The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) offers a graduate-level pharmacy program culminating in the professional degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). This program prepares graduates with the professional competencies for entry-level pharmacy practice in any setting; to ensure optimal medication therapy outcomes, patient safety and patient-centered, team-based care; and to satisfy the educational requirements for licensure as a pharmacist. °®¶ą´«Ă˝'s (BU’s) program develops caring professionals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required for the ethical and effective practice of pharmacy. The PharmD program has three objectives:
(1) to educate skilled pharmacists to serve their communities with competence and compassion and in an ethical manner
(2) to promote public health by educating pharmacists to provide drug information and education
(3) to develop skills in pharmacy management, medication distribution and control, and in counseling of patients on medications.
The °®¶ą´«Ă˝ School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences' PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603, 312-664-3575; FAX: 866-228-2631; .
Course Requirements for PharmD degree (161 credits)
Complete the following coursework:
| Term 1: P1 Fall | ||
| PHRM 501 | Foundations I: Pharmaceutical Sciences - Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacokinetics | 5 credits |
| PHRM 504 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy I: Self Care and Over the Counter Products | 3 credits |
| PHRM 508 | Professional Communication and Medical Info | 2 credits |
| PHRM 510 | Health Care Delivery | 3 credits |
| PHRM 513 | Pharmaceutics I: Physical Pharmacy | 3 credits |
| PHRM 514 | Pharmaceutical Calculations I | 1 credit |
| PHRM 579a | Lifelong Learning | 0 credits |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Term 2: P1 Spring | ||
| PHRM 502 | Foundations II: Introductory Integrated Biological Sciences - Pathophysiology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology | 3 credits |
| PHRM 503 | Foundations III: Introduction to Integrated Pharmacotherapy Clinical Sciences - Systems Pathophysiology and Clinical Chemistry/Delivery of Care | 2 credits |
| PHRM 505 | SKILLS LAB - Integrated Pharmacotherapy I: Concepts and Patient Care Skills | 2 credits |
| PHRM 509 | Foundations for Interprofessional Communication | 1 credit |
| PHRM 511 | Biostatistics | 3 credits |
| PHRM 512 | Pharmacy Law | 3 credits |
| PHRM 515 | Pharmaceutics II: Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery | 3 credits |
| PHRM 516 | Pharmaceutical Calculations II | 1 credit |
| PHRM 579b | Lifelong Learning | 1 credit per AY |
| PHRM 562 | Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience I: Community Practice (summer) | 2 credits |
| Credit Hours | 21 | |
| P1 Total Credit Hours | 38 | |
| Term 3: P2 Fall | ||
| PHRM 520 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy II: Gastrointestinal Disease | 2 credits |
| PHRM 521 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy III: Cardiology | 4 credits |
| PHRM 522 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy IV: Endocrine, Renal and Reproductive Health | 3 credits |
| PHRM 525 | SKILLS LAB - Integrated Pharmacotherapy II-IV: Concepts and Patient Care Skills | 2 credits |
| PHRM 528 | Population Health and Study Design Evaluation | 3 credits |
| PHRM 533 | SKILLS LAB - Pharmaceutical Compounding and Dispensing | 2 credits |
| PHRM 580X | Elective | 3 credits |
| PHRM 579c | Lifelong Learning | 0 credits |
| Credit Hours | 19 | |
| Term 4: P2 Spring | ||
| PHRM 523 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy V: Neurology, Psychiatry, Anesthesiology | 4 credits |
| PHRM 524 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy VI: Infectious Disease | 4 credits |
| PHRM 526 | SKILLS LAB - Integrated Pharmacotherapy V-VI: Concepts and Patient Care Skills | 2 credits |
| PHRM 529 | Drug Information and Health Informatics | 3 credits |
| PHRM 530 | Health Care Ethics | 2 credits |
| PHRM 534 | Pharmaceutics III: Sterile Products and Biopharmaceuticals | 2 credits |
| PHRM 579d | Lifelong Learning | 1 credit per AY |
| PHRM 564 | Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience II: Hospital Pharmacy (summer) | 2 credits |
| Credit Hours |
20 | |
| P2 Total Credit Hours | 39 | |
| Term 5: P3 Fall | ||
| PHRM 541 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy VII: Pulmonary, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat | 3 credits |
| PHRM 542 | Integrated Pharmacotherapy VIII: Hematology, Oncology and Autoimmune Diseases | 5 credits |
| PHRM 544 | SKILLS LAB - Integrated Pharmacotherapy VII-VIII: Concepts and Patient Care Skills | 2 credits |
| PHRM 548 | Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes | 3 credits |
| PHRM 553 | Pharmacy, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine | 2 credits |
| PHRM 580X OR PHRM 597 (for Research Track) | Elective | 3 credits |
|
PHRM 571a OR PHRM 571c |
Capstone Project Preparation OR Capstone Project Preparation for Research Track |
0 credits |
|
PHRM 566
|
Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience III: Direct Patient Care I | 2 credits |
| Credit Hours |
20 | |
|
Term 6: P3 Spring
|
||
|
PHRM 543
|
Integrated Pharmacotherapy IX: Special Populations - Geriatrics, Pediatrics and Health of Rural Populations | 3 credits |
|
PHRM 545
|
SKILLS/SMALL GROUP COMPLEX CASES - Integrated Pharmacotherapy I-IX: Whole System Overview Integrating Concepts and Advanced Patient Care Skills | 3 credits |
|
PHRM 550
|
Contemporary Pharmacy Leadership and Management | 3 credits |
| PHRM 551 | Public Health and Global Health Problems | 2 credits |
|
PHRM 554
|
Advanced Skills Lab - Pharmaceutical Compounding | 1 credits |
|
PHRM 580X
|
Elective | 3 credits |
|
PHRM 571b OR PHRM 571d |
Capstone Project Preparation OR Capstone Project Preparation for Research Track |
1 credit per AY |
|
PHRM 567
|
Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience IV: Direct Patient Care II | 2 credits |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| P3 Total Credit Hours | 38 | |
|
Term 7 and 8: P4 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences
|
||
|
PHRM 572
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience I: Community Pharmacy | 6 credits |
|
PHRM 573
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience II: Ambulatory Care Pharmacy | 6 credits |
|
PHRM 574
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience III: Pharmacy Administration/Institutional | 6 credits |
|
PHRM 575
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience IV: General/Internal Medicine | 6 credits |
|
PHRM 581
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience: Direct Patient Care Elective | 6 credits |
| PHRM 587 | Professional Development and Practice Readiness I | 2 credits |
|
PHRM 588
|
Professional Development and Practice Readiness II | 2 credits |
|
PHRM 595
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience: Research | 6 credits |
|
Complete one of the following two courses:
|
||
|
PHRM 582
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience: Non-Direct Patient Care Elective | 6 credits |
|
PHRM 583
|
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience: Direct Patient Care Elective | 6 credits |
|
P4 Total Credit Hours
|
46 | |
|
PharmD Curriculum Total Credit Hours
|
161 | |
Additional Course Requirements for the PharmD Degree
All students must present their APPE Research Project at the Capstone Poster Presentation event prior to commencement.
Admission
See the Admissions section of the SOPPS page in the Academic Programs section of the Bulletin
Additional Matriculation Requirements:
Professional students in the SOPPS must adhere to the following policies related to professional practice. Some policies will require students to pay additional fees.
Professional Ethics and Academic Honesty
Students are expected to comply with the University’s Code of Student Conduct and the policies related to professional ethics, professional practice and academic honesty as stated in the SOPPS Student Handbook.
Program Fees
Students are required to pay fees that are associated with their professional development and requirements that are above and beyond tuition and fees charged by the University. Those fees include but are not limited to appropriate immunization costs, annual drug screening and criminal background check, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification costs, intern licensing fees, simulation fees and third-party professional development software (e.g., CORE-ELM) costs. Additionally, students are required to provide and pay for their own transportation and/or housing expenses for their experiential rotations.
Malpractice and Liability Insurance
The University does not provide medical or liability coverage to students or other visitors to the campus. Should an injury or property damage occur which you believe is the result of the negligence of a University employee acting within the scope of his/her employment, a claim can be filed in accordance with the New York State Court of Claims Act. More information can be found .
Additionally, if you become a University student employee, you may be eligible for defense and indemnification in accordance with the New York State Public Officers Law section 17 for work-related negligent acts which may cause injury or property damage to others.
Students within the SOPPS have liability/malpractice insurance coverage with the State University of New York (SUNY) while registered for and participating in experiential coursework. This coverage does not extend to outside employment, summer internships or internships independent of the school's curriculum. Students involved in outside employment should determine if their employer has an insurance policy that covers students during their outside employment and if so, the extent of the coverage and the circumstances under which a student employee would be covered. Students may also obtain their own malpractice insurance at a nominal cost from providers such as Pharmacists Mutual Insurance or Healthcare Providers Service Organization. For additional information, contact the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) or the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY).
