Overview

Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals who enhance patient care and promote wellness. When pharmacists are involved in patient care, outcomes improve and costs decline. Pharmacy is a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, scientific research and innovation.

To prepare for a career in pharmacy, a student must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at a professional college of pharmacy. A PharmD degree consists of 4 academic years of professional education. Although it is possible to apply for a PharmD program after completing 60 semester hours at the undergraduate level, it is not the norm. Many students complete at least 3 years of undergraduate education, while most complete their baccalaureate degree. A grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite coursework and a minimum of a 2.5 GPA are required, although the average accepted student has around a 3.5 GPA.

Eastern Illinois University has an affiliation agreement as well as a 3+4 program with University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC). Under these agreements, students are guarenteed an interview or can enter the UIC PharmD program after completing three years (90 hours) at EIU if they meet the qualifications set forth in the agreements.  With the 3+4 program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree from EIU upon completion and transfer of 30 hours of coursework from the first year of studies at UIC.

Resources

- Degree Plan (PDF)
- Program Information in EIU Catalog

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