Nearly 100 Years Of Experience Educating Pharmacists
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy ranks first in the nation among Catholic pharmacy schools, according to the 2021 U.S. News and World Report. Graduates of the Pharm.D. program benefit immediately after graduation with job offers in a variety of practice settings in traditional and non-traditional pharmacist roles–with the average annual starting salary exceeding $112,000, competitive placement in residency programs, or the option for higher education in medicine, law or the pharmaceutical sciences.
Choose The Bridge To Your Future In Pharmacy
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy offers a Pharm.D. program on the Duquesne University campus in Pittsburgh and online through the Online Pharm.D. Program and accepts applications from current high school students, current undergraduate students and college graduates.
Additionally, the School of Pharmacy offers a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program open to current high school students and transfer students, and a variety of M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the pharmaceutical sciences through the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Already know your program?
What Best Describes You?
On-Campus Pharm.D. Program
Students starting the six-year Pharm.D. program as freshman at Duquesne University
benefit from the Direct Entry (0-6) admission program and scholarship funding through
all six years of study.
Bachelor Of Science In Pharmacetuical Sciences
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program perpares students
for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or regulatory agencies or for further
education–including transitioning into the Pharm.D. program or advanced degrees in
medicine, the pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, law and more!
On-Campus Pharm.D. Program Transfer Information
Current undergraduate students interested in pharmacy are eligible to transfer into
the Pharm.D. program after meeting all prerequisites.
Online Pharm.D. Program
Eligible current undergraduate students can transfer into the Online Pharm.D. Program
and earn a Docotor of Pharmacy in four years online with limited on-campus requirements.
Bachelor Of Science In Pharmaceutical Sciences
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program perpares students
for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or regulatory agencies or for further
education–including transitioning into the Pharm.D. program or advanced degrees in
medicine, the pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, law and more!
Study Abroad Opportunities
Online Pharm.D. Program
Students already holding a bachelor's degree or higher can earn a post-baccalaureate
Pharm.D. through the Online Pharm.D. Program in only four years.
On-Campus Pharm.D. Program
Post-baccaalaureate students not intrested in an online program are eligible to apply
to and join the professional phase of the on-campus Pharm.D. program.
Graduate Application Information
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Explore Master of Science degree options in Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry,
Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Administration or Ph.D. programs in Medicinal
Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics.
Continuing Education
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy offers various continuing education programs
and certificate programs for pharmacists and licencensed healthcare professionals
throughout the year.
Graduate School Of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Explore Master of Science degree options in Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry,
Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Administration or Ph.D. programs in Medicinal
Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics.
Choose The Bridge To Your Future In Pharmacy
On-Campus Pharm.D. Program
Benefit from the Direct Entry program guaranteeing your spot in the professional phase of the six-year Pharm.D. program when starting from high school. Already in or graduated from college? Transfer directly into the professional phase or earn your Pharm.D. as a graduate student!
Online Pharm.D. Program
Transfer directly into the the professional phase of the Online Pharm.D. Program or take advantage of the ability to earn your Pharm.D. online as a graduate student.
Bachelor Of Science Programs
Explore the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Foundations programs available through the School of Pharmacy!
M.S./Ph.D. Programs
Interested in M.S. or Ph.D. programs in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics or pharmacy administration? Explore offerings from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Contact The Admissions Team!
Jason Stack, MBA
Sam Pulver, M.S.Ed.
Marianne Leister, M.S.
Why Choose Us?
Through the Direct Entry (0-6) option at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy,
students meeting progression standards automatically transition from the pre-professional
phase (years one and two) to the professional phase (years three, four, five and six)
of the six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. Unlike most other pharmacy
schools, the guaranteed seat in the professional phase offered through the Direct
Entry option at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy removes the professional
phase application and admissions processes, thereby eliminating competition for seats
in the professional program among pre-professional students.
Additionall, the School of Pharmacy maintains international partnerships with seven pharmacy schools in five countries across three continents, including:
China
Italy
Japan
Nigeria
Poland
By The Numbers
Studying pharmacy allows me to grow in so many ways–helping patients, solving problems, and working on a team make me the young professional I am.
