The Pre-Pharmacy Program at Palm Beach Atlantic University is a part of the undergraduate program of the university. Pre-pharmacy students are classified as majoring in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration. The major in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration incorporates most of the pre-professional course requirements for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. Each pre-pharmacy student is assigned a faculty advisor from among the full-time chemistry faculty, who assists in providing the student a successful pre-pharmacy experience.
The major in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration provides the pre-pharmacy student with considerable flexibility. A student can:
- Apply for admission to the school of pharmacy in the fall semester prior to the fall you wish to begin pharmacy school.
- Complete the three-year undergraduate portion of the Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration program, apply to the Gregory School of Pharmacy, and upon completing the first year of the pharmacy program, receive the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration degree.
- Complete the four year Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Biological Concentration program, and apply for admission to the School of Pharmacy.
The description of the Major in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with a Pharmaceutical Concentration and with a Biological Concentration can be found within the Chemistry/Physics section of the Programs By School page.
Guaranteed Interview Program
Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a “Guaranteed Interview” for admission to the Gregory School of Pharmacy for full-time PBA students who complete the pre-professional requirements below:
- Be currently enrolled in the undergraduate program at PBA.
- Complete a PharmCAS application for admission to the School of Pharmacy.
- Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for both cumulative and science coursework.
- Complete all science and math prerequisites at PBA
- Complete all prerequisite course work prior to enrollment in the School of Pharmacy.
- Complete a successful interview with the School of Pharmacy.
- Approved for admission by the Student Recruitment & Admissions Committee
- Meet all other admissions requirements
In addition to these requirements, the preferred cumulative and prerequisite science (chemistry, biology, math) grade point average (GPA) is 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). The PCAT is NOT required but may be recommended for some candidates as a way to increase their likelihood of acceptance. Exceptions to any of the above criteria will be made by the Student Recruitment and Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Interview/Admissions Committee
Qualified applicants (students in the year prior to matriculation into the School of Pharmacy) will be invited for an interview with the School of Pharmacy. Interview Days include an interview with a faculty member, meeting with the Dean, and a tour of the PBA campus and Gregory Hall. The Student Recruitment and Admissions Committee (SRA) will review the candidate’s application and make recommendations to the Dean.
Pharmacy Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Palm Beach Atlantic University to complete their pre-pharmacy undergraduate requirements MAY be eligible for participation in the Guaranteed Interview Program. To qualify, see above requirements.
Pre-Professional Course Requirements
Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program requires 66-67 semester hours of pre-professional education at an accredited college or university. Minimum specific course requirements are:
- Taken at an institutionally-accredited college or university.
- Completed before enrollment in the School of Pharmacy.
- Completed with a grade of “C-” or better.
- Include a laboratory for all chemistry and biology courses (excluding biochemistry)
- Completed within 10 years of application to the School of Pharmacy (math and science courses only)