Embark on a transformative journey towards a rewarding career in pharmaceutical sciences with Chapman University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. In just 33 months, you can earn a professional degree that opens doors to diverse roles as pharmacists, researchers, public health advocates, and policy influencers. For those interested in healthcare and community well-being, exploring opportunities beyond traditional medical roles, such as those potentially related to Apex Community Care Inc Perception Programs Inc Outpatient services, a Pharm.D. degree offers a unique avenue to contribute to patient care and improve health outcomes.
Become a Pharmacist Leader in Just Three Years
The pharmaceutical landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasingly complex healthcare needs. Today’s pharmacy leaders must be innovators, capable of delivering personalized patient care and enhancing the quality, efficacy, and safety of medications.
Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP) is committed to preparing students to excel in this dynamic environment. Our rigorous and comprehensive Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program provides you with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to meet these challenges head-on and shape the future of pharmacy.
Chapman Pharm.D. Program: Key Metrics
- 6:1 – Student-Faculty Ratio: Ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.
- 980+ – Rotation Sites: Extensive network across California, from San Diego to Northern California, providing diverse experiential learning opportunities.
- 82% – NAPLEX First-Time Pass Rate: Demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for licensure.
Why Choose Chapman for Your Doctor of Pharmacy Degree?
- Nationally Recognized Excellence: CUSP is consistently recognized as one of the top pharmacy schools in the United States, reflecting our commitment to high academic standards and student success.
- Strategic Location in Irvine, California: Situated in the heart of Southern California’s biotech hub, Chapman offers unparalleled networking opportunities with leading biomedical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies.
- Innovative Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research and develop the skills to become a leader in the pharmaceutical field, preparing you for advanced career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.
- Real-World Clinical Experience: Apply your classroom knowledge in diverse healthcare settings through extensive clinical rotations, gaining practical experience and honing your patient care skills.
- PCAT Optional Admission: Applicants are not required to submit PCAT scores, making our Pharm.D. program accessible to a wider range of qualified candidates.
- Interprofessional Learning Environment: Collaborate with future healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, and speech pathologists. This integrated approach provides a holistic understanding of patient care, enabling you to deliver more comprehensive and effective pharmaceutical services.
Program Structure: What to Expect
Years One and Two: Foundational Knowledge and Introductory Experiences
The first two years of the Pharm.D. program lay a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and introduce you to the practical aspects of pharmacy practice. Introductory experiential courses expose you to diverse pharmacy settings, practitioners, and community health needs. This early exposure, combined with rigorous coursework, prepares you for advanced pharmacy practice experiences in your third year.
For students with leadership aspirations, the Leadership Emphasis Program offers a unique opportunity to enhance your Pharm.D. degree. This program focuses on developing personal and professional leadership skills, positioning you for impactful leadership roles in healthcare.
Visit the catalog to explore the Leadership Emphasis Program.
Year Three: Advanced Practice and Specialization
The final year of the program is dedicated to advanced experiential education. You will complete six 6-week rotations in various practice settings. Required rotations include community pharmacy, health-system pharmacy, ambulatory care, and acute care. You also have the opportunity to pursue elective rotations in specialized areas such as managed care, administration, and the pharmaceutical industry, allowing you to tailor your experience to your career interests.
These advanced practice experiences constitute nearly one-third of the entire curriculum and are designed to immerse you in direct patient care environments. The primary goal is to refine your skills and cultivate the competencies necessary for delivering compassionate and effective healthcare as a pharmacist.
Get Involved: Student Life at CUSP
Explore Student Organizations at CUSP
We encourage all students to actively participate in national and local pharmacy organizations. This involvement is crucial for professional development, leadership growth, and gaining a deeper understanding of the pharmacy profession and its role in the broader healthcare community. CUSP believes that extracurricular engagement, including patient advocacy and professional advocacy, is an essential complement to your formal education and will enrich your career.
Student Success Stories: Meet Our Alumni
Dr. John Andraos
Class of 2019
Dr. John Andraos, a Class of 2019 alumnus, has successfully combined his passion for teaching and patient care. Currently an Assistant Professor at Western University College of Pharmacy, Dr. Andraos completed PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies and actively sought leadership and research opportunities during his time at Chapman.