Health Insurance
All PharmD students enrolled in the SOPPS are required to submit proof of personal health insurance. This documentation must be submitted prior to beginning any clinical experience. Failure to demonstrate evidence of health insurance will prevent the student from beginning clinical experiences in any semester. Health insurance is available for purchase through the University for those students who do not have coverage.
Drug Screening
PharmD students are required to complete an annual drug screening. Students will be asked to submit to drug screening prior to matriculation through CertiPhi Screening Inc., and at the beginning of each academic year. The student is responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. For more information about this process and its associated fees, see the CertiPhi website . Each student assigned to an experiential site may be required by that site to submit to an additional drug screening. The student will comply with directions given regarding the designated vendor and any appropriate follow-up that may be required. Although variable, most required panels test for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, meperidine, methadone, oxycodone, opiates, phencyclidine and propoxyphene. Costs associated with the additional testing may be incurred by the students.
Failure to comply with the drug screening requirement will result in a hold placed on the student’s account and the student will not be allowed to go on their experiential rotations.
Criminal Background Checks
PharmD students are required to undergo an annual criminal background check. All students are required to complete a criminal background check prior to matriculation through CertiPhi Screening Inc. and at the beginning of each academic year. The student is responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. For more information about this process and its fees, see the CertiPhi website .
Failure to comply with the background check requirement will result in a hold placed on the student’s account and the student will not be allowed to go on their experiential rotations.
The SOPPS requires that students disclose if they are arrested or involved in legal issues. Disclosure of such circumstances should be shared with the director of student affairs. It is imperative that these instances be disclosed in a timely fashion, as they may prevent admission to the SOPPS or may prevent licensure by the Board of Pharmacy.
Immunizations
All pharmacy students are required to document their immunizations as directed in the appropriate school of pharmacy database. All pharmacy students are required to update their immunizations annually. Failure to comply with the immunization requirements will result in a hold placed on the student’s account and the student will not be allowed to go on their experiential rotations.
- COVID-19: Provide documentation of a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine. For answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, click here.
- Influenza - Provide documentation of a current flu vaccine by October 31 each year.
- Meningitis - Provide documentation of a Meningitis (MCV4) vaccine administered.
- MMR - Provide documentation of two MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines OR a positive antibody titer showing immunity. If the titer provided is negative or equivocal, the student must repeat the two-shot series AND provide a second titer.
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) - Provide documentation of a positive titer showing immunity. A student with a history of disease MUST demonstrate immunity by a titer. If the titer provided is negative or equivocal, students must repeat the two-shot series AND provide a second titer.
- Tdap - Provide documentation of a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine administered within the past 10 years. If Tdap vaccination is older than 10 years, provide documentation of a current Td booster. Previous Tdap vaccinations must be provided in order for Td boosters to be accepted.
- Hepatitis B - Provide documentation of complete Hepatitis B vaccine series AND a positive antibody titer showing immunity. If the titer provided is negative or equivocal, the student must repeat the Hepatitis B vaccine series AND provide a second titer.
- PPD - Provide documentation of a one-step PPD test or QuantiFERON TB Gold test. If the test is positive, provide documentation of a clear chest x-ray. Chest x-rays will be good for five years, but the student must submit a TB screener every year. Students should not delete previous PPD results from the documentation database.
There are an increasing number of external hospital and clinical training sites where a student is assigned that require the student to submit proof of having a variety of immunizations. All students must keep a copy of their immunization history on file within the appropriate database as they may be asked to produce it at an experiential site. The student should check with the Office of Experiential Education (OEE) to determine which sites require such proof and/or additional immunizations. Students should be aware that being a health professional involves increased exposure to diseases.
Program Requirements
The PharmD degree program is a four-year course of study. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become pharmacy practitioners who possess the knowledge and skills required to function as authorities on the use of medications and who can apply pharmaceutical and biomedical science to the practical problems of drug therapy. Pharmacists are capable of contributing to the interdisciplinary delivery of primary health care and can function as drug therapy specialists. Students also are prepared for specialty professional studies and for graduate study in pharmaceutical sciences.
