School Overviews
A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is required to become a licensed pharmacist in the U.S. Learn about degree programs offered at some of the top schools around the United States.
Applicants to a pharmaceutical program often have two or three years of pre-pharmacy study at the undergraduate level. Most professional pharmaceutical degree programs take four years to complete. Some of the best Pharm.D. programs in the country are offered by schools relatively high on U.S. News & World Report's list of the best public schools in the country.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of North Carolina's Eshelman School of Pharmacy as the top pharmacy school and 5th-best public school in 2017. The school offers three degrees for those interested in pharmaceutical study. Students in the four-year Pharm.D. program complete coursework in pharmaceutical therapy, pharmacy law, and immunization, and perform ten months of residency work at the end of their study.
The Master of Science in Pharmacy, intended for graduates of a pre-pharmacy or similar programs, are ideal for those who wish to go into pharmaceutical administration careers. Though a prestigious credential, this degree does not qualify the graduate to become a pharmacist. A dual Pharm.D. and Ph.D. program is available for students who wish to pursue pharmaceutical research.
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, which offers a number of pharmacy courses online, was named the 2nd-best school for pharmacy by U.S. News & World Report in 2017. It is also the only pharmacy school in the state that offers a Pharm.D. It offers five different graduate Ph.D. programs in pharmacy.
Students at the school's Twin Cities Pharm.D. program take classes in five areas of pharmaceutical study, including pharmaceutical care and health systems, experimental and clinical pharmacology, medical chemistry, and pharmaceutics. The schools' dual Pharm.D. with a master of Business Administration program is intended for students interested in higher levels of administration. The Ph.D. program offers degrees concentrating on pharmaceutics, social and administrative pharmacy, experimental and clinical pharmacy, and medicinal chemistry. Those planning a career in pharmaceutical leadership can pursue an M.S. in Social and Administrative Pharmacy or Experimental and Clinical Pharmacy.
Rutgers University - New Brunswick in New Brunswick, NJ
U.S. News & World Reprot listed Rutgers #25 on its list of top public schools. Through Rutgers's Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, students can earn a Pharm.D. over the course of six years. The program is designed for students graduating from high school and begins with two years of pre-professional studies. From there, students take four years of professional coursework. Along with advanced scientific coursework and practical clinical experience, the program also provides the opportunity to conduct honors research in the field. In addition, students have the option of pursuing a dual degree, earning a Pharm.D. alongside an M.B.A., Doctor of Medicine, or Master of Public Health.
Top Schools with a Pharmaceutical Program
These schools also offer great pharmaceutical programs:
| College/University Name | Location | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | The college of pharmacy houses the History of Pharmacy museum, which holds artifacts used in drugstores from 1880 to 1950. |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Students can focus on several areas of research, including pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacodynamics. |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Tied for 3rd-best pharmacy schools in 2017, according to U.S. News & World Report |
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Tied for 3rd-best pharmacy schools in 2017, according to U.S. News & World Report |
| University of Washington - Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Tied for 9th on the U.S. News & World Report list of top pharmacy schools |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, WI | Tied for 9th on the U.S. News & World Report list of top pharmacy schools |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Home to BEST, or the Broadening Experiences for Scientific Training program for pharmacy students who want to gain professional development |
Aspiring pharmacists can find the training they need to launch their careers at many public and private universities, including those with high rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
