Doctor of Pharmacy Program > Transfer Admission Policy

The University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Pharmacy occasionally receives inquiries regarding the possibility of transfers from other colleges of pharmacy or from individuals holding a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy who wish to enter the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The purpose of this is policy is to guide the response to such requests.

INTRODUCTION

If there is available capacity in the program, applications for transfer or admission with advanced standing will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (OUCOP). This committee will include representation from the Admissions Committee, the Academic Standings Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and Pharmacy Student Affairs. Any inquiries from students for advanced standing in the OUCOP will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs who will forward materials to the ad hoc committee Chair.

Admission of individuals with advanced standing is not encouraged by the OUCOP. However, exceptions may be considered when personal circumstances have forced the individual to withdraw from another college of pharmacy. Individuals who have been enrolled in a college of pharmacy but are not presently enrolled may need to make application as a new student or may be considered for admission with advanced standing as determined by the ad hoc committee.

Individuals who possess a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy will also be considered for admission with advanced standing. Previous training and professional experience will be considered in reviewing the application for advanced standing.

Individuals dismissed from a college of pharmacy for insufficient academic performance or unprofessional behavior will not be considered for admission.

ADMISSION WITH ADVANCED STANDING

Applicants who have not completed a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy must:

1. Submit a letter requesting transfer from the current or previous college of pharmacy including the reason for the request.
2. Provide a letter from the dean’s office of the college of pharmacy certifying that the applicant is/was in good academic standing. This letter may serve as one of the three letters of reference required by the OUCOP.
3. Supply a copy of the curricular requirements of the college of pharmacy in which the student is/was enrolled.
4. Submit an official OUHSC application with payment of all applicable fees, three letters of reference, and other requested information.
5. Provide transcripts of all completed college and university coursework as well as current enrollment.
6. Be available for a personal interview with the OUCOP should the application meet initial screening requirements.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy must:

1. Submit a letter requesting admission for advanced standing that includes an explicit statement of career goals and objectives, summary of practice experience, and perceived level and area of expertise. Include rationale as to how completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy program will augment applicant’s current practice or assist applicant in meeting career goals.
2. Submit an official OUHSC application form with payment of all applicable fees.
3. Submit three letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional qualifications. One of the letters must be from the applicant’s most recent supervisor. Additional information may be requested from references.
4. Provide transcripts of all college and university coursework.
5. Be available for a personal interview with the OUCOP should the application meet initial screening requirements.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFER OR ADVANCED STANDING

Following the interview, the ad hoc committee will provide a recommendation to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy to accept or deny the application. A recommendation for admission must include an individualized program of study for completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK

All students who receive the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the OUCOP will be required to complete coursework as determined by the ad hoc committee.

Please see Appendix A for a representative curriculum for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Courses may be added or deleted from this curriculum as determined by the ad hoc committee with approval by the academic dean. Practicums during the fourth professional year are required for all students but may be modified by professional experience acquired by the applicant.

APPENDIX A