Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy prepares you to effectively serve patients in a diverse range of settings as a valued member of the health care team.
Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy prepares you to meet the challenges of today’s evolving health care industry, serve patients effectively in a diverse range of settings and become a valued member of the pharmacy profession. Our nationally recognized pharmacy program offers several degree pathways and two campus locations for your convenience.
How to Apply
Apply to the Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program through PharmCAS.
- Are you transferring from another Pharmacy program? Click here for our transfer policy.
- Learn more about your PharmCAS application
- Students interested in applying to a dual degree program must be admitted and successfully complete one term in the Pharm.D. program prior to submitting an application to the second degree program. See appropriate tabs below for more details.
| PROGRAM | START TERM | APPLICATION OPENS | APPLICATION DEADLINE |
| Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy | Fall 2021 | July 14, 2020 |
June 1, 2021 |
Shenandoah operates on a rolling admissions process, which means that we start interviewing applicants as soon as we have a complete file. It may take up to 8 weeks for PharmCAS to forward your file to us. Therefore, the sooner you submit your application and required paperwork, the better your chances of being interviewed and/or accepted.
Application Requirements & Program Prerequisites
Doctor of Pharmacy Prerequisites & Application Information
PCAT: Optional
*In response to the ongoing pandemic, the PCAT will remain OPTIONAL, not required for the Fall 2021 admissions cycle. If you believe the PCAT provides evidence of your academic preparedness for the Pharm.D. program, you are encouraged to submit your PCAT scores. Please reach out to pharmd@su.edu with any questions about this temporary change.
Preferred Minimum GPA: 2.5
63 semester credit hours (SH) of prerequisites completed with a grade of “C” or better are required for entry into the program. Applications pending more than 9 credit hours of prerequisites at the end of the spring semester will be considered on an individual basis. We do not accept any science credits over 10 years old, unless you have been using the content in your current employment. Our Director of Pharmacy Admissions makes decisions regarding these credits. CLEP credits with appropriate scores may be accepted for any non-science classes
In light of recent policy shifts by colleges and universities to the COVID-19 pandemic and in alignment with Shenandoah University policy, the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy will accept the notion of “pass” on a transcript as successful completion of prerequisite coursework for any classes taken during the affected terms with appropriate documentation.
As institutions of higher education are responding to the current pandemic, the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy acknowledges that completion of laboratory course requirements may not be possible. For entrance into the program Fall 2020, laboratory course requirements for prerequisites pending Summer 2020 may be waived on a case by case basis.
| Prerequisite Course | Semester Credit Hours |
| English I | 3 |
| English II | 3 |
| Public Speaking | 3 |
| General Biology I + lab | 4 |
| General Biology II + lab | 4 |
| General Chemistry I + lab | 4 |
| General Chemistry II + lab | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry I + lab | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry II + lab | 4 |
| Physics | 3 |
| Calculus | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Economics | 3 |
| Microbiology** | 3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology** | 6 |
| Advanced Biological Science** | 3 |
| Humanities** | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science** | 3 |
| Total Combined Hours | 63 |
**Microbiology – A one-credit lab is recommended but not required
**Human Anatomy & Physiology – May come from combinations of Anatomy & Physiology courses; e.g. Anatomy I + Physiology I or A&P I & II
**Advanced Biological Science- (e.g. biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, etc.)
**Humanities- (e.g. philosophy, history, art, music, religion, etc.)
**Social/Behavioral Science- (e.g. psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, etc.)
Choosing your campus
Shenandoah University has two pharmacy school locations: Winchester, VA and Fairfax, VA. Students confirm their seats on their location of choice at the time of deposit.
Complete Application Files Only
The Admissions Committee will only consider complete files. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep in touch with the appropriate Pharmacy Admissions Coordinator to ensure all information has been received: pharmd@su.edu or Debbie Lynn (Fairfax location) at dlynn@su.edu.
Most communication with applicants is done via email when possible, so please be alert for emails regarding your application. Notification generally occurs within a few weeks after you have submitted your materials.
Invitation To Interview
Invitations to interview are offered on a rolling basis. The Admission Coordinator for each location will assist you with the scheduling process. The interview process will include a written essay requirement and a 30 minute interview with a faculty member and a current student. Applicants will also receive a tour of the facilities and may attend a portion of a class if desired.
Admissions Status
Every effort is made to inform applicants of their admissions status within 2 -3 weeks of their interview.
