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.

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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 Pharmaceutical Sciences
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program prepares 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 Doctor of Pharmacy in four years online with limited on-campus requirements.

Transfer Information

Bachelor Of Science In Pharmaceutical Sciences
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program prepares 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!

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-baccalaureate students not interested 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 licensed 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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Contact The Admissions Team!

Jason Stack, MBA

Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Retention

Sam Pulver, M.S.Ed.

Coordinator, Admissions

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.

A Student Success Coach assigned to ALL student pharmacists in the pre-professional phase of the Pharm.D. program (years one and two) knows the answer to questions related to AP and College in High School credits, class registration and pre-professional pharmacy curriculum. Additionally, the Student Success Coach co-leads four Pre-Professional Pharmacy Seminar classes designed to prepare student pharmacists in the pre-professional phase for the professional phase (years three, four, five and six) of Pharm.D. program and introduces different pharmacy career paths. All student pharmacists in the professional phase of the program are guided by a Student Success Coach and a faculty mentor from the School of Pharmacy.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, offered every semester starting in the professional phase, help student pharmacists develop and maintain professional skills and build confidence, credibility and expertise in areas including advocacy, career exploration, interview skills, licensure exam preparation, study strategies and more. Additionally, the School of Pharmacy offers six academic concentrations including acute care, ambulatory care, community practice, and geriatrics, allowing student pharmacists a more customizable pharmacy education. All of our student pharmacists earn immunization, tobacco treatment specialist, and pharmacist-patient care network certificates with the option to earn additional certificates in diabetes care, Medication Therapy Management (MTM), substance use disorders, point-of-care testing, and healthcare leadership.
Duquesne University student pharmacists graduate with 1,784 hours of Experiential Education experience and develop a wide range of skills in different practice settings. The Office of Experiential Education works directly with student pharmacists to schedule available rotations according to their career goals and interests, exposing student pharmacists to many potential career paths at a variety of unique and prestigious practice sites including the Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, Eli Lilly & Co., Indian Health Services, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the University of Perugia in Italy.
The School of Pharmacy boasts 18 pharmacy student organizations, with areas of focus like addiction and rehabilitation, pediatrics, psychiatry and mental health. We also have Duquesne University chapters of national pharmacy honors and leadership societies and four professional pharmacy Greek organizations.
Pharmacists-the most accessible healthcare professionals-engage in many unique professional roles including educator, medical counselor and health care advocate. The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy remains the only pharmacy school in the country to require participation in a professional development and advocacy course for graduation. Student pharmacists not only learn to advocate for the profession, but gain confidence in doing so. Started in 2012, the annual Professional Development and Advocacy Class Experience exposes student pharmacists to legislation affecting the pharmacy profession. The School of Pharmacy holds several other special events and programs throughout the year.
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy features four Academic Research Centers. The Center for Pharmacy Care provides health and wellness services to faculty, students and Duquesne University employees. The Center for Pharmacy Practice, a simulated pharmacy experience, introduces student pharmacists to working in community pharmacy and clinical practice settings. The Center for Pharmaceutical Technology focuses on the advancement of pharmaceutical manufacturing and features state-of-the-art analytical and manufacturing equipment. Finally, the newest Academic Research Center, the Center for Integrative Health, trains the next generation of practitioners to address health care disparities and improve health equity in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Conduct research with the world-class faculty that are developing new drugs, seeking methods for curing diseases, improving the quality and safety of drugs, and enhancing patient care. Students can participate in active research projects with our faculty members for credit or as volunteers. Our students publish papers, posters and give presentations on the research that they have conducted at Duquesne.
Every year, School of Pharmacy student pharmacists led by faculty and staff participate in a global health rotation in Italy at the University of Perugia.

Additionally, the School of Pharmacy maintains international partnerships with seven pharmacy schools in five countries across three continents, including:

China
Xi'an Jiaotong University

Italy
University of Bologna
University of Perugia

Japan
Daiichi University
Kobe Gakuin University

Nigeria
Obafemi Awolowo University

Poland
Jagiellonian University

By The Numbers

#12021 U.S. News & World Report

Among Catholic Schools Of Pharmacy

#22021 NIH Funding

Among Catholic Schools Of Pharmacy

7,400+Living School Of Pharmacy Alumni

Across The United States

0-6Direct Entry Program

Guarantee Your Spot In The Professional Phase

Carlee Shifko headshot

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.

Carlee Shifko, Pharm.D. P'21

Non-Traditional Pharmacy Careers

 
 
Pharmacists working in a hospital

Non-Traditional Pharmacy Careers

Learn More! (External Link)
 

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 Disorders 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 Practice 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
PHEX 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
14 Credits Required

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
13 Credits Required

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
11 Credits Required

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
6 Credits Required

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
15 Credits Required

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
9 Credits Required

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

www.acpe-accredit.org

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