Students must complete the requirements of the PharmD degree within six years of initial matriculation. Leaves of absence, withdrawals (medical or otherwise), suspensions, and delayed progression shall be included within the six-year period. A dismissal recommendation will be made to the dean when it is determined by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment (OAAA) that a student will not be able to meet the six-year requirement.
Unless specifically suggested for improved success in academic and/or professional endeavors, it is not recommended that PharmD students enroll in any coursework outside of the course requirements for the PharmD degree. Additionally, students may not complete an additional APPE during an off block without applying and being approved for such an opportunity as outlined in the “Policy Related to Students Ranking an Extra APPE.” Student approval of having an additional APPE is contingent upon meeting certain criteria at the time of application and maintaining certain criteria following approval as outlined in the policy.
Students are expected to complete all site-required onboarding prior to the start date of each introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) and APPE. If a student has been found to be non-compliant or delinquent with any onboarding, immunizations, health screenings, and other requirements from the SOPPS (found in the Student Handbook) that relate to their placement within an IPPE/APPE practice site, the student will fail the associated IPPE or APPE (beginning with the Class of 2026). Students are encouraged to review the progression policies associated with failing any IPPEs and/or APPEs, which are found in the SOPPS Student Handbook.
Upon investigation by the OEE, if it is determined that the issue of the student being non-compliant or delinquent with any onboarding, immunizations, health screenings, and other requirements from the SOPPS that related to the IPPE/APPE practice site, has stemmed from circumstances outside the student’s control, the student will receive a temporary incomplete “I” grade for the IPPE/APPE. Whether or not the student fails the rotation or receives an incomplete, the OEE will then re-assign the student to another site for their IPPE/APPE; re-assignment may be in Summer or Winter sessions for IPPEs, and APPEs could be re-assigned during a student’s off module of after module #8 of the APPE year, which could delay graduation.
The SOPPS academic petition may be used to petition these academic policies.
Capstone Research Project
The Capstone Research Project is a true research experience designed to teach professional student pharmacists to develop and implement a research project while applying and integrating knowledge learned throughout the curriculum. This includes creating a poster of their work suitable for formal poster presentation.
The types of research performed in the profession of pharmacy vary widely. Capstone Research Projects will reflect this diversity. Research projects can include, but are not limited to, laboratory, clinical or health outcomes research, business plans, retrospective chart review or protocol reviews, patient/drug safety studies, and educational research.
Every Capstone Research Project will be presented at the SOPPS Capstone Research Day, which will be held during the week prior to graduation. All students will be expected to discuss their project results with attendees. Capstone judges will evaluate poster presentations based on scientific merit, clarity of oral presentation/discussion and research poster layout and content and student involvement using the Capstone Poster Presentation Rubric. The poster presentation is a graduation requirement.
Objectives. The overall goal of the Capstone experience is to prepare students when they graduate from SOPPS with the skills necessary to properly conduct scholarly, pharmacy-related research throughout their careers.
Upon completion of the Capstone Research Project, student shall, a minimum, be able to:
- Develop a hypothesis-driven pharmacy-related research project.
- Collect, analyze and interpret project data.
- Create and present a visual summary of the project for poster presentation at Capstone Research Day.
Grading Scale
Grades are on a letter scale: A through D, and F. Grades of “S” (satisfactory) and “U” (unsatisfactory) may be used in a limited number of cases, for which no greater precision in grading is required. The grades of “S” and “U” are not assigned a numerical value and thus are not averaged in with other grades in computing grade point averages (GPAs). A grade of “S” denotes a minimum level of academic performance equivalent to at least a “B.”
For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as well as a percentage range for the point value. The SOPPS percentage ranges are as follows:
| Letter Grade | Numeric Grade | Percentage Grade |
| A | 4.0 | 92.5-100 |
| A- | 3.7 | 89.5-92.4 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 86.5-89.4 |
| B | 3.0 | 82.5-86.4 |
| B- | 2.7 | 79.5-82.4 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 74.5-79.4 |
| C | 2.0 | 69.5-74.4 |
| C- | 1.7 | 66.5-69.4 |
| D | 1.0 | 59.5-66.4 |
| F | 00 | < 59.5 |
These grade values are combined with course credit-hours to produce a GPA. Courses for which a student has received an “F” do not count toward the number of courses required for a graduate degree or certificate.
Course Schedule Change Policies
The SOPPS follows all of the Graduate School policies regarding changes in course schedules. The school strongly discourages changes in any course within a pharmacy student’s schedule without consultation from the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) within the school. Dropping a course or changing a schedule in any way could result in a significant extension of the time required to earn the PharmD degree. Due to this, changes in academic schedules should only happen in extreme situations.
