FAQ

Professional Pharmacy Degree Program

As a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) student, will I apply for the Pharm.D. program and if so, when?

B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences students must re-apply in the Spring semester of the first professional year to the University of Mississippi for admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. Re-application is necessary due to the change in program. No risk or jeopardy is associated with this process. No application fee will be assessed.

Beginning with the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, applicants are no longer required to take the PCAT for admissions purposes. However, to be considered for school-specific scholarships, students will need to take it, as this is a requirement for scholarships moving forward.

Is tuition the same for all years in the BSPS/Pharm.D. program?

There are two separate tuition/fees required for enrollment in the professional program. There is a tuition differential between the first two and last two years of enrollment with an increase in the tuition for the last two years of enrollment. Non-Mississippi residents typically are of sufficient age to declare Mississippi residency prior to enrollment in the latter two years of the program. Click here for an estimated cost of attendance.

Are there any other requirements, other than academic requirements, to complete the program?

Yes. At the student’s expense, professional students must maintain liability insurance and hospitalization insurance coverage throughout enrollment in the program; complete a Hepatitis B series of immunization; receive the influenza vaccination annually; receive a TB Skin Test annually; purchase a laptop computer; and adhere to the policies of the School of Pharmacy Code of Professional Conduct, e.g. professional behavior, dress code, etc.

Where do third- and fourth-year pharmacy students study?

Third-year pharmacy students take courses at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson so that they may benefit from the strength of the academic medical center and interprofessional collaboration opportunities available with other professional schools at the Medical Center. In addition to having more direct access to medical professionals and medical technology, living in Jackson offers third-year students increased service and volunteer activities with other medical facilities.

Student pharmacists spend their fourth professional year completing 10, one-month advanced pharmacy practice experiences at practice sites throughout Mississippi and other states.

What makes the School of Pharmacy unique?

Refer toAdvantages– In addition to these advantages, the instructional format in which the program teaches the art of drug selection, i.e. therapeutics, is contemporary and modular-based. Pharmacy practice faculty are directly involved in courses in all years of the curriculum and many are involved in post-graduate residency training programs. We offer inter-professional learning opportunities, skills lab in the first, second, and third professional year, and professional development activities. A key goal of our coursework is to promote self-directed learning and to develop our students as life-long learners. This ensures the ability to provide contemporary pharmacy practice and excellent patient care at the time of program completion and throughout one’s career. 

Does the University of Mississippi provide housing while I am on rotation or involved in experiential education?

No.

Are a criminal background check and drug testing required?

A criminal background check is required as part of final admission to the professional degree program. The criminal background check will be conducted again after completion of the first two years of the professional degree program. Randomized drug testing is required of all professional students.

What if I am unsure that I meet the technical standards? Will admission still be granted?

Students who feel they do not meet the technical standards for admission into the professional program are urged to contact the University of Mississippi Student Disabilities Services to ascertain if appropriate accommodations can be made to enable completion of required programmatic activities.

Who can I contact for more information?

Lindsey CooperLindsey Cooper, Coordinator of Admissions

Contact at lindsey@olemiss.edu or (662) 915-1323 | Schedule a meeting at Calendy.

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