Purpose
Professional electives provide Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students with opportunities to expand their knowledge beyond the required professional curriculum, explore specialized areas of pharmacy practice, develop expertise in emerging healthcare topics, and prepare for graduate education or other advanced training.
Policy
To graduate from the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, students must successfully complete twelve (12) credits of professional electives.
Professional electives are courses that:
- Expand upon subject matter included in the PharmD curriculum;
- Address subject matter relevant to the pharmacy profession that is not otherwise included in the professional curriculum; or
- Prepare students for graduate school, advanced training, or other professional development opportunities.
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Eligibility and Requirements
Approved Coursework
- Courses listed on the PharmD Professional Electives Course List are automatically eligible for professional elective credit.
- Exceptions require approval from the Office of Student Services. Examples of circumstances requiring review and approval include:
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- A request to count a course that does not appear on the approved professional electives list.
- A request to complete a professional elective at another institution.
Grading Basis
- Professional electives must be completed for a letter grade unless the course is offered exclusively on a credit/no credit basis
Enrollment Requirement
All professional electives must be completed while the student is enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Credit Limitations
- Non-School of Pharmacy Coursework
A maximum of four (4) credits of approved non-School of Pharmacy coursework may be applied toward the professional elective requirement.* - Independent Study Coursework
A maximum of four (4) credits of independent study (699) coursework may be applied toward the professional elective requirement.*
Approval Process
The School of Pharmacy maintains a current list of approved professional elective courses on its website.
Students seeking approval for a non-School of Pharmacy course that does not appear on the approved list must submit a Request for Professional Elective Credit for a Non-School of Pharmacy Course Form and receive approval before enrolling in the course.
Courses completed without prior approval will not be counted toward the professional elective requirement.
Related Resources
Exceptions to professional elective maximums are made in the following circumstances:*
Students completing a specific group of professional electives as part of completion of a Pathway of Distinction, named option, or certificate program; Completion of a dual-degree or consecutive-degree program; or preparation for graduate school or other advanced training approved by the Office of Student Services as an area of emphasis.
Responsible Office: Office of Student Services
Approved: 12/11/2018
Revised: 01/28/2022