Residence Requirement
PharmD students will be expected to complete the entirety of their required coursework at BU. Exceptions for accepting transfer credits from other institutions will be granted only on rare occasions. See the Transfer Credit section below for more information.
Transfer Credit
Before credit for a course taken at a different university is accepted for transfer credit into the BU PharmD program, written approval must be obtained from the OAA or the Dean of the SOPPS prior to registering for BU classes. Students transferring credits to BU will need to complete the Request for Transfer Credit form, which is available from the Graduate School.
Part-Time and Non-Matriculated/Non-Degree Study
Part-time and non-matriculated/non-degree study options are not available.
Misconduct Procedures
Students are subject to disciplinary action for violations of any of the SOPPS policies held within the school, the Student Handbook and any policies held within BU’s Student Handbook or Student Code of Conduct. Any suspected violations of academic, ethical or professional standards may be reported to the school's OAA and/or OSA which, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook, may forward these violations to the Committee on Awards and Progression (CAP) for evaluation, and/or to the BU Division of Student Affairs, for evaluation and adjudication. (See the Student Code of Conduct for more information on the BU Division of Student Affairs student conduct process and outcomes.)
Within the SOPPS, academic and/or disciplinary action may be taken by CAP for students who breach the School's Honor Code. The severity of action will depend on the severity of the infraction, the frequency of infractions, and if it is a repeated infraction. Actions can include but are not limited to verbal or written warnings, professional remediation, professional probation or dismissal. CAP decisions will be communicated to students and their faculty advisors by either the OAA, the OSA, or the Dean, as appropriate. Students will have the opportunity to have a hearing, given ample notification of the hearing’s time and location, and will be able to follow an appeals process regarding the outcome of the hearing. (For a more detailed description of the conduct process or appeals process, check the SOPPS Student Handbook and the OSA.)
Student Grievance Policy and Process
All students are encouraged to make every effort to solve problems informally by working with their class representatives and class advisors, faculty members, and both the OAA and the OSA. For more formal grievances, refer to the process outlined below. Examples of potential reasons for a grievance include, but are not limited to:
- Policies as described in the approved SOPPS Student Handbook
- Academic Integrity Policy violations and/or results of associated CAP hearings
- Professionalism Misconduct violations and/or results of associated CAP hearings
- Matters pertaining to ACPE standards or ACPE policies and procedures
If an individual discovers a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy or Professionalism Policy, the student will be informed as outlined in the SOPPS Student Handbook. Cases may be referred to CAP as indicated in the “Enforcement Procedures” section of both the Academic Integrity Policy and the Professionalism Policy. If the student fails to reach a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal the CAP decision within five business days of the CAP hearing in accordance with the following policy:
- The student should make a formal written appeal to the Student Grievance Committee (membership described in the SOPPS Bylaws). This committee will meet and discuss the issue and may request additional information from various parties before rendering a decision. The Student Grievance Committee will render a decision in written format and copy the OAA and the OSA.
- If the student does not feel the issue is resolved, the student should make a written appeal to the OAA within five business days of the Student Grievance Committee’s written decision. The OAA will review the information and prepare a written decision.
- If the student still does not feel the issue is resolved, the student should make a written appeal to the Dean of the SOPPS within five business days of the decision of the OAA. The dean will review the information and prepare a written decision.
ACPE Complaints. Students may submit a complaint to the ACPE at any time in accordance with its policy. For a statement of the ACPE complaint policy and procedures on how to file a complaint, refer to their .
Course Grade Appeal Process
For an appeal of a course grade to be considered, it must be based upon one or more of the following grounds and upon the allegation that the ground or grounds cited influenced the grade assigned to the student’s detriment:
- Arithmetic or clerical error
- Documented ineffectiveness of the faculty member to prepare students for success in the course, on tests, or in assignments.
The student should first attempt to resolve any academic disagreement with the instructor. If the student fails to reach a satisfactory resolution, the student may appeal the grade within five business days of final course grades are reported, in accordance with the following policy:
- The student should prepare a written statement of the issue(s) and contact the relevant instructor’s department chair and the OSA. This step should generate a meeting to discuss the incident.
- If unresolved at this step, the student should then make a formal written appeal to the Student Grievance Committee (membership described in the SOPPS Bylaws). This committee will meet and discuss the issue and may request additional information from various parties before rendering a decision. The Student Grievance Committee will render a decision in written format and copy the OAA and the OSA.
