The Pre-Pharmacy program at Ferris is designed to give you all the tools necessary to gain admission into the College of Pharmacy. Because of the stringent requirements and extensive educational background needed to become a pharmacist, the courses in the Pre-Pharmacy program give you a broad overview and strong beginning to the Pharmacy program. A path to a career in pharmacy begins with the two-year Pre-Pharmacy program, which is designed to prepare students to meet the competitive admission requirements of the College of Pharmacy. Upon admission to the College of Pharmacy, you will continue your studies for four years to complete the doctor of pharmacy degree. Please note that admission to the College of Pharmacy at FSU is on a competitive basis and that the completion of the Pre-Pharmacy program does not assure acceptance by the College of Pharmacy. Students applying to a pharmacy program other than Ferris's should investigate the requirements of that pharmacy program.

Get a Great Career 

As a professional pharmacist, you will be the most accessible member of the health care team and the most knowledgeable about the effects of drugs on people. You will serve as an essential link between the patient and the prescribing physician, advising both about drug interactions, dosages and possible side effects.

Ferris graduates enjoy 100 percent job placement, and the financial awards can be abundant (See the Occupational Outlook Handbook  from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Your knowledge of drugs and drug functions will provide such job opportunities as a community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, or military pharmacist. Other examples include being employed in a sales position in the pharmaceutical industry, or in position within pharmacy associations. With additional education, other opportunities include pharmaceutical journalism, advertising, public health, research, law enforcement, and pharmacy education.

Admission Requirements

First year student admission is open to high school graduates (or equivalent) who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with educational backgrounds appropriate to their chosen program of study. High school courses and grade point average, ACT composite score, and ACT reading and mathematics sub-scores will be considered in the admission and placement process. Transfer students must have at least 12 credits at the time of application with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA including an English and mathematics course, or they must provide their high school records and ACT scores for admission review.

Contact Information

Anne Marie Gillespie, LPC, NCC, Educational Counselor for the College of Arts and Sciences

Ask the Counselor

ASC 3052
Big Rapids, MI  49307-2225
Phone:  (231) 591-3660           
Fax:  (231) 591-2618
E-mail:  gillespa@ferris.edu