M-PACT Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program Graduation Requirements
Class of 2030 and later
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy requires successful completion of all didactic coursework, experiential learning requirements, elective coursework, and competency milestones established by the curriculum. The PharmD curriculum consists of a minimum of 135 credits distributed across professional coursework and experiential learning experiences.
All program requirements must be completed at least ONE week prior to graduation.
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program requires successful completion of all didactic coursework, experiential education requirements, elective coursework, and competency assessments established by the School of Pharmacy. Students must complete a minimum of 135 credits to qualify for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Download the PharmD curriculum outline and graduation checklist and the PharmD competency-based educational outcomes (CBEOs).
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students must:
- Successfully complete a minimum of 135 total credits.
- Successfully complete all required didactic coursework.
- Successfully complete all required introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs).
- Successfully complete all required advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).
- Complete all required didactic and experiential elective requirements.
- Demonstrate satisfactory competency on all competency milestones and progression requirements established by the School of Pharmacy.
- Satisfy all academic, professional, and institutional requirements for graduation.
Credit Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Required Didactic Coursework | 76 |
| Didactic Electives | 9 |
| Required Experiential Learning | 40 |
| Experiential Electives | 10 |
| Total Credits Required | 135 |
Didactic Curriculum
Students complete required and elective coursework during the first three professional years of the curriculum. Coursework includes biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, therapeutics, patient-centered care, leadership and management, public health, pharmacy law, pharmacokinetics, and evidence-based practice.
Students must meet progression requirements outlined in the M-PACT PharmD: Progression for Academic Success Policy to progress through professional years.
Professional Year One (P1)
The first professional year emphasizes foundational sciences and introductory pharmacy practice concepts. Areas of study include person-centered care, pharmacy sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, healthcare systems, immunology, microbiology, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutics.
Professional Year Two (P2)
The second professional year focuses on pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, drug formulation, management and leadership, and continued development of pharmacy practice skills. Students also begin completion of elective coursework requirements.
Professional Year Three (P3)
The third professional year emphasizes advanced therapeutics, evidence evaluation, public health, pharmacy law, and preparation for advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Students continue completion of elective requirements and professional competency development.
Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)
Students must successfully complete 10 credits of introductory experiential education designed to provide progressive exposure to pharmacy practice settings and patient care activities.
- IPPE1000 Pharmacist Career Exploration (1 credit)
- IPPE1100 Person-Centered Care 1 (1 credit)
- IPPE2000 Community Pharmacy Immersion (3 credit)
- IPPE2100 Person-Centered Care 2 (1 credit)
- IPPE2200 Innovative Pharmacy Practice Exploration (1 credit)
- IPPE3000 Health System Pharmacy and Interprofessional Care Immersion (3 credit)
All introductory experiential education requirements must be completed before students begin advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE)
During the fourth professional year, students complete 40 credits of advanced experiential education consisting of required and elective practice experiences.
Required Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (30 Credits)
- APPE 401 Health Systems Pharmacy Practice (5 credits)
- APPE 450 Ambulatory Care (5 credits)
- APPE 451 Acute Care General Medicine (5 credits)
- APPE 453 Community Pharmacy Practice (5 credits)
- APPC Advanced Pharmacy Practice Patient Care Experiences (10 credits)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Electives (10 Credits)
Students must complete 10 credits of approved advanced pharmacy practice elective experiences. Elective experiences allow students to further develop knowledge and skills in specialized areas of pharmacy practice that align with their professional interests and career goals.
Elective Requirements
Students must successfully complete:
- 9 credits of approved didactic elective coursework.
- 10 credits of approved advanced experiential elective coursework.
Competency Milestones
Students are required to successfully complete competency milestones throughout the curriculum. Competency assessments evaluate knowledge, skills, and professional performance necessary for progression within the program and successful entry into pharmacy practice.
Awarding of the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is awarded to students who have successfully completed all didactic coursework, experiential education requirements, elective requirements, competency milestones, and all other graduation requirements established by the School of Pharmacy and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Requirements must be officially certified at least ONE week prior to graduation.