Non-Traditional Pharmacy Careers
Pharm.D. Program Curriculum
209 Credits
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| BIOL 111/112 | Biology I & II W/ Lab | 8 |
| CHEM 121/122 | General Chemistry I & II W/ Lab & Recitation | 10 |
| CHEM 211/212 | Organic Chemistry I & II W/ Lab | 8 |
| MATH 115 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Physics for Life Sciences & Recitation | 3 |
| BRDG 101 | Writing & Analysis | 3 |
| BRDG 102 | Writing and Literature | 3 |
| THEO | Theology-Based Course | 3 |
| BRDG 105 | Intro to Ethical Reasoning | 3 |
| Essential Questions Seminar | 3 | |
| Communication: Creative Expression | 3 | |
| Business/Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Cultural Fluency and Responsiveness | 3 | |
| PHIL | Philosophy-Based Course | 3 |
| BRDG 103 | IPE Health Research Statistics | 1 |
| MATH 225 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Social and Historical Reasoning | 3 |
| PHAR 101 | Pre-Professional Seminar (101) | 0 |
| PHAR 102 | Pre-Professional Seminar (102) | 0 |
| PHAR 103 | Pre-Professional Seminar (103) | 0 |
| PHAR 104 | Pre-Professional Seminar (104) | 0 |
| Pre-Professional Phase Total | 67 |
| Fall | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPT 300 | Pharmaceutical Calculations | 1 |
| PHBM 350 | Biochemistry I – Peptides and Carbohydrate Metabolism | 3 |
| PHBM 355R | Human Physiology and Pathology I/Recitation | 4/0 |
| PHCE 360/360R | Pharmaceutical Principles and Drug Delivery Systems I/Recitation | 3/0 |
| PHBA 340W | Pharmaceutical Law and Ethics | 2 |
| PHPR 341W | Pharmacy Practice I: Patient Care Skills I | 2 |
| PHBA 310 | The American Health Care System | 2 |
| PHIN 321 | Ability-Based Laboratory Experience (ABLE) I | 0.5 |
| PHEX 301 | Continuous Professional Development (CPD) I | 0.5 |
| PHAR 300 | Doctor of Pharmacy Orientation Program | 0 |
| PY1 Fall Total | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 301 | Sterile/Non-Sterile Compounding | 1 |
| PHBM 351 | Biochemistry II – Metabolism, Protein Synthesis and Nucleic Acids | 3 |
| PHBM 356 | Human Physiology and Pathology II | 4 |
| PHCE 361/361R | Pharmaceutical Principles and Drug Delivery Systems II/Recitation | 3/0 |
| PHBM 352 | Foundations in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| PHPR 342W | Pharmacy Practice II: Patient Care Skills II | 1 |
| PHBA 311 | Public Health and Epidemiology | 2 |
| PHIN 322 | ABLE II | 0.5 |
| PHEX 302 | CPD II | 0.5 |
| PY1 Spring Total | 18 | |
| Summer | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHEX 372 | Intro Experiential Education I | 0.5 |
| PY1 Summer Total | 0.5 | |
| PY1 Total | 36.5 | |
| Fall | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHBM 432 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Cardiology | 5 |
| PHBM 418 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Infectious Disease I | 3 |
| PHBM 436 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Respiratory Disorders | 2 |
| PHBM 401 | Therapeutic Case Studies I: A Problem-Based Learning Approach | 0 |
| PHCE 430 | Biopharmaceutics | 3 |
| PHPR 448 | Pharmacy Practice IV: Drug Literature Evaluations | 2 |
| PHPR 444 | Pharmacy Practice III: Self-Care in Pharmacy Practice | 2 |
| PHIN 423 | ABLE III | 0.5 |
| PHEX 403 | CPD III | 0.5 |
| PY2 Fall Total | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHBM 431 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Psychiatry and Neurology | 4 |
| PHBM 419 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Infectious Disease II | 3 |
| PHBM 435 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Pain, Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Dosorders | 2 |
| PHBM 437 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Endocrine Disorders | 3 |
| PHBM 402 | Therapeutic Case Studies II: A Problem-Based Learning Approach | 0 |
| PHCE 431 | Pharmacokinetics | 3 |
| PHPR 498 | Pharmaceutical Science and Practice of Immunization | 1 |
| PHPR 499 | Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training and Certificate Program | 1 |
| PHIN 424 | ABLE IV | 0.5 |
| PHEX 404 | CPD IV | 0.5 |
| PY2 Spring Total | 18 | |
| Summer | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHEX 468 | Intro Experiential Education II | 0.5 |
| PY2 Summer Total | 0.5 | |
| PY2 Total | 36.5 | |
| Fall | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 443 | Pharmacy Practive V: Physical and Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| PHPR 442 | Pharmacy Practice VI: The Development, Implementation, Management and Evaluation of Pharmacy Services in Current and Future Pharmacy Model | 3 |
| PHBA 411 | Pharmacy Management Concepts | 2 |
| PHBM 441 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Principles of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation | 3 |
| PHBM 442 | Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Gastroenterology | 3 |
| PHBM 403 | Therapeutic Case Studies III: A Problem-Based Learning Approach | 0 |
