Frequently Asked Questions

About the Seven-Year B.S./Pharm.D. Program

When did this program start?

A: It hasn't started yet. The faculty in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS), and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have approved the recommendation. Next, the UCSD Academic Senate must approve the program. We hope that it will go into effect for freshmen students entering in Fall 2005.

Will students who enter UCSD as either freshmen or transfers be eligible for the seven-year program?

A: No, unfortunately only students who enter UCSD as freshmen will be eligible to apply for the program. Transfer students will need to apply to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the more "normal" time, during the summer before the year they will graduate with the B.S.

Does a freshman applicant to UCSD have to do something special on the UC application to indicate interest in the seven-year B.S./Pharm.D. program?

A: No, there is no special way in which to indicate interest in the program at the time of application to UC.

When will a UCSD student apply to the seven-year program?

A: Upon completing a standard first two years as a major in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry a student will apply to the program.

What courses must a student take in those two years?

A: A student should complete the following courses before applying to the seven-year program:

  • General Chemistry (Chem 6ABC) and lab (Chem 6BL)
  • Calculus (Math 20 ABCD)
  • Physics (Phys 2ABD)
  • Organic Chemistry (Chem 140ABC) and lab (Chem 143A)
  • Intro. Biology (BILD 1,2)
In addition, students will take general education and writing/humanities courses as required by their college.

Is there a special college I should apply to?

A: No, all six of UCSD's colleges will provide excellent preparation for entrance to the seven-year degree program.

Is there a special major I should declare?

A: Yes, the B.S. degree will be awarded after four years in either chemistry, chemistry/biochemistry, or pharmacological chemistry, so a student must be declared in one of those majors when applying to the seven-year program.

What if I come into UCSD as a freshman with a major other than Chemistry?

A: Then at least one quarter prior to applying to the B.S./Pharm.D. program you must officially change your major to one in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

If I take all the right courses, am I guaranteed a spot in the program?

A: No, there will be a competitive application process. The SPPS Admissions Committee will make offers based on the application materials and interviews.

How competitive will it be to get into the seven-year program?

A: Since it hasn't started yet we don't know for sure, but we expect that there will be many applicants for only a few available slots.

What if I don't get accepted to the seven-year program?

A: Then you should finish out your undergraduate program and apply to the SPPS at the usual time, entering after you graduate with your B.S.