Doctor of Pharmacy

Clinical Education

Students have outstanding opportunities for clinical education uniquely available in an academic health system with a true statewide presence, supplemented by rotation sites around the country and world. Experiential education represents approximately one-third of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, providing students with immersive, hands-on learning that complements their didactic coursework.

Early in the program, students participate in Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. These experiences help students build essential skills in patient care, medication safety, and pharmacy operations. For students who enter the program with prior experience in community or hospital pharmacy management, IPPEs can be advanced to further develop leadership and administrative competencies. Additionally, IPPEs may be offered as longitudinal experiences during the academic year, allowing students to engage more deeply with patients and practice sites over time.

In the fourth year, students complete Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), which are designed to refine clinical judgment and professional expertise across a broad spectrum of practice areas. Required APPEs include rotations in acute care (such as internal medicine, pediatrics, oncology, and infectious disease), ambulatory care, community pharmacy, and hospital pharmacy. Students also have access to a wide variety of elective APPEs, including opportunities in veterinary pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy management, and academia.

For those seeking a global perspective, APPEs can be completed abroad, offering exposure to international healthcare systems and practices. This robust experiential framework ensures that PharmD graduates are well-prepared to enter diverse pharmacy careers with confidence and competence.

Research Opportunities

Pharm.D. students at the MUSC College of Pharmacy benefit from a robust array of research opportunities that enhance their academic journey and prepare them for diverse and dynamic career pathways. During the first three years of the program, students can enroll in research electives that provide hands-on experience in basic science laboratories (“wet labs”) and/or participate in clinical research initiatives within the MUSC Health System. These experiences offer critical exposure to the scientific method, data analysis and interpretation, and the translation of research findings into clinical application.

In the fourth year, students can continue their research engagement through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) research electives, which facilitate deeper involvement in ongoing investigations across clinical, translational, and/or pharmaceutical sciences. Whether contributing to studies on drug efficacy, patient outcomes, or innovative therapeutic approaches, students gain an immersive, hands-on and mentored experience that sharpens their analytical thinking and supports their professional growth. Throughout these experiences, students have multiple opportunities to present their findings at local, national, and international conferences, and to contribute to peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals. These research opportunities not only strengthen students’ applications for residencies, fellowships, and/or careers within clinical practice, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry but also cultivate a lifelong commitment to evidence-based clinical practice, innovation, and scholarly inquiry in the field of pharmacy.

Prerequisites

Course substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and for select prerequisites. Science courses must be designated for science majors.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) PharmCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, PharmCAS processing may take up to 10 business days. PharmCAS will verify the accuracy of your application materials, compare your original transcripts to the self-reported course information on your application, calculate your PharmCAS GPAs, and release your application to each of your designated pharmacy programs. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
2. Review the MUSC admissions requirements.
3. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
4. Once both applications are complete and the AACP PharmCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

As a state-assisted institution, preference will be given to in-state applicants. In-state applicants are defined as South Carolina residents and any non-South Carolina residents attending a South Carolina college or university. In-state status as defined here only applies to the admission process. The MUSC College of Pharmacy considers a limited number of international applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy program who have completed at least a 5-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree and when there is a written agreement between the MUSC College of Pharmacy and an international sponsoring university, government, or agency (International Partnership Program).

Application Requirements

1. AACP PharmCAS Application: The following materials must be submitted through the AACP PharmCAS application, which may be accessed by clicking here. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
   • Completed application

   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended: Applicants must submit official transcripts directly to PharmCAS from all colleges and universities you have attended. The institution must be entered in the Colleges Attended section before the transcript can be matched to your PharmCAS application. Electronic transcripts are preferred. PharmCAS only accepts official electronic transcripts through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. Please visit the PharmCAS website to learn more about requesting transcripts. Applicants requesting paper transcripts must enter the college(s) attended and click the “Download Transcript Request Form” button. Each PDF form is unique to you and that particular college or university. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the file.

     After completing your fall coursework, request that your institution send an official transcript to PharmCAS as soon as grades are available and update the PharmCAS “Academic Update” section accordingly.

   • Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of three individual letters of recommendation are required.
2. After You Submit Checklist: After submitting your PharmCAS application, review the After You Submit checklist.
3. MUSC Supplemental Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Supplemental Application, which may be accessed by clicking here.

Technical Standards

To ensure all students can meet the demands of a rigorous professional curriculum and deliver safe, effective care in diverse clinical settings, there are key expectations related to academic and professional performance. For a detailed description of these expectations, visit our Technical Standards page. 

International Applicants

Submission of the PharmCAS and supplemental application are required for international applicants. The following additional requirements apply for international applicants.