Once You Are Accepted
Your official acceptance package will provide the due date of your non-refundable $1,000 deposit in addition to all other requirements for matriculation.
Once enrolled to be in the program, all students are required to undergo a criminal background check, fingerprinting and random urine drug screening, as well as have up-to-date required vaccinations.
When Applications Are Denied Admission
When applicants fail to meet criteria for admissions, a formal letter will be mailed to the applicant within 2 – 3 weeks. If more clarification is needed, applicants may contact the appropriate Pharmacy Admissions Coordinator: pharmd@su.edu or Debbie Lynn (Fairfax campus) at dlynn@su.edu.
How to Apply
Shenandoah operates on a rolling admissions process, which means that we start interviewing applicants as soon as we have a complete file. Therefore, the sooner you submit your application and required paperwork, the better your chances of being interviewed and/or accepted.
Apply Now
| PROGRAM START TERM | APPLICATION OPENS | APPLICATION DEADLINE |
| Fall 2021 (August) | August 2020 |
Rolling Application Deadline Applications will continue to be accepted until the Fall 2021 cohort, beginning August 2021, is filled. |
Application Requirements & Program Prerequisites
Minimum GPA: 2.5 (preferred minimum GPA 2.5 overall)
B.S. Pharmacy Degree
PCAT: Not Required
The Admissions Committee will only consider complete files. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep in touch with your Admissions Counselor to ensure all information has been received.
A complete application includes:
- Graduate Application and $30 Application Fee
- Unofficial Transcripts from all institutions of higher education where credit was received
- Two Professional Letters of Recommendation
- References will receive an automated email invitation to complete a required form that will submit directly to your application.
- Acceptable letters of recommendation are professional recommendations from pharmacy colleagues who can speak to your work and experience as a pharmacist. Recommendations from current students in the pathway or other applicants will not be accepted.
- Statement of Purpose (1500 word maximum): A personal statement that describes your educational experience and professional career objectives
- Current Resume/C.V. (Please use this template as a guide)
- Copy of Current Pharmacist License
- Applicant must be a licensed U.S. Pharmacist with current or previous practice experience in the U.S.
- A Course-by-Course Evaluation of all transcripts from outside the United States by a NACES Approved Member
Supplemental materials can be uploaded to your application or emailed to adprocessing@su.edu. Uploaded materials are preferred. Submitting via email may delay processing time.
Most communication with applicants is done via email when possible, so please be alert for emails regarding your application. Notification generally occurs within a few weeks after you have submitted your materials.
Invitation To Interview
Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Online applicants will complete an online video conference.
Admissions Status
We try to inform applicants of their admissions status within 2 -3 weeks after their interview. If you are accepted, you will receive an acceptance email followed by an official acceptance package with a deadline to submit your non-refundable tuition deposit to secure your position in the class.
Once You Are Accepted
Accepted students are required to pay a tuition deposit in the amount of $500. The fee is non-refundable and can be made online or mailed to:
Shenandoah University
Attention: Business Office
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601-9975
When Applications Are Denied Admission
When applicants do not meet SU’s criteria for admissions, they will be denied. A formal letter of explanation will be mailed to the applicant within 2 – 3 weeks. If more clarification is needed, applicants may contact your Admissions Counselor.
Students interested in enrolling in the dual Pharm.D./MBA must be admitted and successfully complete one term in the Pharm.D. program prior to submitting an application to the MBA program.
Pharm.D./MBA Application Requirements
- Students interested in applying to the dual degree Pharm.D./MBA program must be current, full-time students in good academic and professional standing in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy pursuing the Pharm.D. degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0.
- Possession of an undergraduate degree from a regionally/nationally accredited college or university, preferably with a GPA of at least 3.0.
- The application deadline is March 1.
- Submission of a dual degree application which includes the following:
- Graduate Application for Admission for the MBA program. (GMAT/GRE not required)
- Two letters of reference : One will be written by the pharmacy faculty advisor for Pharm.D./MBA students; the other should be written by a faculty member or administrator from the School of Pharmacy or other college/university previously attended.
- A two-page double-spaced letter of intent discussing how the MBA will complement your Pharm.D. and how it will enhance your pharmacy career goals.
- Curriculum vitae
- Potential interview with the School of Business MBA Admissions Committee.
- Completion of all required MBA foundation courses prior to starting core courses.
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the Pharm.D./MBA program should contact Alla Marks at amarks@su.edu. If eligible, she will provide the direct application link.