Dr. Caitlin Calhoun
Class of 2021
Dr. Caitlin Calhoun, a Class of 2021 graduate and recipient of the prestigious 2024 Miltenyi Biotec Immunology Innovator Award, is a Staff Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Her groundbreaking research focuses on improving outcomes for pediatric patients with high-risk leukemias through the discovery of novel biomarkers.
Dr. Inna Tagarino
Class of 2024
Dr. Inna Tagarino, from the Class of 2024, is pursuing a PGY-1 ambulatory care residency with the County of Santa Clara. She describes her Chapman experience as one defined by camaraderie and seizing opportunities: “Anytime you join a professional fraternity, doors open for you because there is a huge network of people to connect with.”
Program Details: Personalized Education
The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Chapman University is structured into eight 15-week trimesters, emphasizing personalized education—a core Chapman value. You will learn in a close-knit community with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individualized attention and support.
Discover more about the Pharm.D. program, including prerequisites, detailed course information, and technical standards.
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Prerequisite for Admission
To be eligible for admission to the Pharm.D. program, you must complete 52 semester credits (or 82 quarter credits) of prerequisite coursework. These prerequisites can typically be completed within two years and can be fulfilled at Chapman or any regionally accredited U.S. institution. While a bachelor’s or graduate degree is valued, it is not mandatory for admission.
Summary of Prerequisite Coursework
| Course | Semester Hours | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Biology 1A with Lab | 4 | 6 |
| General Biology 1B, Biochemistry, Human Genetics, or Molecular Biology | 3 | 4 |
| Physiology with Lab | 4 | 6 |
| Microbiology | 3 | 4 |
| Chemistry (General with Labs) | 8 | 12 |
| Organic Chemistry with Labs | 8 | 12 |
| Human Anatomy with Lab | 4 | 6 |
| Calculus | 3 | 4 |
| Statistics | 3 | 4 |
| Psychology or Sociology | 3 | 4 |
| Economics (Micro or Macro) | 3 | 4 |
| Communication or Speech | 3 | 4 |
| English Composition | 3 | 4 |
| Electives | 6 | 8 |
| Total | 58 | 82 |
- Economics can be Micro or Macro
- Statistics can be Biostatistics
AP Test Scores
Chapman University School of Pharmacy recognizes specific AP test scores as substitutes for equivalent prerequisite courses:
| AP Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Calculus BC | 3 |
| Calculus AB | 4 |
| Statistics | 4 |
| Biology | 5 |
| Psychology | 3 |
| Economics | 4 |
| English Language | 4 |
For inquiries regarding International Baccalaureate (IB) equivalencies, please contact us.
For any questions about prerequisites, please reach out to the Office of Student Affairs: [email protected] or 714-516-5600.
