Pharmacy (PharmD)

• General Biology I & II with labs (Coursework in botany, ecology, entomology, anatomy or physiology will not fulfill the biology requirement.): 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
• Human Anatomy (If enrolled in a combined anatomy/physiology course, 6 semester hours will be required.): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
• General Chemistry I & II with labs:* 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
• Organic Chemistry I & II with labs:* 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
• Calculus, Physics or Chemistry with Quantitative Analysis (pre-calculus, survey of calculus and brief calculus courses will not fulfill the requirement): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
• English (including Composition): 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours
• Speech (Must include public speaking.): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
• Psychology: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
• Economics (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, or Introductory Economics): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours
• Electives (Nine semester hours from humanities or behavioral or social sciences. Creighton undergraduate students must complete 6 hours of Theology among the elective hours.): 18 semester hours/27 quarter hours 

*The chemistry and biology courses must be a two-semester, eight-hour or equivalent course sequence. A course sequence is considered to be a correlated pair of courses offering in-depth coverage of a specific field and must be at a level such that the courses would be acceptable as prerequisites to advance toward a baccalaureate degree in that discipline. For chemistry and biology courses, survey courses, courses without associated laboratories, courses designed for non-science majors or abbreviated courses targeted toward health science majors are not acceptable as prerequisite science courses.

PCAT is not required for consideration for admission. If these criteria are met, students have access to a PharmCAS discount and simplified application process. 

Requirements to enter the program:  

• Admission to Creighton University through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions  
• Minimum High School GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Completion of one year of High School Chemistry with a B average 

To continue to the professional curriculum, students must meet the following requirements in years 1 and 2 at Creighton: 

• Take ALL prerequisite/pre-professional coursework at Creighton.
  • Courses taken for college credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation will not result in ineligibility; however any prerequisite courses taken at other institutions after high school graduation will result in ineligibility
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Maintain a minimum Math/Science prerequisite GPA of 2.9
• No grade below a C in any prerequisite course
• 40 hours of work or shadowing in a pharmacy setting by the end (August 1) of year 2
• Submit a PharmCAS application by November 1 the year prior to enrollment in the PharmD professional curriculum
• Successful completion of a progression interview, demonstrating growth in knowledge of the profession and strong communication/interpersonal skills
• Pass a criminal background check prior to official enrollment in the professional program
• Review and sign to acknowledge compliance with the technical standards needed to successfully complete the pharmacy curriculum and practice the profession of pharmacy
• Full participation in the Student Success Pre-Pharmacy learning community while enrolled in the pre-professional portion of the curriculum (years 1 and 2)

The Student Success learning community furthers understanding of the profession and provides helpful instruction on how to be a competitive applicant. The Office of Admission and pharmacy faculty work closely with the Student Success program leadership to implement ideas that are in the best interest of our future applicants. 

Any withdrawal from a prerequisite course may impact a candidate’s ability to remain in the Early Assurance Program. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Office of Admission prior to withdrawing from prerequisite coursework. After the withdrawal has occurred, Early Assurance students will be required to submit a written appeal to the admission committee to remain in the Early Assurance Program. Course withdrawals will be considered by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis. 

Creighton Preference

As a benefit to students who choose to enroll at Creighton University for their undergraduate studies, SPAHP offers preferred admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The “Creighton Preference” is designed to give Creighton undergraduate applicants who meet certain criteria advantages, such as guaranteed interviews or standardized test waivers. 

Creighton undergraduates are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Student Success pre-professional learning communities to further their understanding of the pharmacy profession, as well as to obtain helpful instruction on how to be a competitive applicant for admission. 

The “Creighton Preference” is intended for students who: 

• Do not gain admission via the Early Assurance program
• Fail to meet the requirements needed to continue in the Early Assurance Program
• Decide to apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program after enrollment in a different Creighton undergraduate program
• Did not have an early interest in pharmacy coming right out of high school 

Benefits of the Creighton Preference include: 

• Guaranteed interview with a 3.0 overall GPA

PCAT is not required for consideration for admission.

Preference criteria: 

• Full participation in the Student Success Pre-Pharmacy learning community throughout the duration of enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Nursing or College of Business
• Take ALL prerequisite coursework at Creighton University (Courses taken for college credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation will not result in ineligibility; however, any prerequisite courses taken at other institutions after high school graduation will result in ineligibility)
• Submit a PharmCAS application by November 1 of the academic year prior to enrollment in the professional program 

Fulfillment of basic requirements or participation in the Student Success program does not guarantee admission. Admission is based on academic and personal qualifications considered necessary for successful, competent practice as a pharmacist. 

Candidates are also evaluated on fit between their personal goals and the mission and objectives of the program. In addition, prior education, work experiences, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities serve to provide insight into a candidate’s commitment to lifelong learning and doctoral-level education. It is required that prospective students spend time observing pharmacists at work in their communities.