South Carolina boasts the nation's best honors college and best first-year experience among public universities. 

Students in the University of South Carolina's pre-pharmacy program gain year-round access to pre-pharmacy advisors and a head start on building a personal network of pharmacists, researchers and other professionals. Our pre‑pharmacy program is tailored to the entrance requirements of the USC Doctor of Pharmacy program and completion of the Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from USC.

Personalized Advising

Each pre-pharmacy student is assigned an undergraduate advisor to help you with the transition into the university. Your advisor will help you define and achieve your academic goals. After beginning classes, our College of Pharmacy advisors will meet with you each semester to review your progress and help you plan the next steps on your educational journey. 

Beyond the Classroom

Pre-pharmacy students have access to many opportunities to enrich their overall student experience, such as: 

• Three pharmacy-specific student organizations — Carolina Association of Pre-Pharmacy Students, Student National Pharmaceutical Association and American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists
• 500+ student clubs and organizations available at the University of South Carolina
• Undergraduate research
• Community service 

Stand Out

Gamecock pre-pharmacy students make up about 80% of our incoming Pharm.D. class each year. The College of Pharmacy offers pre-pharmacy students a variety of experiences to gain pharmacy exposure and develop as future professionals, including but not limited to: 

• Pharmacy etiquette workshop
• "Pharmacists do that...really?" sessions
• Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center Career Summit
• Resume workshop
• Pre-pharmacy sections of UNIV 101

Undergraduate Admissions

If you’re preparing for your first year of college, we are more than happy to answer your questions and provide guidance as you begin your college journey. As pre-pharmacy admission is handled through Undergraduate Admissions, we may direct you to the University Admissions staff for specifics regarding deadlines and/or scholarships. 

To pursue Pre-Pharmacy studies at USC, declare B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences as your desired major on your university application.
 

Transfer Admissions

The admissions process varies slightly if you are a USC student interested in changing your major or a student from another college or university transferring to USC.

• If you are a current USC student interested in changing your major to Pharmaceutical Sciences, you must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and have earned 12 or more college hours (excluding AP/IB credits). To learn more or begin the process of changing your major, contact our Director of Pre-Professional Studies and Recruitment.
  
  
• If you’re transferring from another college or university to USC, the process is handled through Undergraduate Admissions. A minimum GPA of 3.0 with 12 or more earned college credit hours (excluding AP or IB courses) is required to become a Pharmaceutical Sciences major. To pursue Pre-Pharmacy studies at USC, declare B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences as your desired major on your transfer application to the university.
  
  

International Students

If you’re applying as an international freshman or international transfer, there are certain steps you will be required to take as part of your admissions process. The university’s highly trained and experienced staff in the office of International Student Services are available to assist international students during their time on campus.

Pre-pharmacy students will typically complete four semesters of undergraduate coursework focusing on pharmacy prerequisites. Course schedule and total number of credit hours per semester will vary between students depending on AP / IB credits, transfer credits, and placement scores. Pre-pharmacy advisors will work with students to determine a curriculum sequence based on individual needs.

Students can opt to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences as they work toward their Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina. The bachelor's degree is awarded at the end of the second professional year of pharmacy school. You cannot practice pharmacy with this B.S. degree.

This optional degree is available only to USC Pharm.D. students who have successfully completed pre-pharmacy coursework and the first two years of the professional program, as well as all Carolina Core requirements at an accredited institution.

View or download the Major Map [pdf] - The recommended course plan for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.