Step One: Requirements
Earn Minimum Grade Point Average
For consideration, applicant must have a minimum cumulative college GPA > 2.00.
The School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee reviews applicants’ academic transcripts closely. All college credits and grade points are factored into the cumulative college GPA. Repeated course grades are averaged together for overall cumulative and science/math GPA calculations. The original grade and the repeated grade will both count toward GPA. The Admissions Committee will be judging academic ability through individual course grades, overall trend in grades and academic progression, cumulative GPA, math/science GPA and prerequisite GPA.
Enroll in Pre-Pharmacy Coursework
Applicants do not have to complete all of the required pre-pharmacy coursework (PDF) before submitting their application materials. However, all pre-pharmacy course requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or higher before the Fall Semester of the entering class year.
Transfer Coursework
Courses completed at other institutions may transfer to UMKC. Contact us for information about courses from schools not listed.
Applicants completing coursework at an institution of higher education in the United States must ensure that the institution is regionally accredited (PDF). College coursework from institutions that are not regionally accredited will not meet the pre-pharmacy course requirements.
Foreign credit earned in General Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Calculus, Physics, Organic Chemistry I and Communications may transfer if the UMKC International Student Affairs Office approves it as equivalent and it meets the minimum grade and timeline requirements.
Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) Score Submission
Although the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is not required, applicants may choose to submit PCAT scores for consideration by the Admissions Committee if the applicant believes these scores will strengthen their academic profile. The Admissions Committee will be judging academic ability through individual course grades, overall trend in grades and academic progression, cumulative GPA, math/science GPA and prerequisite GPA. The average cumulative, math and science, and prerequisite GPAs of our last admitted class were above 3.4 to give you an idea of what incoming students have recently demonstrated academically. If an applicant does not feel that their academic record represents their true academic capabilities, the PCAT is an additional opportunity to demonstrate knowledge.
Applicants are encouraged to contact an admissions advisor in the Pharmacy Student Affairs Office (pharmacy@umkc.edu) to discuss the strength of their application and whether they should take the PCAT to help their application portfolio.
Applicants who take the PCAT to strengthen their application should submit scores to PharmCAS using code 104. Find out more about score submission.
Recent scores from another professional level college entrance exam with a science component (MCAT, DAT, OAT, etc.) in addition to recent ACT/SAT may be submitted to pharmacy@umkc.edu for review in consultation regarding taking the PCAT.
Meet the Minimal Technical Standards for Admission, Matriculation and Graduation
Read, meet and maintain compliance of the minimal technical standards for admission, matriculation and graduation (PDF).
Request a Reference Evaluation
Your reference will submit an evaluation directly to PharmCAS.
Evaluations are accepted from these categories of evaluators:
- Faculty member
- Academic advisor
- Pharmacist
- Health care professional
- Employer or supervisor
Personal friends, relatives or coworkers are not acceptable evaluators.
Review Next Steps
Step Two: PharmCAS Application
Step Three: Supplemental Application
Step Five: Admission Confirmation
Step Six: Requirements for International Applicants