High School to PharmD Pathway

Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy (CUWSOP) offers an Early Assurance Pathway into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for high school seniors and current college freshmen who seek a clear pathway through the PharmD application and admission process. This is not a direct-admit program.

We encourage all students from any high school, technical college, college, or university to apply!

Students may fulfill pre-pharmacy coursework requirements using AP credit, dual credit (for example: PHAR1000, or PH1050), and many other collegiate undergraduate program credits.

Students are encouraged to complete their pre-pharmacy coursework at Concordia University Wisconsin, and those who do receive an additional scholarship. 

We are happy to help you find a path that is right for you!

 

Eligibility requirements

  • Achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • OR achieve a minimum first-year collegiate GPA (at least 12 credits) of 3.0 (4.0 scale)

Application requirements

Students will declare their interest in the Early Assurance pathway by submitting the above requirements. The School of Pharmacy Office of Recruitment and Admissions will review students who complete all requirements and determine qualifications to interview for the program.

Application timeline

  • September 1: Early Assurance Pathway application materials open
  • June 1: Early Assurance Pathway application materials deadline
    • early application is encouraged
  • Interview with Concordia University School of Pharmacy. We offer rolling admissions; the current schedule for 2025
    • February 28 th
    • April 4 th
    • June 20 th
  • SOP Admissions Committee reviews interviewed candidates for Early Assurance Pathway eligibility
  • Students are typically informed of their status in the Early Assurance Pathway within two weeks after the interview

Once approved for the Early Assurance Pathway, the student will be expected to meet all the PharmD progression requirements listed below.

Admittance to the program will be determined using the following selection criteria:

  • Academic background
  • Communication skills (oral and written)
  • Pharmacy experience
  • Motivation for pursuing pharmacy and understanding of the profession
  • Service, leadership, and volunteer activities
  • Letters of reference

Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy manages the PharmD Early Assurance application and admissions process and is not affiliated with undergraduate admissions at any College or University.

Maintaining admittance in the Early Assurance pathway and progression into the PharmD program.

To continue to progress into the Doctor of Pharmacy program, Early Assurance Pathway students must:

  • Submit the PharmCAS application by June 1, the year they plan to enroll in the PharmD program
    • earlier application is encouraged
  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and receive a C- or better in all pre-pharmacy courses before submitting the PharmCAS application.

Students who successfully progress through the Early Assurance Pathway and meet the criteria above will be admitted into the PharmD program upon completing the PharmCAS application.

Benefits to students

Students who complete their pre-pharmacy coursework at CUW receive an automatic $1000 scholarship.

ALL students who are in the Early Assurance Pathway and are meeting the PharmD progression requirements will benefit from:

  • Free fee waiver for the PharmCAS application to Concordia University Wisconsin
  • Simplified PharmCAS application process and dedicated coaching for success
    • This application is completed during the transition from the undergraduate program to the graduate program at Concordia University, Wisconsin
  • Dedicated Office of Recruitment and Admissions advising through Early Assurance progression requirements
  • Dedicated Concordia University School of Pharmacy faculty mentorship and career advising
  • Networking opportunities with other Early Assurance students, current CUWSOP students, SOP faculty, and pharmacy practitioners.
  • Invitation to all Concordia University School of Pharmacy virtual and on-campus learning and networking events
  • Access to the online school store

PharmD admission without early assurance

Pre-pharmacy students who aren’t part of the Early Assurance Pathway or didn’t maintain eligibility in the Early Assurance Pathway are still eligible and encouraged to apply for admission to the PharmD program. All students are eligible to apply as regular applicants through the PharmCAS application and should visit the application process tab.

Contact us

The Office of Recruitment and Admissions is here to help you through the application and admission process. Please contact us with any questions.