Pharm.D. Courses: Trimester Breakdown
| Trimester 1 | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 501 | Interprofessional Education (IPE) I | 0 | |
| PHRM 521 | Immunizations | 1 | |
| PHRM 521L | Pharmacist Care Lab (PCL) I | 1 | |
| PHRM 571 | Introduction to Health Care | 3 | |
| PHRM 581 | Health Care Communications | 2 | |
| PHRM 591 | Law & Ethics | 2 | |
| PHRM 601 | Principles of Drug Action | 4 | |
| PHRM 611 | Macromolecules in Life | 3 | |
| PHRM 621 | Drug Delivery Systems I | 2 | |
| Total Units | 18 |
| Trimester 2 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 502 | IPE II | 0 | |
| PHRM 501 | Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) I | 1 | |
| PHRM 511 | Self Care I | 3 | |
| PHRM 522L | PCL II | 1 | |
| PHRM 531 | Psychiatry/Neurology | 5 | |
| PHRM 621L | Drug Delivery Systems Lab I | 1 | |
| PHRM 622 | Drug Delivery Systems II | 2 | |
| PHRM 631 | Pharmacokinetics | 3 | |
| PHRM 641 | Immunology | 2 | |
| Total Units | 18 |
| Trimester 3 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 503 | IPE III | 0 | |
| PHRM 502 | IPPE II | 1 | |
| PHRM 512 | Self Care II | 3 | |
| PHRM 515 | Co-curricular Year 1 | 0 | |
| PHRM 523L | PCL III | 1 | |
| PHRM 535 | Dermatology/Rheumatology | 2 | |
| PHRM 537 | Cardiology | 5 | |
| PHRM 633L | Pharmacy Calculations Lab | 0.5 | |
| PHRM 632 | Applied Pharmacokinetics | 1 | |
| PHRM 672 | Research Design | 2 | |
| Elective/Capstone | 0.5-2 | ||
| Total Units | 16-17.5 |
| Trimester 4 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHRM 503, 504, or 505 | IPPE III | 2 | |
| PHRM 525 | Pharmacist Care Delivery I | 3 | |
| PHRM 540 | Nephrology/Nutrition/Fluid & Electrolytes | 3 | |
| PHRM 543 | Endocrinology | 4 | |
| PHRM 622L | Sterile Preparation Lab This course may be taken T4 or T5, based on hospital IPPE rotations | 0.5 | |
| PHRM 642 | Biopharmaceuticals | 2 | |
| PHRM 651 | Pharmacogenomics | 2 | |
| Elective/Capstone | 0.5-2 | ||
| Total Units | 17-19 |
| Trimester 5 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHRM 503, 504, 505 | IPPE IV | 2 | |
| PHRM 526 | Pharmacist Care Delivery II | 3 | |
| PHRM 546 | Gastroenterology | 4 | |
| PHRM 549 | Pulmonology | 2 | |
| PHRM 552 | Infectious Diseases I | 3 | |
| PHRM 622L | Sterile Prep Lab This course may be taken T4 or T5, based on hospital IPPE rotations | 0.5 | |
| PHRM 681 | Pharmacy Practice Management | 3 | |
| Elective/Capstone | 0.5-2 | ||
| Total Units | 17.5-19.5 |
| Trimester 6 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHRM 503, 504, 505 | IPPE V | 2 | |
| PHRM 516 | Co-curricular Year 2 | 0 | |
| PHRM 527 | APPE Transitions | 5 | |
| PHRM 555 | Infectious Diseases II | 4 | |
| PHRM 561 | Oncology | 4 | |
| PHRM 691 | Pharmacoeconomics & Pharmacoepidemiology | 2 | |
| Elective/Capstone | 0.5-2 | ||
| Total Units | 17.5-19 |
| Trimesters 7 & 8 Courses | Course Number | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHRM 517 | Co-curricular Year 3 | 0 | |
| PHRM 701 | Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) I: Internal Medicine | 6 | |
| PHRM 702 | APPE II: Ambulatory Care | 6 | |
| PHRM 703 | APPE III: Hospital Pharmacy | 6 | |
| PHRM 704 | APPE IV: Community Pharmacy | 6 | |
| PHRM 705 | APPE V: Elective I | 6 | |
| PHRM 706 | APPE VI: Elective II | 6 | |
| Total Units | 36 |
Co-Curriculum: Beyond the Classroom
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) emphasizes the importance of learning experiences outside the traditional curriculum. These experiences are crucial for developing the essential knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required of practice-ready pharmacists. To be an effective healthcare team member, you need to cultivate self-awareness, communication proficiency, leadership capabilities, and strong collaboration skills, all underpinned by professional conduct.
The CUSP Co-Curriculum is designed to enhance your learning and practice readiness through activities, programs, and experiences that complement your didactic and experiential coursework. This co-curriculum enables you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world community settings, preparing you for your future career, fostering patient care skills, promoting interprofessional collaboration, and developing leadership and innovation.
To maximize your practice-readiness, the CUSP Co-Curriculum offers a strategic and intentional program with personalized learning pathways tailored to your professional and personal growth. You will engage in activities across four key domains:
Career Preparation and Professional Development:
Activities in this domain focus on personal and professional growth and career readiness. Examples include networking events, CV/resume and ePortfolio development workshops, mock interviews, and goal-setting and self-reflection exercises. These activities aim to enhance self-awareness and professional behavior, contributing directly to your practice readiness.
