Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get the PharmD Degree?
The PharmD requires a minimum of 6 academic years.  Two years of prescribed prepharmacy courses and four years of full-time attendance in the professional program.  The last year is composed of experiential rotations in pharmacy practice sites

2. How about accreditation?
CSU-COP has received approval of this program from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).
In addition, the College has received Precandidate status from The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) during the 2007-2008 academic year (see disclosure statement).

3. When will the inaugural class be admitted?
Fall Semester 2008

4. How many students will be in the class?
84

5. When will the applications be available?

The College will use PharmCas for the Fall 2009 semester.
Supplemental Applications will become available for download from the CSU website on August 15, 2008.

6. What are the GPA requirements for admission?
Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in math and science courses and a 2.5 overall GPA.  However, admissions to all colleges of pharmacy are highly competitive.  The average GPA of the entering class is expected to be above 3.2.

7. Is the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) Required?
Yes, students should take the PCAT no later than October 2008 for fall 2009 admission.  Information on registration and test site locations can be found at www.pcatweb.info.  The CSU Code Number is 041. 

8. Is an interview required?
Yes, an interview is required (by invitation only)

9. What are the tuition and fees?
First year tuition was set January, 2008 and is $17,500 per year for Illinois residents and $26,250

for out of state residents.

10. I am a high school student, how can I pursue a pharmacy career?
Upon receipt of NCA approval, we are planning to admit 10-15 select high school students to the CSU College of Arts and Sciences or the Honors College with Early Assurance Admission (EAA) to the College of Pharmacy.  This admission will require the student to complete the prepharmacy curriculum with a specified GPA.