Pharmacy Program Admissions

Application Process: PharmCAS

Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences operates on a rolling admissions basis for the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Application review begins early fall and continues into the spring semester each year. Due to the limited seats available in each entering class, it is recommended that applicants submit their applications early for review.

The School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences utilizes The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). This centralized service allows applicants to use a single application to apply to multiple programs. PharmCAS collects and processes the applications and forwards them to us. Applicants submit a web-based application comprised of biographical data, post-secondary institutions attended, academic course history, work experience, extra-curricular activities, and a personal statement. Transcripts, PCAT scores, and letters of recommendation are sent directly to PharmCAS.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to read and follow all PharmCAS specific instructions.

To initiate this process and apply to FDU, please go to PharmCAS.org and follow the instructions carefully. You may check the status of your application using the PharmCAS site as we will regularly update statuses in the system.

Deadline: The PharmCAS deadline for entering in Fall is June 1.

Please note that Fairleigh Dickinson University does not require a Supplemental Application.

Interview Process

As applications are reviewed by the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Admissions staff, candidates for admission in the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be invited to campus for a formal interview. Interview invitations are extended beginning early fall and continue through the spring semester. Interviews are required.

Admission Requirements

The School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences selects students based on pre-pharmacy academic performance, personal interviews, written applications, and letters of recommendation.

1. Required courses

Prior to matriculation, applicants to FDU’s School of Pharmacy should complete 66 semester hours of coursework at any regionally accredited college or university, including the following required courses:

  • 8 semester hours     General Biology with Lab
  • 8 semester hours     Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
  • 8 semester hours     General Chemistry with Lab
  • 8 semester hours     Organic Chemistry with Lab
  • 4 semester hours     Physics with Lab
  • 3 semester hours     Calculus
  • 3 semester hours     Statistics
  • 3 semester hours     English
  • 21 semester hours   Free electives (It is recommended applicants take Speech, Economics and Microbiology as part of free electives.)
  • 66 semester hours   Total

Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree.

2. GPA

Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should have a prerequisite GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, with no prerequisite course grade lower than a C- . A cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended.

3. PCAT or GRE (test/exam)

Applicants are not required to take the PCAT or GRE, however applicants may increase the competitiveness of their application by submitting test scores.

Registration information for the PCAT or GRE:

4. Two letters of recommendation

Two academic references,  one academic reference and the second can be from anyone who is not a relative (preferably professional or supervisor. A pharmacist is highly recommended but not required). Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service).

Transfer Policy

Due to the nature of the curriculum designed for FDU’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, transfer of students with advanced standing at other accredited schools will not be offered as an option. The intricately mapped curriculum, with its specialization pathways, dual degree options and uniquely structured prerequisites would make it nearly impossible for students coming from other institutions to fit into the program after the first professional year. For this reason, the Dean will not consider transfer students for admission into our program. Students may opt to apply as new students within the program, where they will be granted equal consideration alongside other applicants to FDU.

Course Waiver Policy

Requests for a course waiver can be made to the dean if a student can show that an equivalent course was completed at the graduate level from a regionally accredited university and a grade of B or better was obtained. Evidence of course equivalency must be provided to the Admissions committee and the University Registrar before any assessment can be made.