How to Apply
Students interested in enrolling in the dual Pharm.D./Master of Public Health must be admitted and successfully complete one term in the Pharm.D. program prior to submitting this dual degree application to the Pharm.D./MPH program.
Apply to the Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program through PharmCAS.
- Learn more about your PharmCAS application
Apply to the Master of Public Health program using the using the dual degree Pharm.D./Public Health application.
| PROGRAM | START TERM | APPLICATION OPENS | APPLICATION DEADLINE |
| Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy | Fall 2021 (August) | July 14, 2020 | June 1, 2021 |
| MPH | Summer 2022 (May) | Fall 2021 |
April 15, 2022 |
Shenandoah operates on a rolling admissions process, which means that we start interviewing applicants as soon as we have a complete file. It may take up to 8 weeks for PharmCAS to forward your file to us. Therefore, the sooner you submit your application and required paperwork, the better your chances of being interviewed and/or accepted.
Pharm.D./MPH Application Requirements & Program Prerequisites
- Full-time student status in good academic and professional standing in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy pursuing the Pharm.D. degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0.
- Submission of an MPH application during P1 Spring term which includes the following:
- Graduate Application for Admission for the MPH program.
- One letter of reference : written by a Shenandoah Pharmacy faculty member.
- Personal statement that describes the applicant’s education, experience, and professional career objectives (1500 word maximum).
- Curriculum vitae
- Potential interview with the MPH Admissions Committee.
- Admitted students enroll in PH 501 in first semester.
63 semester credit hours (SH) of prerequisites completed with a grade of “C” or better are required for entry into the program. Applications with more than 9 credit hours of prerequisites to be completed over the summer prior to beginning the program will not be considered. We do not accept any science credits over 10 years old, unless you have been using the content in your current employment. Our Assistant Dean of Student Affairs makes decisions regarding these credits. CLEP credits with appropriate scores may be accepted for any non-science classes
| Prerequisite Course | Semester Credit Hours |
| English I | 3 |
| English II | 3 |
| Public Speaking | 3 |
| General Biology I + lab | 4 |
| General Biology II + lab | 4 |
| General Chemistry I + lab | 4 |
| General Chemistry II + lab | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry I + lab | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry II + lab | 4 |
| Physics | 3 |
| Calculus | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Economics | 3 |
| Microbiology** | 3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology** | 6 |
| Advanced Biological Science** | 3 |
| Humanities** | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science** | 3 |
| Total Combined Hours | 63 |
**Microbiology – A one-credit lab is recommended but not required
**Human Anatomy & Physiology – May come from combinations of Anatomy & Physiology courses; e.g. Anatomy I + Physiology I or A&P I & II
**Advanced Biological Science- (e.g. biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, others)
**Humanities- (e.g. philosophy, history, art, music, religion, others)
**Social/Behavioral Science- (e.g. psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, others)
Choosing your campus
Shenandoah University has two pharmacy school locations: Winchester, VA and Fairfax, VA. Applicants should indicate on their applications which location they prefer to interview on and/or attend, or indicate no preference. Students confirm their seats on their campus of choice at the time of deposit.
Visit the location of your choice during an Open House
Complete Application Files Only
The Admissions Committee will only consider complete files. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep in touch with your Admissions Counselor to ensure all information has been received.
Most communication with applicants is done via email when possible, so please be alert for emails regarding your application. Notification generally occurs within a few weeks after you have submitted your materials.
Invitation To Interview
Our admissions coordinators contact applicants directly to schedule their interviews. Most are conducted on weekdays within two weeks of the applicants selection for interview. The interview process will include a written essay requirement and a 30 minute interview with a faculty member and a current student. Applicants will also receive a tour of the facilities and may attend a portion of a class if desired.
Admissions Status
We try to inform applicants of their admissions status within 2 -3 weeks after their interview. If you are accepted, you will receive an acceptance email followed by an official acceptance package with a deadline to submit your non-refundable tuition deposit to secure your position in the class.