| PHIN 469 | Community Engaged Learning: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Management | NS OR 1 |
| PHIN 425 | ABLE V | 0.5 |
| PHEXT 405 | CPD V | 0.5 |
| Elective(s) | 3 | |
| PY3 Fall Total | 18 OR 19 | |
| Spring | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHBA 413W | Management Theory and Application | 1 |
| PHBA 412W | Advanced Law and Ethics Applications | 1 |
| PHBM 443 | Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Therapeutics in Special Populations | 4 |
| PHBM 444 | Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Therapeutics in the Critically Ill | 3 |
| PHIN 490 | Personalized Therapeutics: Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacogenomics, Pharmaceutics | 2 |
| PHBM 404 | Therapeutic Case Studies IV: A Problem-Based Learning Approach | 0 |
| PHIN 469 | Community Engaged Learning: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Management | NS OR 1 |
| PHIN 426 | ABLE VI | 0.5 |
| PHEX 406 | CPD VI | 0.5 |
| Elective(s) | 6 | |
| PY3 Spring Total | 18 OR 19 | |
| PY3 Total | 36 | |
| Summer | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 500 | Pharmacist-Patient Care Network Certificate | 1 |
| PHPR 50X | Required Certificate Training** - Select One (1) Option: | 1 |
| PHPR 502 - Pharmacy & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care | ||
| PHPR 503 - Medication Therapy Management | ||
| PHPR 508 - Substance Use Disorder | ||
| PHPR 509 - Healthcare Leadership | ||
| PHEX 482W, 483W | Option to Take Advanced Experiential Education (I, II) | 4-8 |
| PY4 Summer Total | 6-10 | |
| Fall | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHEX 482W, 483W, | Advanced Experiential Education (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII) | 8-16 |
| 484W, 485W, 486W, | ||
| 487W, 488W | ||
| PHEX 407 | Continuous Professional Development VII | 1 |
| PY4 Fall Total | 9-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHEX 482W, 483W, | Advanced Experiential Education (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII) | 8-16 |
| 484W, 485W, 486W, | ||
| 487W, 488W | ||
| PHEX 408 | Continuous Professional Development VIII | 1 |
| PY4 Spring Total | 9-17 | |
| PY4 Total | 32 | |
Electives & Concentrations
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| GPSC 513 | Principles of Drug Action, Design and Delivery | 3 |
| GPSC 589W | Research Methods Pharmacy Administration | 3 |
| GPSC 673 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHBA 400 | Mindfulness for Clinicians | 1 |
| PHBA 423 | Perspectives in Global Health | 3 |
| PHBA 426 | Basics in Investments and Personal Finance | 1 |
| PHBA 427 | Applications in Investments and Personal Finance | 1 |
| PHBA 428 | International Pharmacy Services | 2 |
| PHBA 431 | Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHBA 433 | Special Topics in Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| PHBM 468 | Independent Study and Research | 1-4 |
| PHEX 489 | Optional Experiential Education | 4 |
| PHIN 452 | Advanced Concepts in Oncology | 3 |
| PHPR 427 | Etiology Assessment & Treatment of Pain for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| PHPR 465 | SLTP in Senior Care Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHPR 468 | Ambulatory Care Models - Development, Implementation and Sustainability | 3 |
| PHPR 477 | General Pediatrics Neonatal Pharmacy Therapy | 3 |
| PHPR 478 | Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care | 2 |
| PHPR 479 | Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice | 2 |
| PHPR 481 | Dermatological Therapeutics and Topical Delivery Systems | 3 |
| PHPR 488 | Technology Pharmacy Practitioner | 2 |
| PHPR 489 | Branding of Clinical Community Practice | 3 |
| PHPR 493 | Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills | 3 |
| PHPR 494 | Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills II | 3 |
| PHPR 496 | Urgent Topics in Palliative and End-of-Life Care | 1 |
The Acute Care Concentration provides student pharmacists with education and training directed toward careers in Institutional Pharmacy Practice and preparation for ASHP Residencies. In didactic courses students study advanced clinical and hospital practice topics. In experiential rotations students are required to complete additional experiential rotations in Advanced Clinical Practice and are encouraged to develop a research project in conjunction with a practitioner, culminating in a poster presentation at a local or national meeting.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 493 | Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills I | 3 |
| PHPR 494 | Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills II | 3 |
| Two Elective Advanced Rotations in Acute Care/Research | 8 |
The Ambulatory Care Concentration provides students in the professional phase of the PharmD program with an opportunity to further develop and enhance skills related to practice in this growing area.
