Pre-Pharmacy
Do you have a passion for science and a desire to improve people's health? If you're detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving, a pre-pharmacy path could be the perfect fit.
BGSU prepares future pharmacists through our pre-pharmacy (or “pre-pharm”) track. Choosing this track is a great way to make sure you’re ready to apply to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Pre-pharmacy students not only take the classes required for admission to Pharm.D. school, but also have a major in a specific subject area.
Pre-pharm students at BGSU have three pathways to entering a college of pharmacy and becoming a licensed pharmacist:
- Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at BGSU in any major and complete the prerequisites for admission to a Pharm.D. program.
- Complete roughly three years of coursework at BGSU and apply to be admitted to a college of pharmacy. You will not earn a bachelor’s degree prior to entering pharmacy school with this option.
- Apply for admission to BGSU’s dual-enrollment program with the University of Findlay. Earn a Pharm.D. in six years, instead of the typical eight.
BGSU partnership with Findlay Pharm.D. program
Students who apply and are admitted to the exclusive Pharmacy Early Assurance Partnership program earn a Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree from BGSU and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Findlay in just six years.
- Years 1-2: Complete undergraduate coursework at BGSU.
- Years 3-4: Complete your bachelor’s at BGSU and start taking graduate pharmacy courses at the University of Findlay.
- Years 5-6: Complete your doctoral coursework in Findlay.
Advantages of the Early Assurance program
- Save time. Earn a doctoral degree in 6 years instead of the traditional 8.
- Save money. Pay BGSU undergraduate tuition for years 1-4 – a huge cost savings.
- Enjoy a full campus experience. Participate in BGSU campus activities and student organizations for all 4 years, even while taking classes at Findlay, a 30-minute drive from BG.
Want more information?
Emma Pennington
Coordinator of Recruitment and Outreach
419-372-6805
eleader@bgsu.edu
Why choose to be a pre-pharmacy student at BGSU in Ohio?
Acceptance into pharmacy school is highly competitive. Our job is to help you meet the requirements and build a strong application. The earlier you prepare, the better chance you have to be accepted into the school of your choice.
By declaring as a pre-pharmacy student, you will have immediate access to the Office of Pre-Professional Programs. We are here for you from freshman orientation to graduation to help you make informed decisions about your path forward.
- Exceptional pre-pharmacy advising. BGSU stands out for its culture of support and personalized guidance. We know what professional schools are looking for in future pharmacists and can help you develop those skills and qualities.
- A strong academic foundation. We know what prerequisites you must take, what GPA you need and how to prepare academically for Pharm.D. school.
- Mentorship, alumni and peer connections. Peer ambassadors offer a first level of support. You also will have many opportunities to shadow and hear from pharmacy professionals. These relationships are invaluable as you explore career options.
- Hands-on opportunities. Pharmacy schools like well-rounded students. BGSU offers many student organizations and other ways for you to volunteer, be a leader and cultivate those credentials.
Our Center for Undergraduate Research can help you find research opportunities as early as freshman year. Some BGSU students have published papers or presented posters at conferences by the time they graduate.
- Application aid. We help you navigate the rigorous application process to pharmacy school.
- Excellent value. BGSU offers a high-quality, affordable education and generous scholarships.
- Proven success. Our graduates are well prepared and regularly accepted into outstanding pharmacy schools.
- Natural and Health Science Learning Community. Live with other students pursuing health-related majors. The extra academic support you receive in the community is a significant advantage for gaining admission to Pharm.D. programs.
Why choose a career as a pharmacist?
A career in pharmacy is a great fit if you enjoy science, want to help people and thrive in a detail-oriented and intellectually stimulating environment.
- Science with a human touch. You'll use your scientific knowledge to understand medications, their effects on the body and how to dispense them safely.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking. Pharmacists don't just fill prescriptions. They review medication interactions, identify potential problems and collaborate with doctors and patients.
- Make a direct impact. Pharmacists play a vital role in patient care as they ensure patients receive the right medications and answer their questions.
- Variety and career options. You could work in a retail setting, a hospital pharmacy, a specialty pharmacy or even pursue research or pharmaceutical industry roles.
- Job security. Pharmacists are in high demand. This translates to good salaries and benefits.
Career paths
- Retail pharmacist
- Hospital pharmacist
- Pharmacy researcher
- Pharmacy informatics
- Pharmacist for government regulatory agency
- Pharmacy professor
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
Coursework for pre-pharmacy students varies by major. Some majors include most, if not all, of the courses required for admission to a Pharm.D. program.
It’s important to work with your academic advisor and the Office of Pre-Professional Programs to make sure you complete the prerequisites you need to apply to pharmacy school.
Students are responsible for verifying all prerequisite courses with the pharmacy school of their choice. Pharmacy school admissions committees typically require these courses. (The equivalent BGSU courses offered are indicated in parentheses.)
Required Courses
- One year of English
- General biology (BIOL 2040/2050)
- General chemistry (CHEM 1230/40 or 1350 and CHEM 1270/80 or 1370/80)
- Organic chemistry (CHEM 3410/CHEM 3440/60)
- Anatomy and physiology (BIOL 3310/3320)
- One semester of general physics (PHYS 2010)
- Microbiology (BIOL 3130)
- Biochemistry (CHEM 3080 or 4450/4470)
- Math-statistics to calculus (MATH 1150, MATH 1220, MATH 1280, MATH 1310 or MATH 1340/1350)
- Economics (ECON 2020)
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Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Updated: 08/12/2024 10:43AM