Once You Are Accepted
A non-refundable tuition deposit of $1,000 is due within 15 days of the receipt of the acceptance package. The deposit reserves your seat in the class on your chosen location so it is important to submit your deposit promptly. Once you are accepted, official, up-to-date transcripts from all colleges you have attended must be mailed to Shenandoah University Attention: Office of Graduate Admissions 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601 PharmCAS cannot forward transcripts to a school of pharmacy to fulfill this requirement. When accepted, students may not begin classes until all outstanding prerequisite classes have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. You will receive an email from Certiphi requesting information for a criminal background check. (Please also check your email ‘spam’ folder.) If within 2 weeks of acceptance you have not received this email from Certiphi, please contact the Winchester Admissions Coordinator at sclark2@su.edu. The fee for the background check is included in your PharmCAS fee. Criminal background checks are required for all students. No student will be allowed to matriculate without a clean (no felony convictions) current background check.
When Applications Are Denied Admission
When applicants do not meet SU’s criteria for admissions, they will be denied. A formal letter of explanation will be mailed to the applicant within 2 – 3 weeks. If more clarification is needed, applicants may contact the applicable Admissions Coordinator, pharmd@su.edu.
More information can be found on the Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Dual Degree Program website or in our informational flyer. Please direct questions about the program to PGxMasters@su.edu.
Application Requirements
Students interested in applying to the dual Pharm.D./M.S. program must successfully complete three terms in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Program in the traditional Pharm.D. program (see Doctor of Pharmacy application and admissions requirements above) prior to submitting an application to the Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine (PGPM) program.
Application deadline: January 15.
PGPM courses begin in the Summer semester (May).
Admission and application requirements for Pharm.D./M.S. in PGPM dual degree students:
- Full-time second professional year (P2) Pharm.D. student status in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy (traditional pathway)
- Good academic and professional standing
- Cumulative Pharm.D. GPA ≥ 3.00 strongly preferred
- Cumulative sub-area (PHAR 534, PHAR 600, PHAR 668) GPA ≥ 3.0 strongly preferred
- Submission of program application consisting of:
- Graduate Application through the Graduate Admissions Office
- Official transcripts from ALL current and previous schools
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-
- The university can retrieve official transcripts submitted with your Pharm.D. application and from Shenandoah University
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- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement (750 words maximum, approximately one page) answering one of the following questions:
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- What area of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine most interests you?
- What is your career aspiration with a Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine?
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Note: Your personal statement will be processed using plagiarism detection software
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the Pharm.D./M.S. in PGPM will be provided a link to the online application to the annual dual degree information session. Please contact PGxMasters@su.edu or SUGradAdmissions@su.edu if you have any questions about applying.
More information can be found on the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics website or in our informational flyer. Please direct questions about the program to PGxMasters@su.edu
Application Requirements
Students interested in applying to the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics program must be either:
- In their final year of their Pharm.D. (traditional or nontraditional) at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy (BJDSOP) or
- Have earned their Pharm.D. (traditional or nontraditional) at the BJDSOP in or after 2016
Application deadline: January 15.
For Summer 2021 start ONLY, application deadline is April 18, 2021.
PGPM courses begin in the Summer 1 semester (May).
For Summer 2021 start ONLY, course material becomes available May 24, 2021.
Admission requirements for applicants with a Pharm.D. from/expected in the traditional pathway:
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- All applicants:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. (traditional pathway) received in 2016 or later
- Cumulative Pharm.D. GPA ≥ 3.00
- Cumulative Pharm.D. sub area GPA ≥ 3.00 (PHAR 534, 668, 600, 632, 733, 734)
- Current year (anticipated) Pharm.D. graduates:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. anticipated by start of Summer term
- Good academic and professional standing in the BJDSOP Pharm.D. program at the time of graduation.
- Past year graduates:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. (2016 or later)
- Current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist
- Submission of program application consisting of:
- Graduate Application through the Graduate Admissions Office
- Official transcripts from ALL current and previous schools
- The university can retrieve official transcripts submitted with your Pharm.D. application and from Shenandoah University
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- One letter of reference from either a BJDSOP faculty member, APPE preceptor, or a current pharmacy supervisor
- Documentation of a current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist from practicing state(s) Department of Health Professions or Board of Pharmacy (previous year graduates only)
- Personal Statement (750 words maximum, approximately one page) answering ONE of the following questions:
- What area of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine most interests you?
- What impact will the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics have on your career as a pharmacist?
- All applicants:
Note: Your personal statement will be processed using plagiarism detection software
Admission requirements for applicants with a Pharm.D. from/expected in the nontraditional pathway:
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- All applicants:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. (nontraditional pathway) received in 2016 or later
- Cumulative Pharm.D. GPA ≥ 3.00
- Cumulative Pharm.D. sub area GPA ≥ 3.00 (PHAR 534, 600, 632, 733, 734) and B.Pharm. Pharmacology
- Current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist
- Current year (anticipated) Pharm.D. graduates:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. anticipated by start of Summer term
- Good academic and professional standing in the BJDSOP Pharm.D. program at the time of graduation.