The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) defines Ambulatory Care Pharmacy as "the provision of integrated, accessible healthcare services by pharmacists who are accountable for addressing medication needs, developing sustained partnerships with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community". Ambulatory Care Pharmacy services are provided in diverse practice settings including outpatient clinics, community pharmacies, and telehealth. In 2011, BPS recognized Ambulatory Care Pharmacy as a distinct specialty within the profession by credentialing pharmacists through BCACP examination and certification. The BCACP credential is the second most common BPS credential held by pharmacists practicing in the U.S. In 2014, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists also recognized this evolution of practice by revising their mission and brand to include pharmacists practicing in ambulatory care settings.
Ambulatory care pharmacists typically train through the completion of a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice or Community Practice Residency and some go on to complete PGY2 Ambulatory Care residencies. The data suggest that this practice area is of growing interest among pharmacy graduates. In the last 7 years, the number of Ambulatory Care PGY2 programs have more than tripled (39 in 2010 to 132 in 2017) and there are now 190 PGY1 community-based pharmacy residency programs, with many of these programs partially or entirely based in an ambulatory care practice environment.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 479 | Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice | 2 |
| PHPR 478 | Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care | 2 |
| PHPR 468 | Ambulatory Care Models - Development, Implementation and Sustainability | 2 |
| Complete One (1) Elective from the Following List: | 3 | |
| PHPR 481 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings | ||
| PHIN 452 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings | ||
| PHPR 465 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings | ||
| PHPR 477 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings | ||
| Elective AAPE-RAM at an Approved Site | 4 | |
Community pharmacists are described as the most accessible, and one of the most trusted, healthcare professionals. Due to the vast number of prescriptions dispensed in community pharmacy, and the plethora of chain and independent pharmacies nationwide, community pharmacy employs the highest number of working pharmacists in the United States. Approximately over 70% of Duquesne pharmacy graduates each year enter into this rewarding field. As the number of pharmacy schools across the country increase, thus increasing the supply of licensed pharmacists, it is essential for job placement and security that pharmacists are well-versed in the provision of additional pharmacy services that enhance patient care outcomes, promote wellness, enhance accessibility to and affordability of medications. While this issue is addressed in the core curriculum of Collaborative Practice Agreements, we feel it is essential that our student pharmacists have the opportunity to engage in more individualized, advanced practices of a clinical community pharmacist and to have the certificate of a concentration such as this to increase their marketability to future employers. The concentration in advanced community practice enhances the new curriculum and is not duplicative.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHPR 479 | Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice | 2 |
| PHPR 478 | Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care | 2 |
| PHPR 489 | Branding Community Practice | 3 |
| APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings | 4 |
This concentration is designed to allow the student to begin to understand how they can take their pharmacy knowledge and apply it to developing their own unique business which can be anything from owning their own traditional independent pharmacy or starting a new clinical pharmacy business service that has never existed before in the pharmacy industry. These courses will also allow the student to self-reflect in order to understand themselves, how best to work with others and what are their strengths and weaknesses in becoming an entrepreneur.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHBA 431 | Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHBA 433 | Special Topics in Entrepreneurship | 3 |
The geriatric concentration provides student pharmacists with additional education and training in the provision of pharmaceutical care to geriatric patients and encourages students to pursue careers in long-term care pharmacy, residencies in geriatrics and other areas within geriatric practice. The concentration culminates with a comprehensive exam similar in structure and content to the Geriatric Certification Exam.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| PHBM 443 | Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Therapeutics in Special Populations | 4 |
| PHPR 465 | Special Topics in Senior Care Pharmacy | 3 |
| Two Elective Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in Geriatrics | 8 |
The research concentration provides student pharmacists an opportunity train students in introductory health services and outcomes research (HSOR) that improves clinical decision making for patients, healthcare professionals, industry, and government and to conduct research on the clinical, economic, and humanistic impacts of medication and medication-related healthcare services.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| GPSC 589 | Research Methods in Health Services and Outcomes Research | 3 |
| GPSC 592 | Evidence Synthesis in Healthcare | 3 |
| GPSC 520 | Qualitative Methods in Healthcare Research | 3 |
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE):
20 North Clark Street
Suite 2500
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 664-3575
