Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Degree Program

An Accelerated Three-Year Pharmacy Program

The University of Saint Joseph’s Doctor of Pharmacy program enables you to earn a Pharm.D. degree in just three years. The program promotes the emergence of competent and compassionate pharmacists who can advance pharmacy practice models, engage in community service, and foster the advancement of research and scholarship.

Emphasizing real-world application, USJ’s Pharm.D. program prepares you to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) exam and pursue careers in clinical research, medical sales, pharmacology, product/process development, and beyond.

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Career Paths with a Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy

At the University of Saint Joseph, we strive to cultivate well-rounded pharmacists who can not only dispense medication to patients but also advise patients about medicines and work with physicians on prescriptions. 

After passing the NAPLEX exam, you can start your exciting career as a licensed pharmacist with a Pharm.D. degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists make a median income of $128,710 per year. 

Besides traditional drugstores or community pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, you can enter the field of pharmacy with such career options as a pediatric pharmacist, veterinary pharmacist, poison control pharmacist, and medical science liaison in various settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Emergency departments and trauma centers
  • State government agencies
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Academia 

USJ Pharm.D. Program Advantages

Experiential Learning

The University of Saint Joseph’s Doctor of Pharmacy program takes an experiential education approach. During the program of study, you can dive head-first into clinical practice in a community or institutional pharmacy to obtain hands-on experience. You can apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world setting and receive guidance from professional supervisors.

Small Class Sizes

The Doctor of Pharmacy program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio to ensure students have the attention that they deserve. As a Pharm.D. student, you have the opportunity to build mentoring relationships with USJ’s faculty and receive personal guidance from them. With an engaging learning environment, you can also collaborate with your peers and expand your professional network.

Pharmacy Community Service

The University of Saint Joseph encourages students to serve the community and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Each Pharm.D. student completes at least 20 hours of health-related community service annually.

Co-Curricula

Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program Curriculum

USJ’s Pharm.D. program employs a distinctive and innovative modified-block curriculum that takes three years to complete. Intending to increase your abilities to fulfill the expanding role of the pharmacist, the program curriculum includes 160 credits of in-depth study.

Anchored in a firm foundation in biomedical, pharmaceutical, socio-behavioral, and clinical science, the pharmacy program curriculum increases your skills and knowledge in providing superior patient care. With experiential education woven into the entire curriculum, you also have ample opportunities to get involved in pharmaceutical care and gain hands-on experience.

Learn more about the Doctor of Pharmacy program curriculum.

Pass Rate

For the 2022 graduation year, USJ’s pharmacy graduates are above the national average and have the best pass rate in Connecticut for first-time test takers of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) exam.


Pharm.D. Program Admission Requirements

Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and present evidence of successful completion of the required prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

Candidates need to apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and submit the following materials for consideration:

  • Personal statement (minimum of 250 words) that describes your goals and reasons for pursuing a career in pharmacy
  • An official transcript from each college or university attended
  • Test scores from the PCAT, MCAT, DAT, or GRE are not required
  • Two professional letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a science professor or instructor and the other from a non-relative
  • Interview by invitation only

Review the detailed admissions requirements of the Pharm.D. program.

Pharmacy Newsletters

Apply to USJ’s Pharm.D. Program

Want to enter the field of pharmacy and start a meaningful and lucrative career in health care? Apply to the University of Saint Joseph’s Doctor of Pharmacy Degree program and earn your degree in just three years! 

Have more questions about the Pharm.D. program? Contact us, or use the links below to learn more. 

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