PharmD Frequently Asked Questions

How many applications do you receive, and how many enroll in the PharmD program?

We receive approximately 200 applications for 50–65 seats. Keep in mind that nearly 95 percent of applicants will be invited for an interview.

Can I use AP credit to satisfy pre-pharmacy course requirements?

Yes. Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school may be used to fulfill pre-pharmacy requirements. In the event that the AP course(s) is not indicated on the college transcript, you may be requested to submit the AP score report.

Who can I ask if I have questions about my pre-pharmacy coursework?

The Office of Recruitment and Admissions is here to answer any questions you may have about your pre-pharmacy coursework, regardless of where you completed it. Please contact us at pharmacy@cuw.edu for a transcript evaluation. 

I have a pharmacy degree from a foreign institution. Do I need to complete the pre-pharmacy course requirements?

Yes. All students should complete the pre-pharmacy course requirements. Foreign pharmacy coursework may partially or fully replace pre-pharmacy course requirements, at the discretion of the associate dean for academic affairs. We recommend having foreign transcripts translated by WES.

What percentage of CUW School of Pharmacy graduates find work immediately after graduation?

Concordia University Wisconsin pharmacy graduates have a 92 percent employment placement rate. Graduates typically pursue careers in community/retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, ambulatory care pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, or a pharmacy residency. 

What percentage of CUW School of Pharmacy graduates do a residency?

Typically, around 50% of our graduates do a residency; which is higher than the national average of all pharmacy programs, according to the most recently available data.

What type of pharmacy work can I specialize in as a CUW School of Pharmacy graduate?

Concordia offers optional curricular pathways to expand the breadth and depth of a student's education. The curricular pathways are:

  • Pharmaceutical Research
  • Pharmacy Administration
  • Pharmacy Residency
  • Underserved

After graduating from our PharmD degree program, you can take your career-ready knowledge and skills to a variety of practice areas upon graduation—including, but not limited to, ambulatory care, clinic pharmacy practice, community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, academic pharmacy, and pharmaceutical sciences.

What makes a PharmD education different at Concordia?

At Concordia, we focus on creating value-based, servant-leader pharmacists who put the patient first. With 40% of the curriculum happening in real-life clinical settings, graduates will leave knowing how to interact successfully with patients or other health care professionals and be prepared to make a positive impact in their community. Students can expect to learn from faculty who are practicing pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who are here to help you succeed. 

Why should I consider Concordia School of Pharmacy?

Concordia offers an environment that prioritizes balance, flexibility, the student, and in-depth relationships. The student experience is like no other at Concordia, which is why the pharmacy program consistently scores higher than the national average when asking pharmacy school graduates “If I were starting my pharmacy program over again, I would choose the same School of Pharmacy.” 

Over the years, the pharmacy program has won awards from AACP and ACPE. Concordia's Pharmacy program has won ACPE's 2021 Noteworthy Example Program Award in Interprofessional Education and AACP’s 2015 Award for Excellence in Assessment of learning outcomes.

The pharmacy program's dedicated faculty see you as future peers in the pharmacy field and they provide a "teach first" style that prioritizes your success as a pharmacy student.    

Hear from alumni on what it is like to be a pharmacy student at Concordia
Is a bachelor’s degree required for admission to Concordia University Wisconsin’s pharmacy programs?

A bachelor’s degree isn’t required. Applicants only need to have completed the minimum undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework by the end of the summer prior to the fall semester of the first year.

What is the campus environment like at CUW?

Concordia provides a productive and helpful environment where students can flourish while being challenged, which complements the University's mission by nurturing each student's mind, body, and spirit. While we’re a Christian institution, we openly welcome students of all faiths to learn to serve their future patients as pharmacists.

As part of our commitment to developing pharmacists who are servant leaders, we offer a number of opportunities to get involved in student organizations to grow socially, develop leadership skills, serve the community, or grow in faith. 

What’s the local area like?

Located in Mequon, Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee) campus is 20 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee on approximately 200 acres of magnificent Lake Michigan shoreline. The campus is located in a suburban setting where there are numerous community events throughout the year with great recreation offerings. It’s the perfect balance of opportunities in a large city with the cost of living and experiences of more intimate communities.

Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the United States. Milwaukee is known for its cultural festivals throughout the year, pro sports teams, and historical attractions.

Does Concordia University Wisconsin offer graduate or professional student housing?

We do offer on-campus housing for graduate or professional students based on availability. On-campus housing is for students only, we cannot accommodate spouses or families. If you are interested in on-campus housing, please contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 262.243.2728 or pharmacy@cuw.edu.

Most students choose to live off-campus within 10-30 miles of campus in metro-Milwaukee in places such as Mequon, Grafton, Cedarburg, Port Washington, Fox Point, Bayside, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale, and Milwaukee. Applicants who are admitted to the program will have opportunities to make roommate and housing connections before moving to the area.