When did the program begin? The first class of student pharmacists matriculated in the fall of 2010.
Is the program accredited? The Doctor of Pharmacy program of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy was awarded full accreditation on June 26, 2013 by the ACPE Board of Directors.
When do classes start? Are students accepted into the program during spring or summer semesters? The fall term begins in July of each year. The School of Pharmacy accepts students for fall admission only.
How do I apply? Applications must be received through PharmCas. Visit the “How to Apply” section of this website for more information.
Does the School of Pharmacy participate in the Early Decision Program (EDP)? No.
What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) considered to apply? We recommend a 2.75 science/math and 2.75 overall in prerequisite coursework. However, UMES utilizes a holistic review process, and will take many aspects of your application into account for admissions decisions. A student must obtain a “C” or better (>=70%) in all prerequisite courses. See #7 for repeated course calculations.
How are repeated courses factored into the GPA calculation? The new grade replaces the previous grade for up to two courses. After the course forgiveness, the last two grades are averaged.
Is the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) required for this program? The PCAT is not required for admission into the UMES School of Pharmacy’s PharmD program. If you have any questions about whether the PCAT will help your application, contact the admissions coordinator at 410-621-2292 or rxstudentaffairs@umes.edu. However, we strongly recommend applicants with GPAs below 2.75 to take the PCAT to enhance their application. Examples of situations where applicants may wish to submit a PCAT score include but are not limited to those with: (1) a science prerequisite coursework completed more than 5 years ago especially in the absence of related experience or continued progressive academic achievements, and (2) a downward trend in academic performance. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request a PCAT score from any applicant to facilitate the holistic review process. For applicants who take the PCAT, the score report will be considered by the Admissions Committee during their holistic review.
When should I take the PCAT? Applicants that choose to take the PCAT, it may be taken at any time up until the April test date in the year that you are seeking admission. However, applicants are encouraged to test earlier because we have rolling admissions. Some exceptions may be made in years where additional PCAT testing dates are available prior to July of the application year. Applicants may have their PCAT scores submitted to PharmCAS (PCAT Code 0104) or to UMES (PCAT Code 0100). Please contact Pearson at 1-800-622-3231 or visit their website www.pcatweb.info for a PCAT application and additional PCAT information.
What are the prerequisites for the School of Pharmacy? Visit the Admissions Requirements section of this site to see the prerequisite course list.
Is a lab component required for each science prerequisite course? Yes, all science course prerequisites (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) must include a laboratory component. Advanced Placement science courses, which do not generally have a lab component, are accepted for first semester science courses (e.g. Chemistry I). However, the next level course must include a lab (e.g. Chemistry II). See #13 for more information on advanced placement courses.
When do I have to complete my prerequisite courses? All prerequisite courses should typically be completed by the end of the Spring semester of the year that you are seeking admission. In certain cases we will accept Summer I sessions, provided that they conclude early enough for us to receive the grade prior to the beginning of the Pharmacy program in July. Please speak with the admissions coordinator regarding your specific situation if you need to take Summer courses. The admissions coordinator may be reached at 410-621-2292 or rxstudentaffairs@umes.edu. (NOTE: Prerequisite courses can be in progress while applying. However, all prerequisite courses should be completed by the deadline.)
Will Advanced Placement credits satisfy any of the prerequisites? Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted in lieu of prerequisite coursework (AP scores of 4 or higher for science courses and AP Scores of 3 or higher for social science, humanities courses, and math courses). An Advanced Placement Score Report must be provided or it must appear on your college transcript to receive AP credit. International baccalaureate (IB) and CLEP credits will also be accepted.
Are courses waived or substituted under any circumstances? Requests for course substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, a higher-level, biomedically-relevant science course might be accepted for a lower level or introductory course. Prerequisite waivers are rarely granted. However, in cases where applicants hold professional or advanced degrees (e.g., Masters or Doctorate) in a health-related field, the Admissions Committee may consider relevant coursework, experience, and other factors that indicate an applicant’s ability to succeed in the program when all of the prerequisites have not been completed.
Are transfer credits accepted? Due to the unique modular system, the School of Pharmacy at UMES will not be able to accept transfer credits for courses from another professional program, or grant admission with advance standing. All students, regardless of any prior pharmacy school training must start as first year students. Additional application requirements apply to students previously enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
Do you accept Foreign Credits? Foreign course credits that have been evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are accepted. Please note that the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional information (e.g. course syllabus) from an applicant before making a final decision to accept a course.
Is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) required? No, TOEFL is not required.
How will I be notified when my PharmCAS application has been received at the School? When your PharmCAS application has been received, you will receive an e-mail from us stating that your application is under review. Once the application is reviewed, you will be notified by e-mail of any missing courses or other requirements.
Will an interview be required? Yes. Eligible applicants will be notified by email to take part in the required on-campus interview. During the on-campus interview, the applicants will also receive an introduction to the program, curriculum, student services and financial aid, a campus tour, and a meeting with a panel of faculty and students. The on-campus interview is typically a half-day process.
How many students will be accepted into the program each year? The UMES School of Pharmacy will accept 45 – 60 students into the program each year.
How long is the program? The Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UMES is offered as a 3 year concentrated program. It is the only one of its kind in the state of Maryland. The first two years of the curriculum include professional courses intended to provide both didactic and introductory pharmacy practice experiences. The third year consists of clinical rotations (advanced pharmacy practice experiences). The program is year around, but there are short breaks between semesters.
