UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 70 students per classClass Size
- Four-year curriculumProgram Duration
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborationUnique Feature
- Exposure to cutting-edge fields like pharmacogenomicsFuture-focused
- Located in a region with strong biotechnology and pharmaceutical industriesIndustry Connections
The UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program designed to educate future pharmacy practitioners. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates to be leaders in the field, capable of meeting the evolving pharmaceutical care needs of a diverse society. The program leverages the strengths of UC San Diego's basic and biomedical science departments, as well as the School of Medicine, to provide a comprehensive education. Students will gain hands-on experience through collaborations with medical students in free clinics and introductory pharmacy practice experiences in various settings. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, preparing students to work effectively alongside other healthcare professionals and to adapt to future advancements in areas like pharmacogenomics and bioinformatics. Graduates are positioned to contribute to patient care in hospitals, community pharmacies, academia, government, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Curriculum
The four-year curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree is structured to provide a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice.
- Year 1
- Anatomy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics
- Bioinformatics
- Law and Ethics
- Health Policy
- Study Design
- Biostatistics
- Introduction to the Practice of Pharmacy
- Year 2
- Foundations of Medicine (concurrent with first-year medical students)
- Organ Systems Approach to Disease Management (concurrent with first-year medical students)
- Microbiology (concurrent with first-year medical students)
- Pharmacology
- Laboratory Medicine
- Year 3
- Human Disease
- Pharmacogenomics
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Therapeutics series
- Advanced Professional Practice
- Year 4
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Clinical Experiences
Careers
Graduates of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the evolving healthcare landscape.
- Pharmacy Practitioner
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Community Pharmacy
- Medical Centers
- Academia
- Government
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Biotechnology Industry
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program?
- The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at UC San Diego is a four-year curriculum designed to prepare graduates for professional practice.
- What are the general career outcomes for PharmD graduates from UC San Diego?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Pharmacy Practitioner, Hospital Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Medical Centers, Academia, Government, and the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Industry.
- What are the tuition and fees for the PharmD program?
- Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary by residency status and program; please refer to the Cost of Attendance information on the Skaggs School's website for specific details.
- What are the entry requirements for international students for the PharmD program?
- The program requires applicants to be United States citizens, permanent residents, or DACA approved with AB540 eligibility for California residency. No advanced standing, transfer, or part-time students are accepted.
- When does the application period typically open and close?
- The application period typically opens in early fall for admission the following year; exact dates should be verified on the official admissions website.
- What is the estimated annual cost of living for graduate students?
- Estimated annual living expenses for students living off-campus are approximately $31,548, which can be used as a general estimate for graduate students.
Entry requirements
General Academic CompetenceDemonstrated through GPA, communication skills, leadership ability, community service, and health-care experience.
Oral and Written English ProficiencyEssential for clear expression.
Applicants must be United States citizens, permanent residents, or DACA approved with AB540 eligibility for California residency. No advanced standing, transfer students, or part-time students are accepted. All students enter at the first-year level.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Cost of Attendance information for specific program fees, which may vary by residency status and program.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Cost of Attendance information for specific program fees, which may vary by residency status and program.
LivingEstimated annual living expenses for students living off-campus are approximately $31,548 (as of 2026-27 for Full-Time MBA, use as a general estimate for graduate students).
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Some instruction may be delivered remotely; tuition and fees remain the same regardless of instruction method.
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsEnsure you meet the eligibility criteria, including academic prerequisites and residency status (US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA approved with AB540 eligibility).
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any required essays or personal statements. A strong emphasis is placed on academic achievement, communication skills, leadership, community service, and healthcare experience.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the application through the designated portal (likely PharmCAS or a university-specific system) by the specified deadline.
4. InterviewsSelected candidates will be invited for interviews as part of the selection process.
5. Acceptance and EnrollmentUpon successful admission, follow the instructions for enrollment, including any orientation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program?
+
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at UC San Diego is a four-year curriculum designed to prepare graduates for professional practice.
What are the general career outcomes for PharmD graduates from UC San Diego?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Pharmacy Practitioner, Hospital Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Medical Centers, Academia, Government, and the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Industry.
What are the tuition and fees for the PharmD program?
+
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary by residency status and program; please refer to the Cost of Attendance information on the Skaggs School's website for specific details.
What are the entry requirements for international students for the PharmD program?
+
The program requires applicants to be United States citizens, permanent residents, or DACA approved with AB540 eligibility for California residency. No advanced standing, transfer, or part-time students are accepted.
When does the application period typically open and close?
+
The application period typically opens in early fall for admission the following year; exact dates should be verified on the official admissions website.
What is the estimated annual cost of living for graduate students?
+
Estimated annual living expenses for students living off-campus are approximately $31,548, which can be used as a general estimate for graduate students.