduct within and outside of the classroom. Professional students are expected to maintain the highest standards of personal integrity and conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, the school, and the profession.
Students sign a copy of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Code of Conduct that affirms their commitment to ethical and professional behavior. Details of the Code are outlined on the school’s Web site.
Grading System
Doctor of Pharmacy students are subject to the provisions of the Guidelines and Regulations for the Promotion of Students in force at the time. All students will be given a copy of these guidelines and regulations upon entry into the program.
Calculation of grade point average (GPA) will include all required professional courses and approved electives taken while enrolled in the PharmD program. Cumulative GPA will be calculated at the end of each term. All PharmD students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students who fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above will be placed on academic probation and given one opportunity to repeat selected courses in order to raise their cumulative GPA above 2.00. Students failing to increase their cumulative GPA above a 2.00 during this period of academic probation will be dismissed from the PharmD program. Term GPA will be calculated at the end of each term. Students with a term GPA under 2.00 will be placed on academic probation and must achieve a GPA of 2.00 or above during the following term. Students failing to achieve a term GPA of 2.00 or above during this period of academic probation will be dismissed from the PharmD program.
It is the responsibility of students to monitor their academic progress and become familiar with the program degree requirements and academic regulations.
Clearance and Immunization Policy
The Office of Experiential Learning manages learning experiences in communities and professional practice environments that are embedded across all four years of the PharmD program. Because these experiences involve direct patient contact, the practice sites where students are placed require proof of immunization to communicable diseases, fingerprinting, background checks, and drug screens. Students who fail to complete these prerequisites no later than two weeks prior to the start of classes will not be able to fulfill their experiential learning requirements. Pitt Pharmacy works with CastleBranch, a background screening and compliance tracking solutions company, to collect and manage the documentation of all such prerequisites. Each student has access to his or her information through the secure CastleBranch web site both as a student and after graduation. CastleBranch maintains a secure site to which only the Office of Experiential Learning Office and the student have access.
A positive criminal history and/or positive drug screen may disqualify a student from completing required experiential learning and may prevent successful completion of the PharmD program. Many of the sites used for experiential learning require students to meet certain prerequisites. These prerequisites may include showing proof of immunization to communicable diseases, undergoing criminal background checks, and drug screening. Failure to meet these prerequisites can result in students being unable to complete their experiential learning requirements.
Additionally, in order to become a licensed pharmacist, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of any misdemeanor, felony, or any illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse. A criminal history may delay or prevent licensure.
Advanced Standing Credit (ASC) Programs
Pitt Pharmacy offers pathways for students in the PharmD program who are committed to extending their education to pursue graduate studies.
PharmD/PhD Combined Program
If students are committed to extending their research education, we offer an opportunity for a pathway to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) degree.
PharmD/PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences*
The average time to completion is 5 years; the combined PharmD/PhD ASC program can reduce this time to 4 years. This is accomplished by PharmD students taking specific courses that will meet credit requirements in the MS or PhD programs (listed below).
- Students complete the 4-year PharmD professional degree as outlined above.
- Students may apply for the graduate program in the fall of the second or third professional (P2 or P3) through PharmGRAD following the application instructions as outlined below
- Admission to PhD and MS programs is not guaranteed
- Students in an ASC program will begin working with one of our renowned Research Faculty Advisors and become immersed in the research environment during their PharmD training
PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences*
This is a 2-year program; the combined PharmD/MS ASC program can reduce this time to 1 year.
- Students complete the 4-year PharmD professional degree as outlined above.
- Students may apply for the graduate program in the fall of the second or third professional (P2 or P3) through PharmGRAD following the application instructions as outlined below
- Admission to PhD and MS programs is not guaranteed
- The PharmD/MS ASC students will expect to pay only 1 year of tuition rather than the standard two years to complete the MS program.
*PharmD/PhD or PharmD/MS Pharmaceutical Sciences students can choose between 1 of 6 different research focus areas (or tracks): 1) Medicinal chemistry, 2) Biochemical Pharmacology, 3) Pharmaceutics, 4) Clinical Pharmaceutical Science, 5) Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, and 6) Pharmaceutical Outcomes Policy and Research.
