School of Pharmacy

Pharm.D. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor's degree to be considered for admission to the School of Pharmacy?

No. We welcome applications from students who have completed at least 72 semester credits at accredited universities, taking courses that satisfy the prepharmacy requirements and earning above average grades, particularly in the sciences. As a Christ-centered university, we desire students who possess a vision to use pharmacy as a tool to reflect Christ by making an impact in individual lives, communities, and healthcare.

How many students are in the pharmacy program?

The average class size in the Pharm.D. program is 45, by design. Consequently, approximately 300 students study pharmacy at Cedarville, including about 200 graduate students earning their PharmD degrees and 100 undergraduates taking prepharmacy courses.

What is the application deadline?

The School operates on a rolling admission basis, considering applicants throughout the admission cycle until the class is full. Consequently, there is no absolute deadline date. Pharm.D. candidates should apply prior to March for priority consideration.

Is the PCAT required?

No, the PCAT is no longer required for Pharm.D. applicants, effective August 2020.

How do I apply?

Admission to the Pharm.D. program involves three-steps:

  1. Complete the PharmCAS application.
  2. Submit your Cedarville University graduate application.
  3. Interview for admission with the School of Pharmacy.

Undergraduate students pursuing the direct-entry, preferred admission pathway should follow the regular undergraduate application procedure.

How do I qualify for a pharmacy scholarship?

Pharm.D. applicants are considered for first-year scholarships during the admission interview process. Second, third, and fourth year graduate pharmacy students are considered for scholarships each spring through a nomination and application process coordinated by the office of the associate dean of the School of Pharmacy. No additional application is required for either of these scholarship programs. Additionally, as opportunities to apply for externally-funded scholarships become available, the associate dean’s office notifies eligible students.

Undergraduate pharmacy students qualify for university-sponsored scholarships.

What will my interview be like?

You will be invited to interview for admission to the Pharm.D. program after the Pharmacy Admissions Committee reviews your PharmCAS application and Supplemental Application to Cedarville University. The interview is the final step in the admission process.

Your interview, conducted on campus when possible and via internet for students who cannot travel to the University, is designed to help the School learn more about you and for you to learn more about the School. The goal is to discern if there is a good “fit” between you and the pharmacy program.

Components of the interview include:

  1. Interaction with your graduate admissions counselor
  2. Interview with two pharmacy faculty members
  3. Interview with the associate dean of the School of Pharmacy
  4. Interaction with current pharmacy students
  5. Tour of the facilities, when possible

You should be prepared to share how you become interested in pharmacy as a career, what fuels your desire to become a healthcare professional, and how your personal faith in Christ influences your life.

When can I start the Pharm.D./M.B.A. dual degree program?

As a Pharm.D. student, you should apply to the MBA program in late fall semester or early spring semester of your first professional (P1) year of pharmacy school. Once admitted, you may start taking your MBA courses the summer between your first and second professional years or any subsequent semester, as long as you have completed the MBA prerequisites.

Because all of the MBA courses are offered online and in a seven-week format, you can flexibly integrate them into your schedule, depending upon your Pharm.D. class schedule or summer work schedule.