College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Pharmacy

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Program Overview

Play a critical part in your community’s wellness.

Maryville University’s Pre-Pharmacy program serves students from any science major who are interested in becoming pharmacists. Through science coursework, personalized mentoring and guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee, you’ll build a competitive application for pharmacy school.

What sets the program apart

    • Complete pharmacy school prerequisites through biology, biochemistry or another science major
    • Receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee
    • Explore opportunities to conduct undergraduate research
    • Get support identifying job shadowing and volunteer experiences
    • Pursue early acceptance to pharmacy school through Maryville’s partnership with LECOM

An Overview of the Pre-Pharmacy Program at Maryville

 
[MUSIC PLAYING] Pre-pharmacy is a pre-profession program where we give you the foundation to pursue a career as a pharmacist. We have a curriculum that was specifically designed to accommodate and support an education in the natural and biological sciences. Our program features small class sizes, each taught by faculty with a PhD. You'll form a tight-knit group with students and your professors, all sharing a keen interest in science. You'll learn together and support each other. Another great program feature is the sophomore review, which is a way for you to practice the process of applying and interviewing for graduate school. This helps you focus on preparing a competitive application package. Another program feature that sets Maryville apart is our commitment to undergraduate research. There are numerous benefits to this approach, including exposure to experiential learning methodology, the natural development of like-minded high achieving peer groups, and most importantly, learning a practical approach to data and evidence-based problem-solving. If you're ready for a career as a pharmacist, schedule a visit and let's chat about your future. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Maryville

Our partner program means early acceptance to pharmacy school.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and help patients understand how to use them safely. They also advise healthcare professionals about medication selection, dosage, interactions and side effects and may provide services such as vaccinations and health screenings.

Pharmacists typically earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited pharmacy program and must be licensed by the state in which they practice.

Career Paths

Dispense medications, answer questions about prescriptions and provide health services in retail or independently owned pharmacies.
Work directly with patients and healthcare teams to recommend medications, manage dosages and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Prepare and dispense medications in hospital settings while collaborating with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Advise healthcare facilities, insurers and patients about medication use, safety and regulatory compliance.
Support pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, drug safety, quality control, marketing or regulatory activities.
Create customized medications by combining ingredients to meet individual patient needs.
$137,480Median annual wage

The median annual wage for pharmacists was $137,480 in May 2024.

5%Projected employment growth

Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience, industry and specialty.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school

At Maryville, you can major in biology or biochemistry or choose from other science programs, and then move right into your medical training at our partner program with Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). You’ll meet annually with LECOM staff for advising and workshops that will help prepare you for pharmacy school.

No Additional Interviews

Reserved Seat

Your seat to a LECOM professional school is reserved, which means you bypass almost 95% of the competition.

    • Reserve your seat at a LECOM professional school while completing your undergraduate studies.
    • Bypass nearly 95% of the competition for admission.
    • Move toward pharmacy school without completing additional admissions interviews.

No PCAT Required

Test Optional

Our early acceptance program does not require you to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) to get into medical school.

    • Apply to the early acceptance program without taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test.
    • Meet annually with LECOM staff for advising and pharmacy-school preparation workshops.
    • Move from your undergraduate science program into professional pharmacy training.

Lower Tuition

Save More

  • Pay lower tuition than at many other professional schools.
  • Reduce the overall cost of completing your pharmacy education.
  • Prepare for your career with less financial burden.

    • Pay lower tuition than at many other professional schools.
    • Reduce the overall cost of completing your pharmacy education.
    • Prepare for your career with less financial burden.

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Related Programs

Early acceptance pathways

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Programs (EAP) See how qualified Maryville students can secure early acceptance to LECOM.
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Pharmacy program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Pre-Pharmacy program is available to students in any science major. You may major in biology, biochemistry or another science discipline while completing pharmacy-school prerequisites.
Yes. You’ll receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee on pharmacy schools, career options, admissions requirements and application preparation.
Yes. Pre-Pharmacy students can explore undergraduate research and project-based learning opportunities through Maryville’s science programs and professional partnerships.
The program provides assistance identifying job shadowing and volunteer opportunities that can strengthen your pharmacy-school application.
Maryville’s partnership with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine gives qualified students an opportunity to reserve a seat in a LECOM pharmacy program while completing their undergraduate studies.
Application to the early acceptance program can occur as early as your senior year in high school and up until the start of your third year of undergraduate school, depending upon the program and track desired. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.