Community Outreach:
This domain provides opportunities to deliver patient care and education within the local community. Activities include disease screenings, assessing and monitoring disease progression, administering immunizations, providing disease-state education, and facilitating patient care referrals. This domain emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary for effective practice, as well as the attitudes and behaviors that promote clear communication and proactive health promotion in community settings.
Interprofessional Collaboration:
Engage in collaborative activities with professionals from other healthcare disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and speech therapy. These experiences will refine your communication and collaboration skills while fostering an appreciation for the diverse contributions of each healthcare team member.
Leadership and Innovation:
Demonstrate leadership and innovation through activities that advance the pharmacy profession. Examples include participation in local and national pharmacy organizations, political advocacy, entrepreneurship initiatives, and contributions to research and scholarship. These activities will further develop your communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, along with your professional demeanor.
You will complete specific co-curricular requirements each year, choosing from a range of opportunities to personalize your learning and position yourself for career success. Fulfilling these requirements is essential for progressing through the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
CUSP students can access detailed information and resources on the Co-Curriculum Program page.
Technical Standards for Admission and Program Completion
Candidates for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must possess the essential physical, cognitive, and emotional functions in the following areas: Observation, Communication, Motor Function, Intellectual Abilities, and Behavioral/Social Attributes. We recognize that abilities vary, and Chapman University School of Pharmacy will provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
The PharmD program is designed to prepare students for the independent practice of pharmacy. Therefore, admitted and continuing students must have the intellectual, emotional, and physical capabilities to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to complete the curriculum and become licensed pharmacists. Patient safety is paramount, and these technical standards ensure that all students can meet the minimum requirements for competent patient care.
These five standards outline the essential functions you must demonstrate to fulfill the requirements of a pharmacy education. Meeting these standards is a prerequisite for admission, continuation in, and graduation from the School of Pharmacy. We encourage applicants who believe they may not meet these standards to discuss their concerns with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs prior to applying to determine if reasonable accommodations can be made. Students who do not meet these standards or do not seek accommodations may face academic challenges.
PharmD candidates must meet or exceed the required aptitudes, abilities, and skills in the following areas:
I. Observation: You must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in basic and pharmaceutical sciences. You must be able to accurately assess a patient’s condition, obtain a medical history, perform appropriate assessments, and synthesize this information to develop and implement accurate and therapeutically sound patient care plans. You must be able to prepare medications for dispensing and observe the activities of pharmacy technicians under your supervision, adhering to state laws. These skills necessitate functional vision, verbal communication, hearing, and tactile sensation.
II. Communication: You must be able to effectively communicate with, understand, and observe patients in clinical settings. You must be able to document information accurately and clearly, communicate fluently and understand English, and communicate sensitively and effectively with patients. Furthermore, you must be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare team members both verbally and in writing, particularly in fast-paced patient care environments where rapid decisions are necessary. You must also be able to effectively communicate with and supervise pharmacy support staff.
III. Motor Function: You must possess sufficient motor function to accurately and safely direct and supervise the compounding and preparation of medications for patient dispensing. You must also have the motor skills to teach medication administration techniques to patients, including monitoring and counseling. You must be proficient in using computer-based information systems. Adherence to universal precautions and safety standards in inpatient, outpatient, and other clinical settings is essential. You must possess sufficient health to work competently and consistently in a demanding environment, attend classes regularly, and complete examinations on schedule.
IV. Intellectual Abilities: You must possess effective and efficient learning techniques and study habits to master the pharmacy curriculum. You must be able to learn through diverse modalities, including classroom instruction, small group activities, independent study, report preparation and presentation, and the use of technology. You must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and apply information and concepts. Comprehension of spatial relationships and three-dimensional models is also required.
