Pharmacy schools welcome students from all academic majors, but applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before entering a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. While many pharmacy schools share similar admission requirements, prerequisites vary by institution. Students should always review the admission requirements for each pharmacy program they plan to apply to.
The table below outlines common prerequisite courses for many U.S. pharmacy schools and the corresponding NIU course(s).
Pharmacy school prerequisites vary by institution. Some programs require anatomy and physiology, economics, public speaking, or additional social science coursework, while others do not. Standardized testing requirements also vary. Students should review the admission requirements for each pharmacy school they plan to apply to and meet regularly with the Pre-health Professions Program to develop an individualized academic plan.
| Requirement | NIU Course(s) | Required by Most Programs |
|---|---|---|
| General Biology I | BIOS 208/210 | Yes |
| General Biology II | BIOS 209/211 | Yes |
| General Chemistry I | CHEM 210/212 | Yes |
| General Chemistry II | CHEM 211/213 | Yes |
| Organic Chemistry I | CHEM 330/332 or CHEM 336/338 | Yes |
| Organic Chemistry II | CHEM 331/333 or CHEM 337/339 | Frequently |
| Biochemistry | CHEM 470 | Frequently |
| Human Anatomy | BIOS 311 | Frequently |
| Human Physiology | BIOS 355 | Frequently |
| Microbiology | BIOS 313 | Frequently |
| Statistics | STAT 200 | Frequently |
| English Composition | ENGL 103 | Yes |
| Public Speaking | COMS 100 | Frequently |
| Economics | ECON 260 or equivalent | Some programs |
While not required by every pharmacy school, these courses strengthen your preparation for pharmacy education and future clinical practice.
| NIU Course | Why Take It? |
|---|---|
| BIOS 311 - Functional Human Anatomy | Provides a strong foundation in human anatomy |
| BIOS 355 - Human Physiology | Excellent preparation for pharmacology and therapeutics |
| BIOS 313 - Microbiology | Valuable preparation for infectious disease and antimicrobial therapy |
| CHEM 472 - Biological Chemistry II | Strengthens understanding of biochemical pathways and drug metabolism |
| BIOS 302 - Cell and Molecular Biology | Reinforces cellular mechanisms relevant to pharmacology |
| BIOS 461 - Immunology | Helpful for students interested in infectious disease, immunotherapy and clinical pharmacy |
This timeline combines guidance from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and PharmCAS and has been adapted for NIU students. Individual timelines may vary depending on academic preparation and whether students complete all prerequisites before applying.
| Timeline | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First year | Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program. Begin biology and chemistry coursework (if placement allows). Join a pre-health student organization. Explore pharmacy careers through shadowing, volunteering or healthcare employment. Develop strong study habits. |
| Second year | Continue prerequisite coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Research pharmacy schools and admission requirements. Gain pharmacy experience through community, hospital or clinical settings. Develop relationships with faculty and pharmacists for future letters of recommendation. |
| Third year | Continue or complete prerequisite coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Finalize your list of pharmacy schools. Draft your personal statement. Request letters of recommendation. Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program to review your application plan. |
| July–September | PharmCAS typically opens in July. Submit your application as early as possible. Early submission allows more time for application review and interview consideration. |
| Fall–Spring | Complete supplemental applications if required. Participate in pharmacy school interviews. Continue academic success and pharmacy-related experiences. |
| Before matriculation | Complete any remaining prerequisite coursework. Submit final transcripts and prepare to begin your Pharm.D. program. |
| Gap year (optional) | Many successful applicants strengthen their applications through pharmacy employment, research, leadership, community service or additional coursework before applying. |
Many pharmacy schools use rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Students are encouraged to submit their PharmCAS application early and complete supplemental application requirements promptly.
The following organizations provide reliable information about pharmacy education, admissions, licensure and careers.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu