Program Description

The mission of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy is to prepare its students to become pharmacy practitioners that excel as skilled and productive health care professionals in the provision of services, in the standards of care, and in the discovery of new knowledge that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes. The school utilizes an integrated, inter-professional education approach combined with a team-based clinical philosophy that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, while advancing scholarship, research, and patient care, all directed toward the goal of improving the health and well-being of West Virginians, residents of the Tri-state region, and the nation.

Central to the program’s mission is the development of the key skills and abilities (termed terminal outcomes) required for competent pharmacy practice. These terminal outcomes expect all students who graduate from the Marshall University School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. program to be able to:

1. LEARNER:  Seek, analyze, integrate, and apply foundational knowledge of medications and pharmacy practice (biomedical; pharmaceutical; social, behavioral, administrative; and clinical sciences; drug classes; and digital health).
2. PROBLEM-SOLVER:  Use problem solving and critical thinking skills, along with an innovative mindset, to address challenges and to promote positive change.
3. COMMUNICATOR:  Actively engage, listen, and communicate verbally, nonverbally, and in writing when interacting with or educating an individual, group, or organization.
4. ALLY:  Mitigate health disparities by considering, recognizing, and navigating cultural and structural factors (e.g. social determinants of health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) to improve access and health outcomes.
5. PROVIDER:  Provide whole person care to individuals as the medication specialist using the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process.
6. ADVOCATE:  Promote the best interests of patients and/or the pharmacy profession within healthcare settings and at the community, state, or national level.
7. STEWARD: Optimize patient healthcare outcomes using human, financial, technological, and physical resources to improve the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of medication use systems.
8. COLLABORATOR:  Actively engage and contribute as a healthcare team member by demonstrating core interprofessional competencies.
9. PROMOTER:  Assess factors that influence the health and wellness of a population and develop strategies to address those factors.
10. LEADER:  Demonstrate the ability to influence and support the achievement of shared goals on a team, regardless of one’s role.
11. SELF-AWARE:  Examine, reflect on, and address personal and professional attributes (e.g., knowledge, metacognition, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, help-seeking strategies, and emotional intelligence that could enhance or limit growth, development, & professional identity formation.
12. PROFESSIONAL:  Exhibit attitudes and behaviors that embody a commitment to building and maintaining trust with patients, colleagues, other health care professionals, and society.

The program requires a minimum of 4 years / 11 semesters of coursework, capstone, and experiential learning.

Accreditation Status

Marshall University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Board of Directors. For an explanation of the ACPE accreditation process, please contact the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603-3446, 312-644-3575; FAX 866-228-2631, website www.acpe-accredit.org.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Admission

Admission to Marshall University School of Pharmacy is competitive. The school admits a maximum of 80 students per year. Applicants are directed to apply to the Marshall University School of Pharmacy through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS, www.pharmcas.org). 

Regular admission to the Pharm.D. program requires the student to have:

1. Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree should have completed all required pre-pharmacy courses (note: inquiries regarding prerequisite course equivalency should be forwarded to MUSOP Student Affairs at 304-696-7354). These courses include:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
ENG 101	Beginning Composition	3
ENG 201	Advanced Composition	3
MTH 140	Applied Calculus	3
BSC 120	Principles of Biology I	3
BSC 120L	Principles of Biology I Lab	1
BSC 121	Principles of Biology II	3
BSC 121L	Prin of Biology II Lab	1
BSC 227	Human Anatomy	4
BSC 227L	Human Anatomy Lab	1
BSC 228	Human Physiology	4
BSC 228L	Human Physiology Lab	1
BSC 250	Microbiol & Human Disease	4
BSC 250L	Microbio and Human Disease Lab	1
CHM 211	Principles of Chemistry I	3
CHM 212	Principles Chemistry II	3
CHM 217	Principles of Chem Lab I	2
CHM 218	Principles of Chem Lab II	2
CHM 355	Organic Chemistry I	3
CHM 356	Organic Chemistry II	3
CHM 361	Intro Organic Chm Lab	3
STA 225	Introductory Statistics (CT)	3
PHY 201	College Physics I	3
PHY 202	General Physics I Laboratory	1
PSY 201	Introductory Psychology (CT) ((Or other approved social science course))	3

*Course substitutions are available.  Please contact the MUSOP Office of Student Affairs for details.

2.  A recommended minimum undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate university work.

3.  A recommended minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all prerequisite courses.

4.  Three (3) letters of professional recommendation requested from persons such as pharmacists, supervisors, and professors who can tell us about your academic and/or work capabilities which would enable you to succeed in the School of Pharmacy.

5.  Completed an application through PharmCAS.

6.  Submitted all required application fees.

7.  Successfully completed an interview.

Early Assurance Pathway to PharmD Program

Marshall University School of Pharmacy (MUSOP) offers an early assurance program known as the Pharmacy Early Assurance Scholars Program. The program is designed for outstanding students who are committed to pursuing pharmacy as a career upon high school graduation. The program is intended to recognize outstanding students with provisional early assurance to the MUSOP PharmD program. Students who are admitted into this program are expected to meet all requirements to successfully matriculate into the MUSOP PharmD Program. All Early Assurance pathway students will receive academic advising by a pre-professional academic advisor in the College of Science. Additionally, students will be granted full admission to the pre-pharmacy club with access to members-only networking events, exclusive merchandise, and all associated pharmacy club fees covered by the School of Pharmacy.  

Program Requirements  

• Students enrolling directly from high school must enroll as a freshman.  
• Students must submit the Marshall Pharmacy Early Assurance Scholars Program Application no later than June 1 of the high school graduation year. 
• Students must indicate pre-pharmacy as their intended concentration upon entry to Marshall University. Note: Students have the choice of pursuing the 1+4, 2+4 accelerated pathway or one of the 3+4 accelerated pathways. If pursuing the 3+4 accelerated pathway, the student should choose Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Sciences as their major.  

All prerequisite coursework must be completed at Marshall University or at an approved partner institution (waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis for exceptional circumstances). All coursework taken off campus must be obtained from an accepted, accredited U.S. institution for a letter grade. Pass/fail courses are not accepted.  

Students must maintain continuous full-time university enrollment (excluding summer terms).  

Note: Students who do not submit the early assurance application by June 1 of the high school graduation year will not be eligible for early assurance program but can still pursue the indicated accelerated pathways if they meet the GPA requirements. 

ACCELERATED PATHWAYS  

Marshall University School of Pharmacy has partnered with Marshall University at the undergraduate level to provide a seamless, accelerated transition into pharmacy school. By offering multiple accelerated pathways, Marshall University undergraduate students have the ability to choose the pathway that is the best fit to their particular needs. Accelerated pathways available include: 

1+4 Accelerated Pathway for Exceptional Students  

Earn your Pharm.D. in 5 years with this fast-track option.  

The accelerated pathway is designed for high school students with a strong academic record and demonstrated motivation to enter the field of pharmacy. Students who have met the below criteria during their high school career are eligible to apply:  

• ACT MATH of 24 (or equivalent SAT/Placement score; for MU pre-requisite courses)  

• ACT ENG of 21 (or equivalent SAT score for MU pre-requisite courses)  

Minimum unweighted high school grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale  

Applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee, and students who meet the requirements will be invited to interview for the PharmD program. Interviews will be conducted in the same manner as traditional PharmD interviews. Students who successfully complete the interview will be offered conditional admissions to the PharmD program for the following year. Full admission will be granted once all admissions requirements are met:  

• If attending Marshall University to complete their pre-requisite coursework, students must declare a Pharmaceutical Sciences major. *Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis based on availability of courses.  

• Successful completion of minimum of 40 prerequisite credit hours prior to matriculation.

• A minimum of 3.3 cumulative GPA in the prerequisite coursework.

• Any additional required materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) as outlined by the Admissions Committee.

Students who are conditionally admitted but do not maintain the above requirements will still be eligible to apply to the PharmD program through either the Early Assurance program or traditional application process.  

International Students: International students are welcome to apply and will be required to complete the same criteria as domestic students (above). Additional requirements such as an English Proficiency test, immunization record, proof of funding and other requirements as stipulated by Marshall University must be met if requested. Applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee, and students who meet the requirements will be invited to interview virtually for the PharmD program. Interviews will be conducted in the same manner as traditional PharmD interviews. Students who successfully complete the interview will be offered conditional admissions to the PharmD program for the following year. Full admission will be granted once all admissions requirements are met:  

• Students must declare a Pharmaceutical Sciences major and complete prerequisite coursework at Marshall University. *Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis based on availability of courses.  

• Successful completion of a minimum of 40 prerequisite credit hours prior to matriculation  

• A minimum of 3.3 cumulative GPA in the prerequisite coursework  

• Any additional required materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) as outlined by the Admissions Committee. Students admitted to the PharmD program through this pathway are required to complete a 0-credit pre-pharmacy boot camp in summer before enrolling for PharmD courses. Additionally, students in this pathway must join and actively participate in the pre-pharmacy club.  

The prerequisite courses include: 

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
ENG 101	Beginning Composition	3
MTH 140	Applied Calculus	3
STA 225	Introductory Statistics (CT)	3
BSC 120	Principles of Biology I	3
BSC 120L	Principles of Biology I Lab	1
BSC 121	Principles of Biology II	3
BSC 121L	Prin of Biology II Lab	1
BSC 227	Human Anatomy	4
BSC 227L	Human Anatomy Lab	1
BSC 228	Human Physiology	4
BSC 228L	Human Physiology Lab	1
BSC 250	Microbiol & Human Disease	4
BSC 250L	Microbio and Human Disease Lab	1
CHM 211	Principles of Chemistry I	3
CHM 212	Principles Chemistry II	3
CHM 217	Principles of Chem Lab I	2
CHM 218	Principles of Chem Lab II	2
CHM 355	Organic Chemistry I	3

 *Student plans will vary based on prior completed coursework, course availability, and other variables.  Course substitutions may be requested.  Please contact Office of Student Affairs for additional information.

2+4 Accelerated Pathway

Earn your Pharm.D. in 6 years with this fast-track option. Students must complete a minimum of 55 credit hours of prerequisites as indicated in general admissions criteria.  

Marshall University College of Science Pre-Pharmacy 2+4 Accelerated Pharm.D. Pathway.  

Notes: Students should have a minimum high school GPA of 3.3 and prerequisite GPA of 2.75 and submit all other materials as required for application.  Students are not required to complete the bachelor’s degree to enter the program under this option. 

3+4 Accelerated Pathways  

Earn both your bachelor's degree and Pharm.D. degree in 7 years with one of the following fast-track options.  

• Marshall University College of Science Chemistry Major 3+4 Accelerated B.S.-to-Pharm.D. Pathway  

• Marshall University College of Science Biology Major 3+4 Accelerated B.S.-to-Pharm.D. Pathway  

• Marshall University College of Health Professions Health Sciences Major 3+4 Accelerated B.S.-to-Pharm.D. Pathway  

• Marshall University School of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences Major 3+4 Accelerated B.S.-to-Pharm.D. Pathway  

Note: Students should have a minimum high school GPA of 3.3 and prerequisite GPA of 2.75 and submit all other materials as required for application. 

Prerequisite Requirements for International Applicants with Undergraduate Pharmacy Degrees  

International applicants who have completed a BS in Pharmacy at an international institution are eligible to apply for the PharmD program. The process to apply to the PharmD program is to submit an application through PharmCAS and pay applicable application fees. Applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 0 to 4.0 scale. Transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES Member evaluation company. A complete list that the NACES member list can be found at www.naces.org/members. Evaluations must be based on authenticated and/or verified documents and cannot be based on scans or unverified document. Applicants will also submit 3 letters of recommendation with their application and meet Marshall University English Proficiency requirements. Applicants must complete an interview with the School of Pharmacy. For international applicants, a virtual interview option will be available. 

Academic Performance

Students are eligible for graduation upon successful completion of all academic (courses and examinations) and clinical (experiential learning) coursework.  The student must earn a minimum of 155 semester credit hours. The expected graduation grade point average is 3.0 with the minimum grade point average of 2.5.  The student is responsible for knowing and satisfying degree and graduation requirements. Students must be enrolled in the term in which they plan to graduate.

