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Requirements

How To Be a Competitive Applicant

In addition to meeting all requirements outlined below, outstanding applicants will have taken courses in biochemistry, genetics, physics, statistics, leadership development, and cultural diversity. Submitting three strong letters of recommendation along with your other application materials is not required, but definitely favorable. Additional consideration will be given to those with volunteer, patient care, pharmacy, and/or military experience. Students who have questions about their qualifications (courses, GPA, experience, etc.) should schedule a Zoom counseling session or email PharmDadmissions@ketchum.edu.

MBKU College of Pharmacy (COP) Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission into MBKU’s College of Pharmacy, PharmD program, you must have completed the following courses at an accredited institution, with a grade of "C" or better, prior to enrollment. Please note that these titles represent the expected minimum requirements.

Course Name Minimum Semester Units Minimum Quarter Units Additional Notes
General Biology 6 9 One year sequence.
Labs required
General Chemistry 6 9 One year sequence.
Labs required
Organic Chemistry 6 9 One year sequence.
Labs required
Microbiology, General or Medical 3 4 Labs required
Human Anatomy 3 4 Labs required. A&P I&II also accepted. 
Human Physiology 3 4 Labs required. A&P I&II also accepted. 
Calculus 3 4 For science majors preferred
General Psychology 3 4  
Economics 3 4 Micro or Macro
English* 6 8 Preferred: English Composition, Advanced Composition, Critical Reading and Writing, Critical Analysis, Technical Communication
Behavioral Science course* 3 4 Preferred: Human Behavior, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology, Applied Behavioral Science, Social Psychology
Communications Course 3 4 Preferred: Public Speaking, Speech Communication, Interpersonal Communication

*Prerequisites: English (6 units) and Behavioral Science (3) are waived for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation to the program.

Advanced Placement credits will be accepted for fulfillment of no more than the equivalent of one non-science course of the prerequisite.

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) will no longer be required.

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status.

Applicants educated outside the U.S. must utilize a transcript evaluation service to verify their degree and coursework. The academic record must show credits and grades equivalent to those given by U.S. institutions of higher learning.

Applicants who have not earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution must also submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of the official language of the country in which the education took place or the predominant language of the degree-granting institution.

Scores should be sent directly to Marshall B. Ketchum University. When you register for the exam, use code 4893 to ensure we receive your score. Minimum TOEFL scores are noted below:

  • Reading 22/30
  • Listening 22/30
  • Speaking 26/30
  • Writing 24/30

Transfer applicants are only considered for entry into the first or second professional year. Students wishing to transfer from another pharmacy school or college in the U.S. should apply through PharmCAS and must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the transferring institution.
  • Supply a letter of recommendation and permission from the chief executive officer or designee of the transferring institution.
  • Supply a letter from two full-time members of the faculty of the transferring institution recommending the transfer.
  • Provide a letter explaining in detail why the transfer is being required including appropriate documentation that substantiates the reason.
  • Meet all current admissions requirements and standards of the College of Pharmacy.
  • Supply official transcripts of all collegiate work completed, including that taken at the transferring institution.
  • Supply course outlines for all Pharmacy coursework for which advanced standing credit is desired.
  • Submit the appropriate application materials. Decisions on transfer applications are made by the Admissions Committee in cooperation with the Office of Academic Affairs.

Transfer credit will only be granted for courses passed with a "C" or better (must achieve passing score in a Pass/Fail course) and taken in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Additional factors we consider: available space, admissions standards, the reason for the transfer request, course equivalencies, the applicant's personal attributes, etc.

A Criminal Background check is required after a provisional acceptance. Please note that a conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from admission.

For more information, please see Note for All Applicants Regarding Criminal History.