Students in the University of South Carolina's pre-pharmacy program gain year-round access to pre-pharmacy advisors and a head start on building a personal network of pharmacists, researchers and other professionals.

Our pre‑pharmacy program is tailored to the entrance requirements of the USC Doctor of Pharmacy program and completion of the Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from USC.

Three student organizations at USC — Carolina Association of Pre-Pharmacy Students, Student National Pharmaceutical Association and American Pharmacists Association — are geared specifically toward pre-pharmacy students and enrich the overall student experience.

The admissions process varies slightly, depending on whether you are a high school student preparing for your first year of college, a USC student interested in changing your major, or a student from another college or university transferring to USC.

Once accepted into the pre-pharmacy program, the University of South Carolina designates pre-pharmacy students as B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences majors.

Undergraduate Admissions

If you’re preparing for your first year of college, pre-pharmacy admission is handled through Undergraduate Admissions. Their staff can answer any of your questions about admission requirements, the application, deadlines, scholarships and other matters. To apply for the pre-pharmacy program, just declare pre-pharmacy as your major on your university application.

International Students

If you’re applying as an international freshman or international transfer, there are certain steps you will be required to take as part of your admissions process. The university’s highly trained and experienced staff in the office of International Student Services are available to assist international students during their time on campus.

Transfer Students - USC

If you are a current USC student interested in changing your major to pre-pharmacy, you must have a 3.0 or higher with 12 or more earned college hours (excluding AP/IB credits). First-semester freshmen only must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 with 12 or more earned USC credits (excluding AP/IB coursework) to change their major to pre-pharmacy.

Transfer Students - Other Colleges or Universities

If you’re transferring from another college or university into the USC pre-pharmacy program, the process is handled through Undergraduate Admissions. A minimum GPA of 3.0 with 12 or more earned college credit hours (excluding AP or IB courses) is required to become a pre-pharmacy major.

Pre-pharmacy students will complete four semesters of undergraduate coursework focusing on pharmacy prerequisites.

Course schedule and total number of credit hours per semester will vary between students depending on AP / IB credits, transfer credits, and placement scores. Pre-pharmacy advisors will work with students to determine a curriculum sequence based on individual needs.

Pre-pharmacy majors must earn a grade of C or higher in all coursework in the pre-pharmacy curriculum. 

The following is an example of what each semester of a pre-pharmacy student’s schedule could look like:

First Year (Pre-Pharmacy - Year 1)

Fall Semester

Course	Credit Hours
Biological Principles I  BIOL 101 (SCI)	3
Biological Principles I Lab BIOL 101L (SCI)	1
General Chemistry I CHEM 111 (SCI)	3
General Chemistry I Lab CHEM 111L (SCI)	1
Critical Reading & Composition ENGL 101 (CMW)	3
Calculus MATH 122 (ARP)	3
Liberal Arts Elective 1	3
TOTAL	17

Spring Semester

Course	Credit Hours
Biological Principles II  BIOL 102	3
Biological Principles II Lab BIOL 102L	1
General Chemistry II CHEM 112	3
General Chemistry II Lab CHEM 112L	1
Rhetoric & Composition ENGL 102 (CMW + INF)	3
Statistics STAT 201 (ARP)	3
Liberal Arts Elective 2 (AIU, VSR, or GHS)	3
TOTAL	17

Second Year (Pre-Pharmacy - Year 2)

Fall Semester

Course	Credit Hours
Human Anatomy & Physiology I 3 BIOL 243	3
Organic Chemistry I CHEM 333	3
Organic Chemistry I Lab CHEM 331L	1
General Physics I 3 PHYS 201	3
Introduction to Economics ECON 224	3
Introduction to Psychology PSYC 101 (GSS)	3
TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Credit Hours
Human Anatomy & Physiology II 3 BIOL 244	3
Organic Chemistry II CHEM 334	3
Organic Chemistry II Lab CHEM 332L	1
Microbiology 3 BIOL 250	3
Public Communication 2 SPCH 140 (CMS) OR  SAEL 200 (CMS +VSR)	3
Liberal Arts Elective 2 (AIU, VSR, or GHS)	3
TOTAL	16

 

 Notes:

1. University 101 is recommended as an elective for new freshmen.
2. Liberal Arts electives such as the following that fulfill Carolina Core & Pre-Pharmacy credits are strongly recommended (Pre-Pharmacy students may use equivalent AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment coursework to fulfill Carolina Core credit):

   1. Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (AIU)– 100-200-level fine arts courses in music, film, dance, theatre, art, or literature

   2. Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding (GHS) – 100-level history courses

   3. Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (VSR) - political science or ethics courses 

3. Labs are not required for BIOL 243, BIOL 244, PHYS 201 or BIOL 250.

Our College of Pharmacy pre-pharmacy advisors can help you expertly navigate the pre-pharmacy curriculum. 

Each pre-pharmacy student is assigned a first-year advisor to help you prepare for the transition into the university and the College of Pharmacy. After beginning classes, our College of Pharmacy advisors will meet with you prior to each semester to review your progress and help you plan your next steps for pharmacy school. 

Advisement for the spring semester begins in late September while advisement for the summer and fall semesters occurs in late February. Students are notified via university email and Blackboard to sign up for an advising appointment.

Though pre-pharmacy students are advised by individuals within the College of Pharmacy, courses for pre-pharmacy students are taught by multiple departments throughout the university.

As such, tuition for freshman and sophomore years in the pre-pharmacy program will be at the rates established for the general undergraduate population at South Carolina. Pre-pharmacy students also pay an advisement fee of $100 per semester in fall and spring.

Information regarding tuition, scholarships, and estimated costs of education is available from the Bursar's Office and Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

The College of Pharmacy offers pre-pharmacy students a variety of experiences and opportunities to gain pharmacy exposure and stand out on pharmacy school applications. Here are a few suggestions to participate in beyond the classroom. 

Pharmacy Exposure Opportunities

Pharmacy exposure one of the admissions criteria for the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Exploring as many of the 30+ fields of pharmacy possible is essential in helping students decide whether pursuing a career in pharmacy is the right path for them. Additionally, pharmacy exposure opportunities allow pre-pharmacy students to gain a head start on building a personal network of pharmacy professionals and the skills to prepare for the Pharm.D. admissions process. 

Participate in: 

• Pharmacy Etiquette Workshop
• "Pharmacists Do That…Really?" sessions
• Mock Pharmacy class
• Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center Career Summit
• Shadowing pharmacists in the workplace
• Conducting informational interviews with pharmacists
• Working as a pharmacy technician 
• Pre-pharmacy section of UNIV 101
• PHAR 401 course
   

Community Service

Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals, interacting with patients from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Volunteering allows pre-pharmacy students to gain insight into the lives and health care needs of underserved populations.

Participate in: 

• American Heart Association Heart Walk
• Carolina/Clemson Blood Drive
• Columbia Free Medical Clinic
• Relay for Life
• Red Cross Blood Drives
• Service Saturdays 
   

Peer Leadership

The College of Pharmacy seeks to empower future pharmacists to make substantial contributions to the pharmacy profession and transform health care. Participation in both pharmacy and non-pharmacy student organizations at the undergraduate level provides students the opportunity to collaborate with others and develop the skills necessary to become leaders in the profession of pharmacy.

Participate in: 

• Any of the 500+ Student Clubs/Organizations at USC
• Carolina Association for Pre-Pharmacy Students (CAPPS)
• Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
• American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) 
• Graduating with Leadership Distinction
• College of Pharmacy Recruitment Activities
   

Research

The College of Pharmacy at South Carolina is a leader in cutting-edge pharmacological research, transforming the lives of millions of people who rely on effective medication and providing an elite training ground for the next generation of researchers. Research enables current and future pharmacists to elevate the standard of excellence in professional practice. Through undergraduate research, students gain hands-on learning experience and valuable mentor relationships that can benefit them throughout pharmacy school and beyond.

Participate in: 

• Independent study
• Volunteering in a lab
• Working as a lab technician
• Completing/presenting a research poster at a professional meeting
• Completing/presenting a platform presentation at a professional meeting
• Participating in manuscript writing for publication
• Magellan Scholar Program
• South Carolina Honors College Senior Thesis/Project
• Capstone Thesis