Some specific courses taken in the PharmD program that can meet credit requirements in the MS and PhD programs, but are not limited to:
- PHARM 1097 Mentored Research - variable credit research elective
- PHARM 3040 Statistical Methods
- PHARM 5218 Pharmacokinetics and Drug Response
- PHARM 3042 Research Practicum
- Journal clubs: examples PHARM 3048 Drug Design and Development Journal Club and PHARM 3072 Topics in Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Journal Club
- PHARM 3074 Intro to Regulatory Aspects of Drug Development
- PHARM 3002 Advanced Pharmacokinetics
- PHARM 2003 Pharmacoepidemiology
- PHARM 3049 Scientific Writing Skills
PharmD/MS and non-thesis MS in PharmacoAnalytics and Pharmacy Outcomes Research:
This is a 2-year program; the combined PharmD/MS ASC program can reduce this time to 1 year.
- Flexible, self-paced and 100% online courses
- Hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous content
- 7-week and 14-week courses
- Students may apply for the graduate program in the fall of the second or third professional (P2 or P3) through PharmGRAD following the application instructions as outlined below
- Admission to PhD and MS programs is not guaranteed
- Choose between the thesis and non-thesis option
The School of Pharmacy offers graduate level training to highly motivated individuals. Our mission is to train the next generation of leaders and decision makers seeking to improve the health of the community through outstanding basic and clinical research. Major strengths include highly accomplished, well-funded research faculty, multidisciplinary training opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies.
Training consists of required core courses, elective courses, journal clubs, research presentations, and an original faculty-advised research project leading to a final thesis or dissertation. Students may select to enroll in one of six tracks: clinical pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, health outcomes and policy research, pharmaceutics, biochemical pharmacology, or pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology (PSP).
Lori Altenbaugh
Graduate Program Coordinator
University of Pittsburgh
School of Pharmacy
3501 Terrace St
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-1014
altenbaughlm@pitt.edu
Applications must be submitted electronically at the Pharmacy College Application Service for Graduate Programs (PharmGrad). Application to our program requires a $50.00 fee that cannot be waived.
Applications for the Fall term must be submitted no later than January 3, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis so it is wise to apply as early as possible. Applications for Spring term admission are not accepted.
The School of Pharmacy highly recommends that applicants to the PhD program have research experience and that students mention specific faculty with whom they would like to work in their Personal Statement.
When complete, student applications are reviewed. No preliminary assessments are made on individuals applying to the program until all application requirements are complete. The GRE is no longer required.
We require three references that MUST be submitted online. Written references are not accepted.
IMPORTANT: WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY DOCUMENTS SENT VIA MAIL TO OUR DEPARTMENT. You will be notified if your application is reviewed and you are invited for an interview. At that time, you will need to supply an official transcript.
International Students
If English is the official language of your country or if you have graduated from a U.S. institution proof of English proficiency is not required. For all other students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The minimum score for consideration for admission is 100. For IELTS the minimum acceptable score is 7.0. We are now accepting Duolingo scores if you are not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum score for Duolingo is 130 and the test can be found https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants Any application with a lesser score will not be reviewed. You must submit TOEFL (or IELTS) scores to PharmGRAD; institution code is 2927.
While not a requirement, it is recommended that applicants have research experience.
Most students accepted to our PhD program are offered full tuition scholarship plus a teaching assistant stipend. Teaching assistant experience is not necessary as you will be trained upon acceptance into the program.
For the 2025-2026 academic year we granted scholarships and TA positions to 11 new admissions from a pool of approximately 298 applications. No financial assistance is available to MS students. Tuition Rates and Fees can be found on the University’s Web site at www.tuition.pitt.edu. NOTE: Health insurance is REQUIRED for all students.
All fees are the same for those students who are not offered a scholarship.
Length of Programs
The PhD Program requires a minimum of 72 credits. Most students complete the PhD degree within five years. The statute of limitations for completion of the PhD degree is ten years. (See Statute of Limitation/Leaves of Absence in the University catalog for more information.)
The MS (thesis-based) program requires a minimum of 30 credits. Most students complete the MS degree in two academic years. The statute of limitations for completing the MS degree is four consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration.
The Non-Thesis MS program requires a minimum of 34 credits and is usually completed within one calendar year (three semesters). The statute of limitations for completing the MS degree is four consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration.
Academic Standards
School of Pharmacy students are responsible for upholding the standards of behavior outlined in the University’s Guidelines on Academic Integrity, the University’s policy on sexual harassment, and other policies related to student behavior.
The four semester Master of Pharmacy Business Administration (MPBA) program consists of 33 credits that build critical skills and expertise for pharmacy professionals seeking to substantially increase their business acumen and marketability.
