Admissions Requirements

Complete a Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application to our program. The PharmCAS application includes:

• a personal statement (outlining interest in pharmacy)
• work and volunteer experiences
• three (3) letters of recommendation (A letter of recommendation from a science faculty is preferred. The additional two may be from one of the recommended categories.)
• official transcripts from all accredited universities, colleges, and community colleges previously attended (foreign transcript evaluation, if applicable)

When your application has been received, you will be notified by e-mail stating that your application is under review.  Once reviewed, you will be notified by e-mail of any missing courses or other requirements.  

NOTE: The PCAT is not required for admissions. 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. 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. The Admissions Committee will consider MCAT or GRE scores for applicants that have attended other graduate or professional programs on a case-by-case basis.

Prerequisite courses can be in progress while applying. However, all prerequisite courses should be completed by the deadline.

• Credits are accepted from any accredited university, college, or community college in the United States (foreign transcript evaluation, if applicable)
• The recommended GPA for admission is 2.75, both science/math GPA and overall GPA. The GPAs are calculated based on the course requirements listed below. 
• A student must obtain a “C” or better (>= 70%) in all prerequisite courses.
• For repeated courses, the highest grade will replace the previous grade for up to two courses

Laboratory Component- 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).

Advanced Placement (AP) – credits are accepted in lieu of prerequisite coursework (AP scores ≥ 4 for science courses and AP scores ≥ 3 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.

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.

Complete the supplemental application using this supplemental application link. The supplemental application includes demographic information and the Maryland Residency form. The residency questions are used to determine your in-state or out-of-state residency status for tuition purposes.

There is a $40.00 supplemental application fee payable by mailing a check or money order or calling to pay by credit card. Application and fee must be completed and paid by the deadline.

Acceptable forms of payment: 

Check or Money Order – mail or in person:

UMES Student Accounts

Comptroller’s Office

SDC Suite 1160

Princess Anne MD  21853

Credit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, Discover

Over the phone: Please email this form to studentaccounts@umes.edu and then call Student Accounts at 410-651-6092 or 6093 to make the payment.

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.

Essential Personal Attributes and Capabilities for Admission, Promotion, and Graduation

The primary goal of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Pharmacy is to prepare students for the practice of pharmacy. Doctor of Pharmacy candidates at the UMES School of Pharmacy must be able to perform essential functions that fall into several broad categories outlined below. The Admissions Committee uses these technical standards along with established academic standards to select students with the intelligence, integrity, physical, personal, and emotional attributes necessary to become an effective pharmacist. All students accepted into the UMES School of Pharmacy must meet the academic and technical standards set forth by the college to insure that they will be able to complete all aspects of the curriculum. However, it is recognized that degrees of ability vary among individuals. If you feel you are unable to meet these technical standards, you are encouraged prior to application, to discuss your disability with the Admissions Coordinator (410)-621- 2292 or rxstudentaffairs@umes.edu. UMES is committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable students to complete the course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Observation/Sensory/Motor Skills

All students must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic and pharmaceutical sciences. This includes, but is not limited to microscopic studies of microorganisms, evaluation of tissues in normal and pathologic states, physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, medical illustrations and models, and the accurate compounding and preparation of prescription products for dispensing to patients. Students must also have sufficient motor function to:

• Conduct physical assessment of patients (e.g. pulse & blood pressure readings)
• Perform basic clinical laboratory tests (e.g. glucose monitoring when needed for therapeutic monitoring)
• Administer general care and emergency treatments to patients (e.g. first-aid, immunizations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

Communication

All students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, prescribers, caregivers, and other health care providers. Students must possess the ability to communicate with patients in a sensitive and culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. They must be able to understand and communicate fluently using American English. Communication includes verbal, non-verbal, writing, reading, and computer literacy.

Intellect

Pharmacy education consists of a broad and complex body of knowledge. Ultimately, students will have to solve difficult problems and make therapeutic recommendations. All students must possess the ability to memorize, reason, analyze, synthesize and apply large quantities of complex information in a timely manner. Students must also be able to perform scientific measurement and calculation and will eventually have to critically evaluate biomedical literature. Students must be able to learn in a variety of formats including, but not limited to: classroom instruction, small group discussion, individual study of materials, preparation and presentation of written and oral reports, and use of computer based technology. Students are expected to be fully alert and attentive at all times in classroom and clinical settings.

Professional/Behavioral/Social Attributes

The practice of pharmacy is governed by ethical principles and federal laws. All students must have the aptitude for learning and understanding these values and laws and performing within their guidelines. Students must be dedicated and willing to relate to colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, and compassion, in a non-discriminatory manner.

The study and ongoing practice of pharmacy may involve demanding workloads and stressful situations. Students must have the physical, mental, and emotional stamina to function at a high level under these circumstances.