Pharmacy Admissions Requirements

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Admission

To be eligible for admission consideration into the entry-level Pharm. D. degree program, an applicant must present evidence of successful completion of the required Pre-Pharmacy pre-requisite coursework list at the Howard University College of Arts and Sciences or at any other college or university whose program is accredited by a United States regional accreditation agency and demonstrate the ability to fulfill all of the Admissions Requirements.

Four-Year Entry Level Pharm. D. Program

GPA REQUIREMENT

The minimum GPA for admission is 2.50. This GPA is calculated based on the pre-requisite coursework requirements listed below.

PRE-REQUISITES REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission consideration into the entry-level Pharm. D. degree program, an applicant must present evidence of successful completion of the required Pre-Pharmacy program at the Howard University College of Arts and Sciences or at any other college or university whose program is accredited by a United States regional accreditation agency. 

The applicant must be in good academic standing at each college or university attended and must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (4.0 scale) in Sciences, Mathematics, English and Speech and an overall GPA of 2.5 in all pre pharmacy courses. Applications will be available ONLY through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) website at www.pharmcas.org.  

 

TECHNICAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

Students admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at Howard University are expected to successfully fulfill the College of Pharmacy approved technical standards below, to ensure an ability to attain competence in core Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards and Guidelines Curriculum Standards (www.acpe-accredit.org/standards/default.asp).

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: As appropriate for each stage of their education, students must have the ability to identify, analyze, synthesize and apply relevant information in independent professional and health care team contexts that are increasingly realistic and culminate in practice settings.

Communication Skills: As appropriate for each stage of their education, students must have the ability to communicate fluently in oral and written English, be cognizant of nonverbal communications, and to have the ability to work in student groups and health care teams.

Observation Skills: Students must have the ability to independently observe and evaluate materials and processes demonstrated through a variety of activities such as demonstrations, experiments, physical assessments, and professional and clinical practice, in classrooms, laboratories, and patient care areas.

Professional Conduct Skills: Students must have the ability to demonstrate responsible professional and ethical behavior and demonstrate compassion, integrity, and respect for their patients and colleagues, and for the privacy of health care information.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT

All students are required to have a criminal background check (CBC) report on file in the College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs and Office of Experiential Education. The criminal background check is performed by Certiphi Screening, Inc. and triggered once a student has been extended an offer of admission by any school/college of pharmacy. Please note the following:

  • The Criminal Background Check is MANDATORY.
    • Information from the CBC must be on file with the Offices of Student Affairs and Experiential Education, in the College of Pharmacy before the student secures a seat in the class.
    • Additional background checks may be required of external institutional partnerships prior to participation in experiential activities. Financial and other responsibilities for these CBCs are the sole responsibility of the student.
    • Information on obtaining the initial CBC is e-mailed to each student who has been extended an offer of admission with the College of Pharmacy in an e-mail titled, “AACP Notification E-mail 2014”.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Compliance with the Health Professions Immunization Requirements and Medical History is mandatory and your medical clearance is a pre-requisite for registration. Therefore all new Doctor of Pharmacy students must complete the Medical History, Immunization History Record, and Physical Examination Form (which also includes the 2-Step PPD and Tuberculosis Screening) for Health Professions Students, prior to arriving on campus. These documents are available for your review and use through the Student Health Center website at http://huhealthcare.com/healthcare/students.

Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (NTDP) Program

Howard University College of Pharmacy operates on a rolling admissions process, which means that we start interviewing applicants as soon as we have a complete file. Therefore, the sooner you submit your application and required paperwork, the better your chances of being interviewed and/or accepted.

Annual Application Deadline for Fall Semester - March 1st of the year student is seeking admission. 

