Frequently Asked Questions
For high school students, what is the first step toward admission to the SIUE School of Pharmacy?
Take as many mathematics and science courses as you can. Even though the SIUE School of Pharmacy will not look at your high school grades, a good science/math background will prepare you for the many science courses that are included in the pre-pharmacy curriculum. You will spend at least the first two years of college completing courses in chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics as well as completing some general education courses. Check the pre-pharmacy curriculum to see the list of courses you will be required to complete before applying to the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
For college students what is the first step toward admission to the SIUE School of Pharmacy?
Begin taking courses toward completion of the pre-pharmacy curriculum. If you are taking the pre-pharmacy courses at a college or university other than SIUE, check the web site for curricular equivalency lists to ensure that the course(s) will meet pre-pharmacy requirements.
Does SIUE admit students directly from high school to the Doctor of Pharmacy program?
Yes. Incoming freshmen who enter SIUE directly from high school may be considered for the Conditional Entry program (CEP). The CEP is an early assurance program that allows selected students to earn direct admission to the SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP). In order to qualify for consideration to the CEP, students must apply to the Meridian Scholars Program at SIUE and indicate either pharmacy or pre-pharmacy as an area of intended study on the Meridian Scholars Program application AND respond to the School of Pharmacy essay question. All such applicants will automatically be reviewed by the SOP for CEP consideration. On a competitive basis, candidates will be invited to interview with the SOP. Upon completion of all interviews, the top candidates will receive a formal invitation to participate in the CEP.
Do I have to complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum at SIUE?
No. You may complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum at any regionally accredited college or university. View pre-pharmacy curricular equivalencies between SIUE SOP and other colleges and universities.
How do I apply for admission?
Applications for the SIUE School of Pharmacy must be submitted via PharmCAS. Students should begin the application process one year before their intended start date. All applicants must submit the following directly to PharmCAS:
- PharmCAS application
- Official copies of all college and university transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Can I apply to the SIUE School of Pharmacy before I complete all the pre-pharmacy requirements?
Yes. You should begin the application process one year before your intended start date.
When you complete your PharmCAS application you will be required to list all completed courses, all courses in which you are currently enrolled, and all courses that you plan to take prior to beginning the Pharm.D. program. Remember, pre-pharmacy courses must be completed with a "C" or better before beginning the program and in order to be considered for admission to the professional program, the minimum pre-pharmacy and pre-pharmacy science and mathematics grade point averages are 2.75.
Applications for admissions are evaluated based upon grades earned at the time of submission of your PharmCAS application. Students will be required to have completed all pre-pharmacy courses by the end of the spring term preceding the intended start date. For example, students applying to enter the SOP in the fall of 2025 must complete all pre-pharmacy courses by the end of the spring term of 2025. However, if it becomes necessary for an applicant to complete any Pre-Pharmacy courses during the summer preceding fall admission, then prior approval from the SOP Office of Professional & Student Affairs will be required. Applicants are encouraged to contact the SOP early in the application process to discuss any unusual circumstances that may impact your overall application.
Review the Applying to the School and Admissions Criteria portions of our website for more information.
Can I declare my major as Pre Pharmacy?
Since you cannot earn a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Pharmacy, you cannot major in Pre-Pharmacy. Students may remain undeclared or declare a major in a department they would like to earn a degree in should they not pursue a degree in Pharmacy.
If I earn less than a grade of "C" in a pre-pharmacy course, may I repeat the course?
Yes. However, students who have a total of five or more repeated courses within the pre-pharmacy curriculum will be considered on an individual basis for admission to the program.
If a student has repeated a course (taken the same course multiple times), the grade earned in the repeated course is averaged into the cumulative GPA calculation, but only the most recent attempt is used to calculate the pre-pharmacy and pre-pharmacy math and science GPA. Students who have a total of five or more repeated courses within the pre-pharmacy curriculum will be considered on an individual basis for admission to the program.
Is the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) required for admission ?
No, beginning with the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, the PCAT is no longer required.
How many students will be admitted to the SIUE School of Pharmacy professional program?
Approximately eighty students will be admitted each fall semester.
How long has SIUE offered its SIUE School of Pharmacy professional program?
The first class was admitted for the fall semester 2005.
How long is the program?
Once a student is admitted into the professional program, and provided he or she maintains good academic standing, the program requires completion of 4 years of full-time enrollment. Courses will be offered during the day only and will not be available to students on a part-time basis.
What type of degree will I receive?
SIUE School of Pharmacy graduates will earn the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
What do I need to know about being licensed as a pharmacist?
Individual states and territories may have different professional licensure requirements. You are encouraged to review the Professional Licensure Disclosure information on our website.
What happens if I am not admitted to the SIUE School of Pharmacy the first time I apply; may I re-apply for the next year?
Yes.
What is the cost of the SIUE School of Pharmacy program?
View current tuition and fees.
