Why study Health Sciences : Pre-Pharmacy?

The University of Cincinnati Health Sciences – Pre-Pharmacy major specifically prepares you for entry into graduate level pharmacy programs. Health Sciences - Pre-pharmacy comprises all undergraduate coursework required for application to any  Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.  

Unlike other pre-pharmacy options, the Health Sciences track option gives you a hands-on undergraduate experience where you can gain direct patient care experiences through service-learning and research opportunities in some of the top health care facilities.  Additionally, you will learn alongside other allied health professions and develop a strong foundational understanding of the human body through active labs. 

The curriculum meets and exceeds pharmacy school's undergraduate prerequisite requirements to ensure you are prepared for the rigor of any future professional program. A comprehensive background in the basic sciences combined with applied studies puts you in an excellent position to be a competitive candidate. 

Career Possibilities

Becoming a pharmacist is the most common career goal for students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Pharmacy track after completing a graduate Doctor of Pharmacy program.  

Pharmacists practice as part of an interdisciplinary health care team to improve patients' lives by optimizing medication-related outcomes.  They receive extensive education in the therapeutic management of disease states using evidence-based guidelines for drug therapy. They counsel patients on the use of prescription and nonprescription medications. They are core members of medical teams who provide direct patient care in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long-term care facilities, and other health care settings. system and advance scientific innovation.  

Pharmacists typically work in: 

• Health-systems and Hospitals 
• Community and Independently Owned Pharmacies  
• Ambulatory Clinics 
• Accountable Care Organizations 
• Academia 
• Specialty Pharmacies 
• Pharmacogenomic Centers 

Pharmacists can specialize and become Board Certified in a variety of areas such as: 

• General Pharmacotherapy 
• Ambulatory Care 
• Oncology 
• Cardiology 
• Emergency Medicine 
• Pediatrics 
• Geriatrics 
• Compounding and Sterile Preparations 
• Infectious Disease 
• Nuclear Pharmacy 
• Nutritional Support 
• Psychiatry 
• Solid Organ Transplantation 

If you decide not to pursue a pharmacy degree, you will be prepared for a variety of other graduate programs, certifications, and employment opportunities: 

• Medical school (MD) 
• Osteopathic medical school (DO) 
• Physician assistant school (PA-C) 
• Chiropractic school (DC) 
• Optometry school (OD) 
• Dental school (DDS or DMD) 
• Doctor of Physical therapy programs 
• Athletic Training programs 
• Occupational Therapy programs 
• Orthotics and Prosthetics programs (CO or CP) 
• Public Health programs (MA, MS, or PhD) 
• Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics programs (MS or PhD) 
• Nutrition programs and more. 

If you choose not to pursue a graduate education, the following career opportunities are available to you:   

• Biomedical researcher 
• Medical or biomedical equipment representative/sales 
• Exercise equipment representative/sales 
• Pharmaceutical product representative/sales 

Graduating students are also eligible to earn professional certification from a variety of organizations.  

Major Maps

• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Pharmacy and Undergrad (BS) - Fall 2024
• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Pharmacy 4 Year - Fall 2024
• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Pharmacy 2 Year Pathway - Fall 2024

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising.

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.

Early Assurance to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program 

The James L.  Winkle College of Pharmacy PharmCat Scholars Program will allow you to secure assurance of an interview for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at UC at UC as long as you remain in good standing with the program. High school and current UC students are eligible for the program if they meet the requirements. Learn more about the PhamCat Scholars Program.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student. 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

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