Pharmacy Early Assurance Pathway Program for High School Students

Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy offers a clear, supportive pathway for high school seniors and college freshmen to gain early assurance into our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

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Program Overview

If you are looking for a clear pathway from undergraduate studies to pharmacy school, Concordia is the place for you. We offer an Early Assurance Pathway into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for high school seniors, first-year post-secondary students, and Dual Degree students who complete their pre-pharmacy coursework at CUW.

Although you will still be required to apply to pharmacy school, advisors in the Early Assurance Program provide guidance on the application process and provide a waiver for your application fees.

Pathways to Pharmacy

CUW offers three distinct pathways to pharmacy school. These pathways include:

Fast Track (6 years)

On the Fast Track path, you will spend your first two years as an undergraduate student. During this time, you will complete the School of Pharmacy prerequisite courses. After those are completed, you will start four years of pharmacy school; earning your PharmD in as little as six years.

Who's the Fast Track pathway for?

If you are a strong science student who is sure that a career in pharmacy is your calling, this is the most efficient path to your PharmD degree.

Dual Degree (7 years)

With the Dual Degree path, you will obtain both a Bachelor of Science and PharmD degree in seven years.

Your first three years will be spent as an undergraduate student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (BSPS) degree and completing the School of Pharmacy prerequisites. Afterwards, you will begin pharmacy school and your first year of classes in the PharmD program will count as upper-level electives towards your Bachelor’s. After completion of the Pharmacy curriculum, you will have earned a PharmD.

Who's the Dual Degree pathway for?

This pathway is ideal if you are interested in campus life or extending your athletic participation eligibility. Additionally, this pathway allows you to take extra undergraduate courses that will aid you during your time in Pharmacy school.

Traditional (8 years)

The Traditional path starts with four years as an undergraduate student working towards any major (and optional minor) of your choosing; completing the School of Pharmacy prerequisite courses as you go. Upon completion of your major/minor and pharmacy prerequisite coursework, you will receive a bachelor's degree and then matriculate at the School of Pharmacy to earn your PharmD degree. Obtaining both a bachelor's and PharmD in eight years.

Who's the Traditional pathway for?

This pathway is ideal if you are undecided as to what medical field you are interested in pursuing. This path will keep options open to other professional programs at Concordia and elsewhere. It’s also appealing if you’re interested in campus life or extending your athletic participation eligibility.

Students in any of these three paths are eligible for the Early Assurance Program.

Benefits of Concordia's Early Assurance Program

  • $1000 scholarship for each semester enrolled in the Early Assurance Pathway
  • Simplified pharmacy school application process (PharmCAS), dedicated coaching, and fee waiver
  • Dedicated admission advising
  • Dedicated faculty mentorship and career advising
  • Networking opportunities with other Early Assurance students, current pharmacy students, faculty, and practitioners
  • Free American Pharmacists Association (APhA) national student membership
  • School of Pharmacy learning and networking events

Choosing the right major

CUW’s Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is the ideal major for students on the pre-pharmacy track. Graduates of the Pharmaceutical Sciences major at CUW benefit from:

  • Curriculum aligned with PharmD prerequisites
  • Multiple pathways that offer flexibility
  • Access to hands-on lab experiences
  • Mentored research opportunities
  • Early relationships with pharmacy faculty
  • Extensive academic support
  • Undergraduate academic scholarship(s) continue into your first year of pharmacy school
What to Expect

Discover your vocation in pharmacy

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