Time Limitations

If a student has not completed his/her Pharm.D. degree within six years from the end of the first course to be counted toward his/her degree, and if the student has not been enrolled in a course toward that degree for the most recent one year when that seven-year limit is reached (meaning the sixth year), then the student will be dropped from the program. To continue to work on that degree, the student must reapply for admission to that degree program through the regular graduate admission process, and pay the appropriate admission fees.

Plan of Study

The curriculum is designed to be completed over 4 years/ 11 semesters. A summary of the courses composing the curriculum is found below:

Plan of Study Grid

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credit Hours
PHAR 512	Pharmacy Skills Lab I	2
PHAR 524	Drug Info & Comm Skills	2
PHAR 531	Biopharmaceutics I	3
PHAR 533	Introduction to Pharmacy 1	3
PHAR 542	Immunology and Microbiology	4
PHAR 547	Pharmaceutical Chemistry	4
PHAR 591	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 1	1
	Credit Hours	19
Spring
PHAR 523	Pharmacogenomics	2
PHAR 592	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 2	1
PHAR 532	Biopharmaceutics II	3
PHAR 536	Introduction to Pharmacy 2	3
PHAR 537	Pharmacokinetics	3
PHAR 538	Pharmacy Skills Lab 2	3
PHAR 544	Prin of Disease & Drug Action	4
	Credit Hours	19
Summer
PHAR 549	Intro to Community Pharm IPPE	0
PHAR 550	Intro to Institutional IPPE	0
	Credit Hours	0
Second Year
Fall
PHAR 623	Patient Safety	2
PHAR 593	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 3	1
PHAR 635	Research Outcomes Patient Care	3
PHAR 636	Pharm Skills Lab III	3
PHAR 641	Therapeutics 1 - OTC/Self-Care	4
PHAR 662	Pharmacy Administration	6
	Credit Hours	19
Spring
PHAR 637	Pharm Skills Lab IV	3
PHAR 594	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 4	1
PHAR 652	Therapeutics 2 - Cardiology	5
PHAR 643	Therapeutics 3 GI & Renal	4
PHAR 644	Therapeutics 4 - Endocrine	4
PHAR 801	Special Topics I (Elective 3 SCH)	3
	Credit Hours	20
Summer
PHAR 649	Intro Outpt Clin Skills IPPE	0
PHAR 650	Intro Inpat Clin Skills IPPE	0
	Credit Hours	0
Third Year
Fall
PHAR 735	Pharmacy Law & Ethics	3
PHAR 595	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 5	1
PHAR 737	Pharmacy Skills Lab 5	3
PHAR 752	Therapeutics 6 - Neuro/Psych	5
PHAR 762	Infect Disease Therapeutics	5
	Credit Hours	17
Spring
PHAR 724	Special Populations	3
PHAR 596	Cont Prof Dev (CPD) 6	1
PHAR 730	Therapeutics 8 - Derm/Opht/MUS	3
PHAR 743	Therapeutics 9 - Hem/Oncology	4
PHAR 736	Pharmacy Skills Lab 6	3
PHAR 802	Special Topics II (Elective 3 SCH)	3
	Credit Hours	17
Summer
PHAR 881	APPE - Adv Inpat Clin Skills	5
PHAR 882	APPE - Adv Outpat Clin Skills	5
	Credit Hours	10
Fourth Year
Fall
PHAR 891	Pharmacy Capstone I	2
PHAR 883	APPE - Advanced Community	5
PHAR 884	APPE 4-Adv Institutional	5
PHAR 885	APPE - Transitions of Care	5
	Credit Hours	17
Spring
PHAR 886	APPE - Diverse Populations	5
PHAR 887	APPE - Elective (Elective (10 hours as 2 courses, 5 SCH each.)	10
PHAR 892	Pharmacy Capstone 2	2
	Credit Hours	17
	Total Credit Hours	155

Note: PHAR courses may not always coincide with the university academic calendar.