Doctor of Pharmacy Program
The PharmD program for international students
Established in 1891, the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) has been educating future pharmacists and scientists for over 130 years. Our faculty have been invited to share their expertise and latest research around the world.
Washington state is one of the most progressive in the country for pharmacy practice, with pharmacists able to diagnose and prescribe for minor ailments and conditions. The PharmD program prepares students to become licensed pharmacists who can practice in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, research institutions, academia, and government.
Fast facts
- Out of 141 ACPE accredited pharmacy schools, WSU ranked in the top 20 in total number of students who passed the NAPLEX on their first attempt
- Our program consistently has the highest number of students to pass the NAPLEX in Washington state
- 89% on-time graduation rate in 2022
- 89% of 2022 graduates actively seeking employment accepted a job, residency, or fellowship, had a pending offer, or were in negotiations
- $300,000+ in scholarship funding awarded to students each year
- 10:1 student to faculty ratio
- 18-58 pharmacy student age range
Student support
CPPS is your home away from home. Faculty, staff, and students provide a welcoming, warm environment so that you can thrive in your studies and reach your full potential.
Success factors
- We connect you with numerous resources throughout your 4 years in pharmacy school.
- You can depend on our Academic and Student Success Advisors to guide you through your professional journey.
- We introduce you to faculty, student, and alumni mentors to help you launch your career in pharmacy.
Love where you learn
Based in one of the most innovative states in the nation for pharmacists, CPPS positions you on the cutting edge of pharmacy practice. Our state allows pharmacists to interact directly with patients to test and treat minor ailments and conditions. The college has two locations – in Spokane and Yakima – where you will learn alongside students in other health science professions such as nursing and medicine. We are located in the Pacific Northwest, the region known for an abundance of beautiful green trees, spectacular mountains, and hundreds of lakes and rivers. Our international student organization arranges weekend excursions to go hiking, kayaking, spending a day on the lake, and other outdoor recreation.
Admissions, requirements, and tuition information
Deadlines
| Admission Timing | Fall 2024 Enrollment Deadline | Fall 2025 Enrollment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early admission | Oct. 2, 2023 | Oct. 7, 2024 |
| Regular admission | Jan. 4, 2024 | Jan. 6, 2025 |
| Late admission | May 1, 2024 | May 1, 2025 |
Requirements
PCAT and a bachelor’s degree are not required for admission, however, prerequisite courses must be completed. In addition, you will need to submit your GPA, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and TOEFL/IELTS scores.
International students are required to complete a foreign transcript evaluation and send this evaluation directly to PharmCAS and take the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
Coursework
International transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Service (WES) on a course-by-course basis and include all transcripts. The complete report must be submitted to and received by PharmCAS by the application deadline. Upper-division coursework, including Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry, should be completed at a regionally accredited institution in the US.
Syllabi for all international prerequisite courses completed must be submitted as PDFs in English and include modules covered, learning outcomes, course description, and course assessment. Applicants from a country that uses and supplies consolidated marks sheets must submit individual marks sheets.
If you complete pre-pharmacy coursework at a non-U.S.-based institution and are not a native English speaker, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements or be eligible for an exception.
TOEFL/IELTS
Minimum TOEFL scores required are 550 paper-based, 90 internet-based, or 250 computer-based; or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or higher. Minimum TOEFL subscores required: Reading 20, Writing 22, Speaking 22, and Listening 20. Exam date must be within 1 year of application.
Exceptions to English Language Proficiency Exam:
- Applicants may be exempt if they have completed a BA or BS degree in a native English-speaking country.
- Applicants may be exempt if they have completed a minimum of 25 semester/45 quarter credits of equivalent prerequisite coursework from an accredited U.S.-based institution.
- An applicant coming from a country where English is the official mode of instruction may be exempt from the testing requirement. Documentation confirming English mode of instruction is required.
Tuition and Certificate of Finances
Annual tuition as of the fall 2023 semester: $30,104. Pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at WSU is the most affordable option on the U.S. West Coast.
Upon acceptance to the PharmD program, complete and submit the Doctor of Pharmacy program Certificate of Finances.