Undergraduate FAQ

Can I take PharmSci courses for a P/NP grade?

• PharmSci majors may not take any required major courses for P/NP credit, unless specified (Bio 100, Bio 194S, PharmSci 172, etc.).

Is there a restriction on the number of times I can retake PharmSci courses?

• Upper division Pharm Sci courses are not permitted for repeat credit. For all other major requirements, UCI’s policy for repeating courses is limited to courses for which a grade of C- or below was earned. For the first 16-units repeated, the new grade replaces the earlier grade in calculating GPA. After the first 16-units, any repeated course grades will be averaged with the original grade receive in that course. Please refer to the 2012-2013 General Catalogue for more information.

Can I take courses at a community college or another university for credit towards required PharmSci courses?

• Only for approved lower-division requirements. If you plan to take a lower-division requirment or course for General Education at a community college, please check http://www.assist.org to be sure that the course is approved for transfer credit. If you plan to take a course at another UC, California State University, or out-of-state, you will need to schedule an appointment with an advisor and submit a course syllabus for approval.

What are the requirements for changing my major to PharmSci?

• The change of major and transfer requirements can be found on our website at the following link:  http://www.pharmsci.uci.edu/undergraduate/undergrad-admissions.php

Can I be a Pharmacist after graduating with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences?

• No, in order to become a Pharmacist, you must complete a PharmD from a certified Pharmacy School. However, a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UCI will prepare you for graduate degree programs in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and many other disciplines at the interface of chemistry and biology. This degree will also prepare you for application to professional degree programs such as pharmacy, medical, or dental school.

What are my career options for graduating with a B.S in Pharmaceutical Sciences?

• Pharmaceutical Science graduates with a B.S are in a strong position to move directly to research or entry-level positions in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. They're employed as researchers at universities, as regulatory scientists for agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and as researchers at national laboratories such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), just to name a few.