Bridget T. Regan, MBA,RPh
Director of Pharmacy Business Programs and Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
School of Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-8565
Bridget.Regan@pitt.edu
Amy Giles
Program Coordinator
University of Pittsburgh
School of Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-1238
Amy.Giles@pitt.edu
Prerequisite
- Candidates with a PharmD or BS in Pharmacy will receive preferential admission
To apply to the program, you must complete the following requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- Résumé or CV
- One self-nomination letter describing:
- Current job responsibilities and assignments
- Finest achievements and greatest disappointments
- Challenges met within current organization
- Civic and community activities and any offices held
- Reasons and motivations for entering the MPBA program
- Professional and personal goals and plans
- Two letters of professional reference
- College or university transcripts
- Graduate school admission exam scores (recommended)
- TOEFL or the IELTS examination (for anyone who speaks English as a second language)
- In-person interview with MPBA program representatives
Applicants will be contacted for scheduling of an on-site interview following receipt of complete packet of information
Tuition
Tuition Rates and Fees can be found on the school’s Web site at https://mpba.pitt.edu/tuition/.
Financial Aid
Federal Stafford loans are available to U.S. citizens for up to $20,500 per academic year. Refer to the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for information on how to apply. U.S. citizens who are funding the degree in full, in part, or whose employer reimburses only after the end of a term, may consider financing. Furthermore, students may also finance their costs through standard loans.
Tuition Includes
- All books, cases, and simulations; meals during class sessions
- Microsoft Windows and Program Bundle software packages
- Access to all University of Pittsburgh student resources such as libraries, fitness facilities, and public transportation while on campus
Certificate in Pharmacy Business Administration
A new and unique executive-style certificate education program designed for working professionals striving to obtain an in-depth understanding of the Business of Medicines. The Certificate program consists of 18 credits and is designed to be completed in one year.
- Learn to Innovate and Solve Real World Healthcare Problems
- Focus in Specialized Areas of Concentration
- Increase your Pharmacy Business Acumen
Focused Tracks
- Advanced Community Pharmacy Management
- Specialty Pharmacy Management
- Managed Care Pharmacy
Contact Information
Bridget T. Regan, MBA, RPh
Director of Pharmacy Business Programs and Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
School of Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-8565
Bridget.Regan@pitt.edu
Amy Giles
Program Coordinator
University of Pittsburgh
School of Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-1238
Amy.Giles@pitt.edu
Application and Requirements
Criteria for qualified candidates for admission into the PBA certificate program include:
- Candidates with a PharmD or BS in Pharmacy will receive preferential admission
Students enrolled in another graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh are able to apply for concurrent enrollment in the PBA Certificate program. Tuition for the PBA Certificate program will be in addition and separate from the other graduate degree program.
To apply to the program, you must complete the following requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- Résumé or CV
- One self-nomination letter describing:
- Current job responsibilities and assignments
- Finest achievements and greatest disappointments
- Challenges met within current organization
- Civic and community activities and any offices held
- Reasons and motivations for entering the MPBA program
- Professional and personal goals and plans
- Two letters of professional reference
- College or university transcripts
- Graduate school admission exam scores (recommended)
- TOEFL or the IELTS examination (for anyone who speaks English as a second language)
- In-person interview with MPBA program representatives
Applicants will be contacted for scheduling of an on-site interview following receipt of complete packet of information.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition Rates and Fees can be found on the University’s Web site at www.tuition.pitt.edu. Tuition is charged at a per credit rate each term.
Students should investigate their eligibility for federal and state programs by calling the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 412-624-PITT or e-mail oafa@pitt.edu. U.S. citizens who are funding the degree in full, in part, or whose employer reimburses only after the end of a term, may wish to consider financing. Students may also finance their costs through standard loans.
The University’s financial advisors are the best source of information about local grants or scholarships that extend beyond federal and state programs. Students are encouraged to look outside of the health professions for additional support. Students may be able to compete successfully for economically or academically awarded scholarships from private groups and associations.
Tuition Includes
- All books, cases, and simulations
- Microsoft Windows and Program Bundle software packages
- Access to all University of Pittsburgh student resources such as libraries, fitness facilities, and public transportation while on campus
School of Pharmacy Faculty
School of Pharmacy Faculty
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60503, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, web site www.acpe-accredit.org.
Program and Course Offerings
Certificate
Concentration
Doctoral
Graduate Certificate
Master’s
Professional
