REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED ELECTIVES FOR WCU UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
The following course recommendations are general requirements for Pharmacy programs. For the specific
requirements of your school of choice and whether AP/IB credit is accepted, please refer to that school’s
admissions website or contact those schools for a list of entrance requirements.
PHARMACY SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate Credit Required
72 hours or Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
Entrance Exam
PCAT - Pharmacy College Admission Test
Professional Schooling Required
4 years of professional school; Pharm D. – Doctor of Pharmacy
Professional Schools
Temple University, LECOM, Thomas Jefferson University, University of the
Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of
Pharmacy, Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy
Professional Organization
Websites
aacp.org (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy)
Major
Students can major in any subject at WCU for Pre-Pharmacy. The most common
majors that align with medical school pre-requisites are Pharmaceutical Product
Development: Pre-Pharmacy, Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology:
Integrative Concentration, and Chemistry: Chem-Bio.
PRE-PHARMACY
English Composition (1 courses)
Course
Term
Grade
Calculus
Course
Term
Grade
MAT 145/161
Course
Term
Grade
PHY 130 or 170
PHY 140 or 180
Biological Sciences with labs (8 hours)
BIO 110 General Biology I, BIO 111 General
Biology II, BIO 211 Cell Biology
Course
Term
Grade
Genetics (recommended by some schools)
Course
Term
Grade
BIO 210
Microbiology
Course
Term
Grade
BIO 214
General Chemistry with lab
Course
Term
Grade
CHE 103 & CRL 103
CHE 104 & CRL 104
Organic Chemistry with lab
Course
Term
Grade
CHE 231 & CRL 231
CHE 232
Biochemistry (recommended)
Course
Term
Grade
CHE 476
Anatomy and Physiology
Course
Term
Grade
BIO 259
BIO 269
* Social Sciences
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political
Science, Economics, Geography, History.
**Humanities
Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Arts
Edited 9-24-2020
BEYOND ACADEMICS
Pre-Pharmacy students are encouraged to participate in activities and experiences such as leadership roles,
volunteer work, research, and shadowing, which will help them prepare for Pharmacy school and the job as a
pharmacist. Activities beyond the classroom play a significant role in a student’s application to a professional
school program. Such experiences demonstrate a commitment and knowledge about the profession. In
particular, shadowing pharmacy professionals and involvement with the Pre-Med Club or Pharmaceutical
Development Club will help students learn more about the profession of pharmacy.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION
Applications: This standardized application permits a student to apply to multiple pharmacy schools and
colleges with one application and distribution of transcripts. The web-based application will include the
applicant’s personal statement, course summary, and listing of extracurricular activities. PharmCAS.org
has information on which schools participate in PharmCAS.
ENTRANCE EXAM
Entrance Exam: The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required. The PCAT is a specialized exam
that helps identify qualified pharmacy school applicants by measuring their general academic ability and
scientific knowledge determined necessary for a pharmacy education. Registration information is available at
the PCAT web site: pcatweb.info. Check with the Pre-Medicine advisor or Pharmaceutical Product
Development advisor for information on the best time to take the exam.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applications to Pharmacy school require letters of recommendation and a supplemental (secondary)
application may also be required. It is suggested that you get one letter of recommendation from a licensed
pharmacist.
Pre-Medical Office
Schmucker Science South 117
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2978
[email protected]
Sample Course Plan of Pre-Pharmacy Requirements
Semester 1
CHE 103
CRL 103
BIO 110
WRT 120
Social Sciences
Semester 2
CHE 104
CRL 104
BIO 111
MAT 145
Social Sciences
Semester 3
CHE 231
CRL 231
PHY 130
Humanities
Social Sciences
Semester 4
CHE 232
CRL 232
PHY 140
Humanities
Humanities
Semester 5
Semester 6
General/Major Electives
General/Major Electives
Semester 7
General/Major Electives
Semester 8
General/Major Electives
Director, Pre-Medical Program – Dr. Teresa Donze-Reiner
WCU does not discriminate based upon any protected status.
Please see www.wcupa.edu/_admin/social.equity/
Suggested courses for the PCAT Preparation
BIO 110 WRT 120 and 2XX
BIO 111 MAT 121
BIO 210 MAT 145
BIO 211 CHE 103 and 104 with labs
CHE 231 and 232 with labs
CHE 476
BIO 259 and 269
Note: Physics is not tested on the PCAT. Science
courses above and beyond the courses listed will
be of benefit for PCAT performance. For more
information, visit pcatweb.info