School Overviews
Many of the top pharmacy schools in the U.S. offer graduate degree programs, and some undergraduate options are available as well. The following schools offer some of the highest-ranked pharmacy programs in the country.
Four of the top pharmacy schools in the U.S. include the University of California, Ohio State University, the University of Arizona, and Purdue Global, all four of which have received high rankings from U.S. News & World Report for the quality of their pharmacy programs. Each of the four schools offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), which is required of all practicing pharmacists in the U.S., as well as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in specialized areas. Additional programs available can lead to a bachelor's, master's, or combined degree.
University of California - SF
The University of California in San Francisco is a public institution that was tied as the 3rd-best pharmacy school in the country in 2016, according to U.S. News & World Report. The UCSF School of Pharmacy offers a Pharm.D., a Ph.D., and several combined degree programs. The Pharm.D. program allows for concentrations in pharmacy sciences and health policy, pharmaceutical care, and management. Students in the Ph.D. program can study biophysics, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or medical informatics. The combined degree programs include a dual Pharm.D./Master of Public Health, a Pharm.D./Master of Science in Clinical Research, and a Pharm.D./Ph.D.
Ohio State University
As of 2016, Ohio State University's College of Pharmacy ranked as tied for 6th-best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Columbus, Ohio State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Master of Science in Health-System Pharmacy Administration. Students interested in business administration or public health coursework can pursue a combined degree program. The university also offers additional learning opportunities in conjunction with Ohio State University Medical Center.
Ohio State's Pharm.D. program, which requires four years of study, provides students with advanced research-based courses and one year of clinical pharmacy experience. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program can focus on medicinal chemistry, translational science, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, or pharmacy administration.
Purdue Global
The College of Pharmacy at Purdue Global, a public research institution, ranked 9th on U.S. News & World Report's list of top pharmacy schools in 2016. Two professional degrees are offered, including a bachelor's in pharmaceutical sciences and a Pharm.D. Additional programs can lead to a Master of Science or Ph.D., and continuing education courses are also available. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona in Tucson ranked as #16 on U.S. News & World Report's list of top pharmacy schools in 2016. UA offers a Pharm.D. program as well as a master's and Ph.D. program. Students can choose from four research tracks: pharmacology and toxicology, drug discovery and development, pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, and health and pharmaceutical outcomes.
Top Pharmacy Programs
Other top schools with pharmacy programs include the following:
| School Name | Location | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | Chicago, IL | Consistently ranks in the top five of NIH funding among pharmacy schools |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Professional Outreach and Development Societies (PODS) provides pharmacy students with education and networking opportunities |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Produces the most students that pass the national pharmacy licensing exam the first time |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Has the Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core facility |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Offers a dual Pharm.D./Master of Business Administration program |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Offers a dual Pharm.D. and master's in gerontology program |
When choosing a pharmacy program at one of the nation's highest-rated schools, students may consider options that include different program tracks and specializations. Students may also consider networking opportunities and dual-degree options.