- If the student does not feel the issue is resolved, the student should make a written appeal to the OAA within five business days of the Student Grievance Committee’s written decision. The OAA will review the information and prepare a written decision.
- If the student still does not feel the issue is resolved, the student should make a written appeal to the Dean of the SOPPS within five business days of the decision of the OAA. The Dean will review the information and prepare a written decision.
Student Progression, Dismissal, Academic Probation and Remediation Policies
Students are expected to progress through the PharmD program in four years while maintaining a minimum 2.50 GPA. Only course requirements for the PharmD degree will be utilized to calculate semester and cumulative GPAs. Additionally, students are expected to uphold the academic honesty and professional codes of conduct as delineated in the SOPPS Student Handbook. However, student progression may be delayed or deferred. Additionally, under some conditions, a student can be dismissed from the PharmD program.
Student progression can be delayed due to poor academic performance, professional or academic misconduct, or student election due to medical or personal issues. However, students must complete the requirements of the PharmD degree within six years of initial matriculation. Leaves of absence, withdrawals (medical or otherwise), suspensions, and delayed progression shall be included within the six-year period. The range of potential routes for delayed progression or dismissal and SOPPS policies related to progression/dismissal are described below.
Failure to maintain a minimum GPA. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better during their didactic coursework (pre-APPEs) and must have at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA to enter APPEs. Should a student be unable to maintain a cumulative 2.50 GPA, they will be placed on Academic Probation. A student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better by the end of the P3 year or they cannot enter APPEs. Only course requirements for the PharmD degree will be utilized to calculate semester and cumulative GPAs.
When a student is placed on Academic Probation (see below), their semester and cumulative GPAs are monitored by the OAAA. Should a student be mathematically eliminated from obtaining a 2.50 cumulative GPA by the end of P3 year, they will be given the option to petition the CAP to continue in the PharmD program with an Individualized Success Plan (joining another cohort) before being dismissed from the program.
Students must meet the following requirements to progress/complete the program:
- By end of P1 Year: Students with cumulative GPAs below 2.0 at the end of P1 year cannot progress to P2 year and may be eligible for a Five-year Plan (see requirements below).
- By end of P3 Year: A student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better by the end of P3 year or they cannot enter APPEs.
Dismissal from the PharmD program. The Dean confers all dismissal decisions with input from OAA and CAP. Example reasons for student dismissal from the PharmD program include:
- Exhausted the limits of the remediation policy (greater than 4 courses including IPPEs during the P1 through P3 years).
- Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher by the end of the P3 year.
- Cumulative GPA less than 2.0 at the end of the P1 year.
- GPA less than 2.0 at the end of any semester or academic year.
- Failure of two or more APPEs.
- Severe or continued academic or professional misconduct.
- Inability to complete the requirements of the PharmD degree within six years of initial matriculation.
Students can appeal the dismissal decision. The process for appeals processes outside the SOPPS include the Grievance Appeals Procedure within the Graduate School Manual for appeals processes outside the SOPPS .
Five-Year Plan. Students may be placed on a Five-Year Plan, defined as withdrawing at the end of a semester/academic year and returning with the next cohort to reattempt the curriculum, for the following reasons:
- Failing remediation of a course.
- Need for remediating more than two courses in a given semester.
- Cumulative GPA less than 2.0 at the end of P1 year.
- Requires student petition of the CAP, including a detailed written proposal and success plan. The CAP will review petitions and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
Students placed on Five-Year Plans will be given an individual academic plan with conditions they must meet to remain in the PharmD program. All students will be required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) in any class that is repeated.
Remediation. If at the end of any pre-APPE semester (P1 through P3 years), a student has failed (defined as a final grade below C-) one or more courses, including IPPEs, they may be eligible to remediate the course content. However, if a student has failed more than two courses in any semester or has already remediated four courses, including IPPEs, throughout the P1 through P3 years, they will not be eligible for remediation and may instead be offered an opportunity to re-enter the program with another cohort (Five-Year Plan (defined above)) or Individualized Success Plan. A student may be placed on a Five-Year Plan or Individualized Success Plan one time.
Given the nature of interprofessional education (IPE) and laboratory coursework, remediation eligibility for the following courses will be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the student, course coordinators, and CAP.
