Curriculum

Curricular Philosophy

It is expected that the curriculum will be driven by these principles:

1. Students will be exposed to practice experiences, which are based upon the provision of pharmaceutical care that begins upon entry into the curriculum and continues throughout the four years of the curriculum.
2. Pharmaceutical sciences and clinical sciences will be integrated throughout the curriculum with the goal of instilling upon our graduates the need for the continuation of basic science knowledge throughout their careers.
3. Faculty will endeavor to deliver the curriculum to students utilizing the most effective means possible and will strive to incorporate new, effective approaches to teaching and learning.
4. The curriculum will be “patient-focused” that trains students to be a primary care provider. This will involve teaching students patient assessment and advanced oral and written communications skills.
5. Advanced practice experiences will be integrated into institutions and organizations that provide pharmaceutical care. Student experiences will be maximized at an organization such that they can deliver pharmaceutical care and begin to evaluate the outcomes of pharmaceutical care at that institution. These experiences will be reflective of practice environments entered after graduation.
6. The curriculum will be responsive to changes required as a result of input from faculty, students, employers and alumni.

Current curriculum (for the graduating classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019)

Students who entered the Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2015 and before are completing coursework as outlined in the curriculum guide for the graduating classes of 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Renewed curriculum (for the graduating classes of 2020 and beyond)

The renewed Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum went into effect with the first professional year class admitted starting the Fall 2016 semester. The curriculum was designed and implemented by the Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences to educate and prepare students for the evolving demands of the profession. 

Renewed curriculum with a research concentration

Students participating in the Research Scholars program will complete coursework leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with a concentration in research. This track is designed for students who want to distinguish themselves from other PharmD students, particularly if they are interested in pursuing post-graduate residencies, fellowships, or positions focused on evidence-based research.

Non-academic curriculum requirements

In addition to the academic requirements of the curriculum, there are non-academic requirements that include the following:

• Abillity-based outcomes that define what graduates are expected to be able to do as a result of the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through completing the entire curriculum;
• Experiential education, which helps students explore and address real-life health challenges by applying knowledge and concepts learned in the classroom; 
• A professionalism curriculum that encourages and evaluates the development of professional values, attitudes, skills and behaviors; and
• Technical standards, a set of physical, cognitive and behavioral skills that student must demonstrate to be effecive pharmacists.