- Past year graduates:
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. (2016 or later)
- Submission of program application consisting of:
- Graduate Application through the Graduate Admissions Office
- Official transcripts from ALL current and previous schools
- The university can retrieve official transcripts submitted with your Pharm.D. application and from Shenandoah University
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- One letter of reference from either a BJDSOP faculty member, APPE preceptor, or a current pharmacy supervisor
- Documentation of a current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist from practicing state(s) Department of Health Professions or Board of Pharmacy (class of 2020 and earlier)
- Personal Statement (750 words maximum, approximately one page) answering ONE of the following questions:
- What area of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine most interests you?
- What impact will the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics have on your career as a pharmacist?
- All applicants:
Note: Your personal statement will be processed using plagiarism detection software
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics should contact PGxMasters@su.edu. If eligible, you will be provided the direct application link.
Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics Specific PDF (Traditional Pharm.D.)
Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics Specific PDF (NonTraditional Pharm.D.)
More information can be found on the M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Program (M.S. in PGPM) or in our informational flyer.
- Current Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Program applicants and students in their first or second professional year in the traditional Pharm.D. pathway are encouraged to consider the dual degree Pharm.D./M.S. in PGPM pathway, which allows successful applicants to complete both the Pharm.D. and the M.S. in PGPM concurrently.
- Current Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Program students in their third or fourth professional year in the traditional pathway or students in the nontraditional pathway are encouraged to consider the Graduate Certificate to Master of Science degree pathway, which can be started immediately upon completion of the Pharm.D. degree. You will first need to apply to the Graduate Certificate program and may later elect to apply to the M.S. in PGPM program in your final term in the Graduate Certificate program. This degree path can be completed in six terms (two years) after earning a Pharm.D. degree.
- Recent graduates (class of 2016 and later) of the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Program (traditional or nontradtional pathways) are encouraged to consider the Graduate Certificate to Master of Science degree pathway. You will first need to apply to the Graduate Certificate program and may later elect to apply to the M.S. in PGPM program in your final term in the Graduate Certificate program. This degree path can be completed in six terms (two years) after earning a Pharm.D. degree.
Please direct questions about the program to PGxMasters@su.edu.
Application Requirements
Students interested in applying to the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Program must be either:
- In their final semester of their Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy (BJDSOP) or
- Have earned their Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics at the BJDSOP in the last two years
First anticipated application will open in Summer 2022.
PGPM courses begin in the Spring semester (January).
First anticipated class enrollment: Spring 2023 (January)
M.S. Pharmacogenomics & Personalized Medicine admission and application requirements
- BJDSOP Pharm.D. (traditional or nontraditional pathway) received in 2016 or later
- Cumulative Pharm.D. GPA ≥ 3.00
- Cumulative Pharm.D. sub area GPA ≥ 3.00 (PHAR 534, 600, 632, 733, 734) and PHAR 668 or B.Pharm. Pharmacology
- SU Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics completed (or expected completion) within the last two years
- Good academic and professional standing in the BJDSOP Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics program
- BJDSOP Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics cumulative GPA ≥ 3.00
- Six or fewer credits of C grades in PGPM courses, PHAR 534, 600, 632, 733, 734, and PHAR 668 or B.Pharm. Pharmacology
- Current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist
- Submission of program application consisting of:
- Graduate Application through the Graduate Admissions Office
- Official transcripts from ALL current and previous schools
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-
- The university can retrieve official transcripts submitted with your Pharm.D. application and from Shenandoah University
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-
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- One letter of reference from either a BJDSOP faculty member, APPE preceptor, or a current pharmacy supervisor (if not continuing directly into MS program from Graduate Certificate program)
- Documentation of a current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist from practicing state(s) Department of Health Professions or Board of Pharmacy
- Personal Statement (750 words maximum, approximately one page) answering one of the following questions:
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-
- What is your career aspiration with a Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine?
- Why do you wish to continue into the M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Program?
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Note: Your personal statement will be processed using plagiarism detection software.
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the M.S. in PGPM should contact PGxMasters@su.edu.
Virtual & Visit Options
View the School of Pharmacy Graduate Programs Information Booklet:
