Biology: PharmD Track - Associate of Science Degree
Overview
The Associate of Science in Biology: PharmD Track degree is designed for students intending to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at Pacific University. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, communication, and general education that prepares students to complete PharmD prerequisite requirements while earning an associate degree.
Students in the Pharmacy Track have opportunities to:
- Receive advising and academic support
- Participate in workshops and information sessions
- Attend selected School of Pharmacy events
- Connect with current PharmD students and pharmacy professionals
- Pursue conditional admission and a guaranteed interview for Pacific University’s PharmD program if program requirements are met
Students may pursue either the accelerated 3-year or extended 5-year PharmD pathway following transfer to Pacific University.
Because admission requirements for professional pharmacy programs may change, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with an MHCC advisor and Pacific University to ensure appropriate course selection, prerequisite completion, and alignment with PharmD admission requirements.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Requirements - outlines prerequisite coursework and degree requirements for the PharmD Track
- Education Plan - provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- How to Apply - outlines Pharmacy Track participation steps and PharmD application information
- Career Info - includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Requirements
The degree requirements below outline the courses and credit categories required to complete the Biology: PharmD Track AS degree, including science core, and general education requirements. See each section for required courses needed to complete the degree.
For a suggested term-by-term sequence, refer to the Education Plan tab.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Science Core, 18 courses | 66 | |
General Chemistry, 6 courses | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry III and General Chemistry III Laboratory | ||
General Biology, 3 courses | ||
| Principles of Biology: Cells | ||
| Principles of Biology: Organisms | ||
| Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution | ||
Organic Chemistry, 3 courses | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Organic Chemistry III | ||
Human Physiology, 3 courses | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology III | ||
| Mathematics, 1 course 1,2 | ||
| Precalculus I: Functions (or higher) | ||
| Statistics, 1 course | ||
| Elementary Statistics I (required for Fall 2028 admission on) | ||
| Written Communication, 1 course 1, 2 | 4 | |
| Composition I | ||
| Oral Communication, select 1 course: | 3-4 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
or COMM115 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication (Cultural Literacy course) | |
or COMM218Z | Interpersonal Communication | |
| Arts & Letters, select 1 course | 3-4 | |
| Social Science, select one 4-credit course 1 | 4 | |
| Health Health and Physical Education, 3 credits from AS list | 3 | |
| Electives to reach 90 applicable degree credits | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- 1
Pacific University will accept AP exam credits with a score of 4 or 5 for these requirements.
- 2
Students must complete a minimum of 8 credits in writing. An additional writing course will be required if a student does not meet the minimum requirement.
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
| First Quarter | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CH221Z & CH227Z |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory |
5 |
| BI221Z | Principles of Biology: Cells | 5 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| CH222Z & CH228Z |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory |
5 |
| BI222Z | Principles of Biology: Organisms | 5 |
| MTH111Z | Precalculus I: Functions | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| CH223Z & CH229Z |
General Chemistry III and General Chemistry III Laboratory |
5 |
| BI223Z | Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution | 5 |
| Oral Communication, select 1 from the following list: | ||
| COMM111Z |
Public Speaking or Introduction to Intercultural Communication (Cultural Literacy course) or Interpersonal Communication |
4 |
| Health and Physical Education requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| CH241 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| BI231Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| Arts & Letters, 1 course | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| CH242 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| BI232Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| STAT243Z | Elementary Statistics I (required for Fall 2028 admission and on) | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| CH243 | Organic Chemistry III | 5 |
| BI233Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| Social Science, 1 course | 4 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
How to Apply
Step 1: Meet with an Advisor
Students interested in the Pharmacy Track should meet with an MHCC advisor early to develop an academic plan and review PharmD prerequisite requirements. Early planning helps ensure appropriate course selection and timely completion of requirements for transfer and PharmD admission.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest
Students may submit a Pharmacy Track expression of interest form to Pacific University at any point during their coursework at MHCC. Students who express interest early in their program have the best opportunity to align coursework with PharmD prerequisite requirements.
Step 3: Complete PharmD Prerequisite Coursework
Students must complete the Associate of Science in Biology: PharmD Track degree and all PharmD prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the PharmD program. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Students must also maintain:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A science GPA of 3.0 or higher
Students who do not meet GPA requirements may still apply through the standard competitive admissions process, but will not receive conditional admission or a guaranteed interview through the Pharmacy Track partnership.
Step 4: Apply to the PharmD Program
Students apply to Pacific University’s PharmD program through PharmCAS while completing remaining prerequisite coursework. A complete application includes official transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement. Eligible students participating in the Pharmacy Track will get a guaranteed interview as part of the admissions process.
Step 5: Interview and Transition to Pacific University
Students who successfully complete the interview and meet all program requirements may be formally admitted into either the accelerated 3-year or extended 5-year PharmD pathway at Pacific University.
Career Information
Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.
Cultural Literacy course