- PHRM 505: Skills Lab – Integrated Pharmacotherapy I: Concepts and Patient Care Skills
- PHRM 509: Foundations for Interprofessional Communication
- PHRM 525: Skills Lab – Integrated Pharmacotherapy II-IV: Concepts and Patient Care Skills
- PHRM 533: Skills Lab – Pharmaceutical Compounding and Dispensing
- PHRM 526: Skills Lab – Integrated Pharmacotherapy V-VI: Concepts and Patient Care Skills
- PHRM 534: Pharmaceutics III: Sterile Products and Biopharmaceuticals
- PHRM 544: Skills Lab – Integrated Pharmacotherapy VII-VIII: Concepts and Patient Care Skills
- PHRM 545: Skills/Small Group Complex Cases – Integrated Pharmacotherapy I-IX: Whole System Overview Integrating Concepts and Advanced Patient Care Skills
- PHRM 554: Advanced Skills Lab – Pharmaceutical Compounding
- PHRM 579c: Lifelong Learning
- PHRM 579d: Lifelong Learning
If a student is not able to successfully remediate a course, they may also be offered a Five-Year Plan or Individualized Success Plan.
Students may remediate one APPE during the P4 year. Any additional failure in APPEs may result in potential dismissal from the PharmD program.
Failure of experiential courses, IPPEs or APPEs, will result in a meeting of involved parties, as appropriate. This may include a conference with the OEE and the student and/or preceptor. IPPE or APPE failure may also result in a student meeting with the CAP, as appropriate, based on the students’ academic progression and remediation history.
Monitoring Student Academic Progress. At the midpoint of each semester, the OAAA, examines student grades in all courses. Students who are struggling (defined as a midpoint course grade less than 70%) will receive a letter notification and reminder of SOPPS remediation and progression policies. Individual cases may be reviewed by CAP and an individualized study plan may be developed by CAP/OAAA and appropriate faculty based on a students’ academic history and progression. Designed plans will focus on ensuring students are being provided appropriate supplemental assistance to achieve the learning outcomes and competencies expected of them.
Students who were already on Academic Probation or who are at-risk in multiple courses may meet individually with CAP to discuss progress.
Student Academic Probation. The criteria for academic probation are:
- Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 for any given academic term during P1 through P3 years.
- A semester GPA less than 2.50 for any given semester.
Students will be notified of Academic Probation via a letter from the OAA. Notation will also appear on students’ transcripts. Students on Academic Probation may have restrictions on extra-curricular activities as deemed appropriate.
While on Academic Probation, students’ academic progress will be monitored closely and students may need to meet with CAP at the midpoint of the semester if academic performance has not improved.
Students will be removed from Academic Probation when they attain good standing, defined by all of the following:
- Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or greater.
- Current semester GPA greater than 2.50.
- Adherence to Academic Integrity Guidelines.
Students will be notified of their removal from Academic Probation by a letter from the OAA.
Student Progression and Dismissal Glossary and Definition of Terms
- Academic dismissal - Removal of a student from the PharmD program due to poor academic performance. Dismissal decisions are made by the dean.
- Academic probation - Student fails to maintain the minimum GPA of 2.50 either in a given semester or cumulatively and is monitored by the OAAA and/or CAP.
- Deferred academic progression - Delay of a student’s academic progress/program continuation for up to a full academic year due to circumstances approved by the BU dean of students office or the graduate school.
- Delayed academic progression - Mandatory delay of a student’s academic progress/program continuation for up to a full academic year due to poor academic performance.
- Professional dismissal - Removal of a student from the PharmD program due to a violation(s) of the Honor Code, academic honesty code, or policies unrelated to academic achievement. Dismissal decisions are made by the Dean.
- Professional probation - Student is placed on a “success plan” with monitoring due to a violation(s) of the Honor Code, academic honesty code, or policies unrelated to academic achievement. Probation may have restrictions on extra-curricular activities.
- Remediation - Supplemental education for a student failing to demonstrate minimal competence during the regular course schedule. This allows the student additional opportunities to demonstrate core competencies and learning outcomes for course content and skills. Remediation opportunities are usually made available to students immediately after the semester in which the course is routinely offered and are completed prior to the subsequent semester.
- Undelayed progression - Student continuation and successful completion of the curriculum/PharmD program in the prescribed four-year course timeline.
List of Faculty
Due to our integrated curriculum, faculty from both the Pharmaceutical Sciences program and the PharmD program teach PharmD courses. Please see below for links to faculty from both programs.