V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: You must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability necessary for the full utilization of your intellectual abilities. You must accept responsibility for your learning, exercise sound judgment, and promptly fulfill all responsibilities related to patient care. Understanding and adhering to the legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice, and functioning within the established guidelines and ethical standards of the profession are crucial. You must be able to interact with patients and their families, colleagues, and other healthcare team members with courtesy, maturity, and respect for individual dignity. This requires prioritizing patient welfare, demonstrating honesty, integrity, dedication, compassion, and non-discrimination in patient care. You must consistently demonstrate the emotional stability to exercise sound judgment and promptly complete all patient care responsibilities in a sensitive and effective manner. This includes self-reflection on personal attitudes, perceptions, and potential biases to avoid negative impacts on patient relationships and care. Adaptability to changing environments, flexibility, and professional responsibility are essential, as is the ability to function effectively in uncertain situations where changes can occur rapidly. These personal qualities will be evaluated throughout the admissions and educational process. You must be able to contribute to collaborative and constructive learning environments, accept constructive feedback, and take personal responsibility for making positive changes.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Planning your finances is an important part of preparing for graduate school. The estimated expenses below are broad guidelines and may not reflect all actual costs, as individual student expenses vary.
Please note that tuition includes UWorld Rx NAPLEX preparation resources, Apple technology, and electronic textbooks.
The Graduate Financial Aid Office is available to assist students in identifying resources to meet their financial needs. For inquiries, please contact the Office via email or by phone at (714) 628-2730.
Living Expenses Information – Includes room/board, transportation, personal expenses, etc.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Background Check | ~$100 |
| Drug Screening | $29 |
| Immunization Verification | Year 1: $25 Year 2: $10 Year 3: $10 |
| BLS Training | $35 |
| Malpractice/Liability Insurance | $26 |
| California Intern Pharmacist License | Up to $310 |
| Health Insurance – REQUIRED | See Tuition and Fees (can be waived with existing health insurance) |
Pharm.D. Transfer Student Policy
Pharm.D. Transfer Student Policy
Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals currently enrolled at a U.S.-based ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for transfer to CUSP. All applications are reviewed individually, and transfer admission is not guaranteed.
- Minimum 3.0 Overall GPA or equivalent
- No semester GPA below 3.0 or equivalent
- No grade lower than a C or equivalent
- No professional conduct or academic integrity issues
- Letter of good academic standing from the Dean’s Office (or designate) of the previous program, confirming no professional conduct or academic integrity issues.
Transfer Student Application and Review Process:
Interested applicants should apply through PharmCAS®. Transfer applications must include:
- A personal statement explaining the reasons for transfer.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation, including one from a faculty member at the current institution.
Admission through transfer is subject to approval by CUSP faculty.
- Transfer applications are reviewed by the School’s Student Affairs Committee (SAC). Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview at CUSP.
- Pre-requisite Review: Applicants with a bachelor’s degree may be exempt from CUSP prerequisite requirements. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree will have their completed prerequisites reviewed by SAC. All CUSP prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C or equivalent.
- Compliance, Health, and Technical Standards: Applicants must meet all technical standards and comply with all CUSP health requirements, including required vaccinations. They must possess a valid California intern pharmacist license at the time of application or be eligible to obtain one. The license must be unrestricted, and applicants must have no felony convictions.
- The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) oversees the review and acceptance of transfer credits for prior coursework on a case-by-case basis.
- Advanced Standing: Advanced standing is not guaranteed, and applicants may not be granted standing beyond the Trimester 2 term at CUSP. A maximum of 18 transfer credits may be awarded for coursework completed at a U.S.-based ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy. Credits from U.S.-based programs with ACPE pre-candidate or candidate status may also be considered.
Career Outlook: Diverse Opportunities
What Can You Do With a Pharm.D. Degree?
A Pharm.D. degree provides access to a wide array of fulfilling career paths, including roles in:
- Clinical and community pharmacy settings
- Specialized pharmacy practices
- Research and academia
- Pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies
- Government and public health organizations
- Healthcare management and administration
Many of our graduates pursue careers as pharmacists, which requires passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Successful completion of these exams allows graduates to apply for licensure in their desired state. Many pharmacists also pursue post-graduate training and board certifications through residencies, fellowships, or board certifications to further specialize their expertise.
