University of Southern California

University of Southern California Quick Facts

Program Description

Founded in 1905, the USC School of Pharmacy has established itself as a pioneer in pharmacy education and practice. The School created the nation’s first PharmD program, as well as the first clinical clerkships. Serving as testament to its tradition of innovation and excellence, the School is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten pharmacy schools, and the top private pharmacy school, in the nation.

The School offers a breadth of opportunities, including extensive dual degrees and areas of concentration, that allow students to customize their academic path and differentiate themselves in the job market.

Located in Los Angeles, the School is situated within a hub of cultural diversity and medical advancement. The School occupies state-of-the-art facilities on USC’s Health Sciences Campus, surrounded by numerous healthcare facilities.

The School boasts a robust, engaged alumni network, as over half of pharmacists in Southern California are USC graduates. Through this network, students have access to over 300 sites for clinical and experiential programs, and also have the opportunity to create connections that will last them throughout their careers.

PharmD Program Highlights

• Private Institution
• Baccalaureate Required
• $1000 deposit to hold acceptance
• Conducts interviews of applicants
• Participates in Early Decision Program (EDP)
• Minimum Three (3) Letters of Reference are required
• Utilizes the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)
• Does not participate in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service

Location

Location: 1985 Zonal Avenue PSC 206A Los Angeles, California 90089-9121

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Acceptance Rate for University of Southern California

29%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 29%

NAPLEX Pass Rates

First-time NAPLEX pass rates for University of Southern California graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.

Source: NABP, NAPLEX Passing Rates for 2023–2025 Graduates (March 2026). First-attempt pass rates. National average covers all graduates of ACPE-accredited programs.

Tuition

First professional year, 2022–23 academic year (most recent AACP tuition survey); later years may differ — confirm current rates with the school.

Requirements

GPA and Test Scores

Course Prerequisites Table

Prerequisite Coursework Policies

Online coursework: Accepted for all prerequisite courses.

Pass/fail grades: science courses with labs: Yes, but only if no letter grade option available; science courses without labs: Yes, but only if no letter grade option available; non-science courses: Yes, but only if no letter grade option available.

Completion timing: August 15, 2027

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Three (3) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.

Required: Professor (Science)

Accepted: Employer, Faculty Advisor, Pharmacist, Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area), Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Supervisor

Conditionally Accepted: Teaching Assistant

Not Accepted: Family Member

Committee letters: Accepted (counts as more than one: No)

Requirements for the Letters of Recommendation: one letter must be from a science professor with whom you took a class and/or did research. The remaining two letters may be from professors, advisors, researchers, pharmacists or employers.

Interview Information

Interview Format: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers

Online interview option: Yes

The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidates oral and communication skills, writing skills, leadership ability, and motivation or potential to be a successful pharmacist. All applicants offered an interview will be notified two to three weeks prior to the scheduled interviews. An interview acceptance confirmation is required. Interviews are rarely rescheduled.

More about the interview process

Applying

Deadline

April 1, 2027
Priority application deadline: November 2, 2026
First day of classes: August 24, 2026

General School Information

Program

Dual Degree Program? Yes
Part of an academic health center? Yes
Pharmacy observation hours required? No
Supplemental application requirement? No
Baccalaureate degree preferred for admissions? Required
Follows the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines? No
Is preference given to in-state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants? No

International Applicants

Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: Yes
Applications accepted from: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, US Temporary Residents, Canadian Citizens, Foreign (non-US) Citizens with a Visa, Foreign (non-US) Citizens, Other Non-Citizens (e.g. DACA Students)
Foreign transcript policy: Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS
TOEFL required: Yes
International applicants are required to take the TOEFL. For more details please visit this link: https://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/apply/application-guidelines-for-international-students/

Contact Information

Website: https://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/pharmd/pharmdprogram/

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