To be considered for admission into NTDP program, American and Canadian Citizens who are also Licensed Practicing Pharmacist are required to submit completed application files which include:

  1.       Notarized photocopy of current US Pharmacy Registration/license
  2.       Two letters of recommendation from pharmacy colleagues 
  3.       A letter of Career Plan/Statement of Goals (800-1000 typed words)
  4.       Two professional headshot photos (taken in past 3-6 months)
  5.       Applicant must successfully complete an interview

Most communication with applicants is done via email when possible, so please be alert for emails regarding your application. Notification generally occurs within a few weeks after you have submitted your application.

Invitation to Interview: Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Online applicants will complete an online video conference.

Admissions Status: Applicants will be informed of their admissions status within a few weeks after their interview. If you are accepted, you will receive an acceptance email followed by an official acceptance package with a deadline to submit your non-refundable tuition deposit to secure your position in the class.

Once You Are Accepted: Accepted students are required to pay a tuition deposit in the amount of $1000. ($300.00 Enrollment Fee and $700.00 Good Faith Deposit. Of note, good faith deposit will be counted toward your tuition) to secure your seat for the incoming Cohort and acknowledge that these fees are Non-refundable.  

Five-Year PharmD/MBA Program

Admission & Duration For Completion Of The Program

A student who was admitted to the professional entry level Doctor of Pharmacy degree program and who successfully tracked into the Pharm. D./M.B.A. program has a maximum of seven years from his/her initial date of entry into the Pharm. D. degree program to complete both programs and receive the joint degrees.

A student with pharmacy licensure who was admitted to the professional Post-B.S. Pharm.D. degree program, and who successfully tracked into the Pharm.D./MBA program has a maximum of five years from the initial date of enrollment into the Pharm.D. degree program to complete both programs and receive the joint degrees.

Issuance of Joint Degree

The M.B.A. degree under the Joint Program will be awarded upon successful completion of 39 credit hours of 13 Howard University School of Business courses in addition to all of the Howard University College of Pharmacy required credits. A student who does not complete College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy requirements can only be awarded an M.B.A. degree upon successful completion of the 54 credit hours of School of Business courses required to earn the regular M.B.A. degree. Therefore, the student must successfully complete each portion of the joint degree program in order to be awarded both degrees. No student will be awarded only the M.B.A. degree.

  • PHARMD/MBA Academic Policies
  • Eligibility Requirements
    • Successful completion of all courses of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of the Pharmacy Professional Program.
    • Good academic standing with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.00
    • GMAT Results

How To Apply

Students who meet all the above listed eligibility requirements may apply to the Office of the Dean for admission consideration into the joint degree program by March 15 of the spring semester of the 3rd year. Application document should include a written statement explaining the reason(s) for requesting admission into the program and 2 letters of recommendation from College of Pharmacy faculty. Successful applicants will be admitted into the program only in the fall semester pending successful completion of all courses of the spring semester of the 3rd year and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

ADMISSION POLICIES

  • Admission Deferment Policy
  • Former Student Returning Policy
  • Reapplying Policy
  • Transfer Policy

Admission Deferment Policy

In some extenuating circumstances, an admitted applicant may wish to delay entrance to Howard University College of Pharmacy. Requests for such a deferment to a subsequent entering year will be considered on a case by case basis upon an admitted applicant’s written and signed request. Admission deferrals are not automatic but may be granted in appropriate circumstances based on the recommendation of the Dean. Accordingly, a student who requests and is approved to defer admission is considered under an obligation to enroll and attend the pharmacy program the following year. An offer of admission is made only for the next academic year and generally cannot be deferred. Hence, applicant should apply for admission in the year in which he or she would like to matriculate.

Only students who accept an offer of admission, paid the non-refundable deposit, satisfied all fall admissions requirements (i.e. outstanding prerequisite coursework, PBP Program, etc.), and cleared the background screening check will be considered for a deferral request.

Admission Deferment Procedure

Should an extenuating situation arise, a newly admitted student may request an admission deferment to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The request is to be written in the form of a letter providing an explanation for the request and accompanied by supporting documentation.

If Deferment is Approved:

Granted deferments are final and your seat in the current entering year will be forfeited.
Scholarships cannot be retained but deferred candidates will be re-evaluated for scholarships in the spring of their deferred year, by submitting the new Supplemental Application by the February 1 deadline.
You will be required to sign an agreement contract certifying that you will not apply to, attend or hold a deferment at another College/School of Pharmacy. Violations of the contract will result in the deferment being revoked.

You will submit a new Supplemental Application by the February 1 deadline.

If Deferment is Denied:

In the event that the deferment is denied, you will still have the option to enroll in the fall semester of the year you initially applied.

Former Student Returning Policy

Students who were dismissed due to poor academic standing or ethical and professional infractions will NOT be readmitted.

A former student is any person who matriculated in at least one semester in the Howard University College of Pharmacy (entry-level PharmD or Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy program) and at some point during their tenure separated from the College for at least one semester.

Students who voluntarily withdrew from the University may apply to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy for readmission. Neither the application fee nor the enrollment fee will be assessed. Application must be made at least 60 days before the semester in which readmission is sought. Withdrawing pharmacy students, planning to return in the immediate following semester, should contact the Office of Student Affairs for information on readmission procedures. (See Duration of Completion Policy).

FSR APPLICATION PROCEDURE

  • A completed and signed Supplemental Application;
  • Petition for Readmission Form
  • Former Student Returning Explanation Statement (minimum 250 words) which sets forth the applicant’s reason(s) for his/her separation from the College of Pharmacy, and subsequent reasons for his/her desire for resumption;
  • An in-person interview may be required;
  • Student must include a detailed plan for successful completion of the pharmacy program.
  • A letter from your current Academic/Student Dean stating you are in good academic, professional and ethical standing
  • Any Additional Supporting Documentation
  • Student must be in compliance with all current Howard University Regulations and requirements,

Please Note: Readmission is discretionary and is not guaranteed

Reapplying Policy

Students who have applied in previous years will need to submit a NEW application through PharmCAS, available at www.pharmcas.org, beginning July prior to the academic year for which admission is sought.

Transfer Policy

A transfer student is any person who was previously enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program at a college or university other than Howard University whose program was accredited by a United States regional accreditation agency and the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE). To qualify for admission consideration as a transfer student, the applicant must be in good academic, professional and ethical standing (cumulative and semester GPAs of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, or better) in all institutions previously attended, in addition to meeting all other requirements for admission to the Howard University College of Pharmacy, including eligibility for licensure upon graduation.

TRANSFER APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, please submit all application materials bulleted below, plus a letter from your current Dean stating you are in good academic, professional and ethical standing. DO NOT APPLY THROUGH PHARMCAS!

All of the following application materials will need to be submitted directly to the Howard University, College of Pharmacy, Office of Student Affairs, c/o Admissions Committee, 2300 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059:

  • A completed and signed Supplemental Application;
  • A Supplemental Application Fee of $45.00;
  • A ‘Personal Statement’ (minimum 250 words) which sets forth the applicant’s goals and reasons for pursuing a career in pharmacy at Howard University College of Pharmacy;
  • Detailed description of reason(s) that applicant is seeking transfer to Howard University College of Pharmacy at this time. (Please provide supporting documentation)
  • An official transcript from each college or university previously attended;
  • Scores from the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) [The PCAT should be taken no later than October of the prior year you are seeking admission consideration];
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation, of which, one should be from a current school/college faculty advisor and the other the current school/college student affairs dean; plus,
  • A letter from the Dean of any Doctor of Pharmacy program in which you have previously been enrolled, stating that you are in good academic, professional and ethical standing.
  • As with all prospective College of Pharmacy students, an in person interview and criminal background check will be required.

An admissions decision will be based on a thorough review by the College of Pharmacy Admissions Committee of all submitted materials. Submission of all required materials does not guarantee admission to the College of Pharmacy.

If Transfer is Approved:

  • Transfer Credits--The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the College of Pharmacy will determine the courses to be accepted for a credit from a regionally accredited college or university for transfer. Only courses with a grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or above will be considered for transfer credit. The College of Pharmacy DOES NOT evaluate foreign transcripts. Foreign transfer credits MUST appear on a U.S. regionally accredited college or university transcript prior to consideration by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
  • You will be required to sign an agreement certifying your level equivalency in the College of Pharmacy at Howard University and a registration form with the courses in which you are eligible to enroll.

How To Apply

The applicant must be in good academic standing at each college or university attended and must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (4.0 scale) in Sciences, Mathematics, English and Speech and an overall GPA of 2.5 in all pre pharmacy courses. Applications will be available ONLY through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) website at www.pharmcas.org.

Early Decision

Howard University College of Pharmacy will participate in the PharmCAS early decision process during the 2020-2021 admissions cycle for fall 2021 entering class. Notice to Future Applicants: Early decision will no longer be available in PharmCAS beginning in the 2021-2022 admissions cycle for the fall 2022 entering class. Therefore, all future applicants for the fall 2022 entering class or beyond should plan to apply early as regular applicants instead.

The Early Decision program is a compulsory option for applicants who have decided that Howard University's Doctor of Pharmacy degree program is their first choice and that they will enroll, if accepted. As an Early Decision applicant, you can apply only to Howard University's College of Pharmacy. To be considered as an Early Decision applicant, all prerequisites must be met, a student must have highly competitive scores (PCAT and GPA) and all application procedures must be complete. If the applicant meets all eligibility requirements and is considered to be competitive, they will then be contacted for an interview (in-person). At the interview an additional writing and mathematics test will be administered.

The Early Decision application deadline is SEPTEMBER 1 prior to the academic year for which admission is sought (see Admission section for application procedures). The College of Pharmacy's Admission's Committee will contact all Early Decision applicants by October 31 regarding a decision.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are offered admission to Howard University's College of Pharmacy as an Early Decision applicant, you are obligated to accept the offer and you will not be permitted to apply to other PharmCAS institutions.

Supplemental Application Deadline should be changed to March 1st.

From the document entitled “Howard University College of Pharmacy ENTRY LEVEL Pharm. D”

All of the following supporting application materials will need to be forwarded to PharmCAS for further processing upon application submission:

  • A 'Personal Statement’ (minimum 250 words) which sets forth the applicant’s goals and reasons for pursuing a career in pharmacy;
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (of which, one should be from a science professor or instructor and the other from a non-relative)
  • An official transcript from each college or university attended;
  • The PCAT is not required for Admission but is recommended. If you decide to take the exam, it must be taken no later than February of the prior academic year of which Admission is being sought.

If the applicant meets all eligibility requirements and is considered to be highly competitive, they will then be contacted for an in-person interview. At interview all applicants are asked to submit a Supplemental Application Packet.

The Supplemental Application Packet includes:

  1. A Supplemental Application (If the applicant has not already mailed in the supplemental application) 2. A Supplemental Application Fee of $45.00 (Money Order or Cashier’s Check–NO PERSONAL CHECKS). 3. Official Transcripts (if they have already been uploaded on PharmCas)

The interview will include a one-on-one interview with a team of Faculty and/or Alumni, a College tour, and an additional mathematics test will be administered.

Successful applicants are admitted into the Pharm. D. program only in the fall semester of the academic year. Applications are accepted as early as July prior to the academic year for which admission is sought. PharmCAS and Howard University must receive all applications and supporting documents no later than March 1. Admission priority will be given to applicants who complete all pre-pharmacy requirements by the end of the spring semester prior to the academic year for which admission is sought. Admission into the entry-level Pharm. D. degree program is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview, or automatic admission.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a $300.00 Enrollment Fee and $700.00 Good Faith Fee required for all students when accepting an offer of admission with the College of Pharmacy. The $700.00 Good Faith Fee is deposited to your Student Account.