• At least 42 of the 60 required prerequisite credit hours, including all English language courses, must be completed in person at a U.S.-accredited college or university; online courses are not accepted.
• International applicants must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 77 on the internet-based exam for admission consideration. We do not accept the IELTS in place of the TOEFL.
• Applicants with coursework completed outside the United States must submit a course-by-course transcript analysis through PharmCAS using World Education Services.
• Applicants must be eligible to receive a Pharmacy Intern Certificate based on the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy requirements.
• Official documents (photocopies are acceptable) certifying that the student will have sufficient funding to attend the MUSC College of Pharmacy for one academic year are required. This will be used to issue the student an immigration document (I-20) which will be required to obtain the F-1 or J-1 student visa at a US embassy or consulate.
• International students may not be eligible for student loans through the FAFSA process.
• International students pay an annual tuition rate of $40,056.
• The applicant is responsible for obtaining a proper visa if accepted.
• Applicants admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program must comply with all MUSC admission procedure requirements, including a background check and health/immunization policies, and all student policies and requirements.
• We recommend all international applicants apply by the end of January to allow adequate time to process the additional paperwork and requirements with our Center for Global Health if an offer of admission is extended. The Center for Global Health requires all incoming international student paperwork to be complete with their office by the end of April for fall enrollment.

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Employment Rates

The Class of 2024 had 95% employment within six months.

Competencies

Upon completion of the Pharm.D. program, graduates should be able to:

• Seek, analyze, integrate, and apply foundational knowledge of medications and pharmacy practice (biomedical, pharmaceutical; social, behavioral, administrative; and clinical sciences; drug classes; and digital health) [Knowledge, Scientific Thinking]
• Use problem solving and critical thinking skills, along with innovative mindset, to address challenges and to promote positive change [Skills, 2.1 Problem-solving Process]
• Actively engage, listen, and communicate verbally, non-verbally, and in writing when interacting with or educating an individual, group, or organization [Skills, 2.2 Communications]
• Mitigate health disparities by considering, recognizing, and navigating cultural and structural factors (e.g., social determinants of health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) to improve access and health outcomes [Skills, 2.3 Cultural and Structural Humility]
• Provide whole person care to individuals as the medication specialist using the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process [Skills, 2.4 Person-centered Care]
• Promote the best interests of patient and/or the pharmacy profession within healthcare settings and at the community, state, or national level [Skills, 2.5 Advocacy]
• Optimize patient healthcare outcomes using human, financial, technological, and physical resources to improve the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of medication use systems [Skills, 2.6 Medication-use Process Stewardship]
• Actively engage and contribute as a healthcare team member by demonstrating core interprofessional competencies [Skills, 2.7 Interprofessional Collaboration]
• Assess factors that influence the health and wellness of a population and develop strategies to address those factors [Skills, 2.8 Population Health and Wellness]
• Demonstrate the ability to influence and support the achievement of shared goals on a team, regardless of one’s role [Skills, 2.9 Leadership]
• Examine, reflect on, and address personal and professional attributes (e.g., knowledge, metacognition, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, help-seeking strategies, and emotional intelligence) that could enhance or limit growth, development, and professional identity formation [Attitudes, 3.1 Self-awareness]
• Exhibit attitudes and behaviors that embody a commitment to building and maintaining trust with patients, colleagues, other health care professionals, and society [Attitudes, 3.2 Professionalism]

Vision

To improve lives through innovative education, research, and patient care.

Mission

To lead pharmacy education, scientific discovery, and patient care in South Carolina and globally.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Council is made up of accomplished professionals who are willing to donate their time, talents and resources to support the Dean in his efforts to enhance the quality and impact of the MUSC Pharmacy experience for both internal and external audiences.

Membership is by invitation of the Dean and represents a broad cross-section of the pharmacy and business communities

The Council is made up of both MUSC Pharmacy Alumni and non-Alumni representatives

Company representation is generally limited to one member per company, unless significantly different practice roles are represented, in which case two individuals may serve

Each member will serve a three-year term with a possibility of reappointment for a second term.

Additionally, the Chair of the Building Leadership Committee, President of the MUSC College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, and the Director of Development serve in an ex-officio capacity

For more information about the Council or if you are interested in joining, please contact Caroline Veal at vealc@musc.edu.

Members of the Dean's Advisory Council

• Johnny J. Bethea, ’92, Morrisville, NC, Relias
• Terry A. Blackmon, ’80, New Zion, SC, The Medicine Cabinet of Lake City
• Lisa M. Cordes, ’07, North Bethesda, MD, The National Institutes of Health
• Andrew Fariello, ’95, Chadds Ford, PA, AstraZeneca
• Stephen Greene, Spartanburg, SC, CVS Health
• Robert C. Hubbard, ’69, Clemson, SC, Hubbard Young Pharmacy
• Ralph “Kelly” Hunt, ’95, Duncan, SC, ReGenesis Healthcare
• Jacquetta “Shea” Manigo, ’07, McKinney, TX, CVS Health
• Rick G. Schnatz, ’76, Gaithersburg, MD, United States Pharmacopeia
• Jennifer M. Stephens, ’94, Great Falls, VA, Pharmerit International