PharmD Concentrations

The PharmD program offers eight different degree concentrations (similar to a minor or a focus area) as part the degree. PharmD concentrations help students develop new knowledge and policies for the field of pharmacy, as well as help secure competitive fellowships, residences, and jobs after graduation. For students who choose not to add a concentration to their degree, they will still have access to the wide range of elective courses offered as part of each concentration.

List of Concentrations

  • Acute Care Pharmacy

    Already an area of strength for the college, the Acute Care Pharmacy concentration develops abilities in providing high quality care in inpatient hospital environments such as intensive care units and emergency departments.

  • Administration and Leadership

    Focuses on developing a strong foundation in pharmacy administration and leadership. Exposes students to a variety of practice settings, including hospital, ambulatory, managed care, specialty pharmacy, and industry. Covers topics such as leadership styles, change management, forecasting/research, financial management, types of planning, communication skills, and advocacy.

  • Ambulatory Care Pharmacy

    Develops well-trained and well-rounded care practitioners in general and specialty outpatient clinics, dialysis centers, outpatient surgical facilities, and community pharmacies. This concentration pays special attention to the prevention and management of chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and congestive heart failure.

  • Experimental Therapeutics and Clinical Research

    Exposes students to aspects of clinical and translational research design and analysis, communication, and application of medical evidence. Students will be integrated into this process by participating in research under supervision of a faculty mentor.

  • Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)

    Drawing on faculty expertise in our Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, the HEOR concentration teaches key aspects of health economics and outcomes research, including pharmacoeconomics, patient-reported outcomes, and decision analysis.

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences

    Focuses on sciences such as chemistry, biology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, genomics, and bioinformatics. Provides research opportunities on advanced topics related to drug discovery and development.

  • Rural Pharmacy (RPHARM)

    RPHARM is an interprofessional program with the goal of preparing pharmacy students with rural backgrounds or interests to provide pharmacy services in rural communities.

  • Urban Pharmacy (UPHARM)

    UPHARM is designed to introduce students to concepts and issues as they relate to urban public health and primary care practice.  Many urban communities qualify as medically underserved and the expectation/hope is that graduates go on to live and practice in urban medically underserved communities.

When to Apply to a Concentration

Students must apply to the Rural Pharmacy (RPHARM) or Urban Pharmacy (UPHARM) concentration after they have been admitted to UIC but before they have enrolled in courses.

For the other concentrations, students apply after they have completed one full year of the PharmD program. A minimum 3.0 GPA in first-year (P1) courses is required.

Each concentration offers a limited number of spaces per year, so not all students who apply may be admitted.

Credit Hours by Concentration

How does coursework differ between the regular PharmD, or the PharmD with a specific concentration?
PharmD without concentrations PharmD with RPHARM or UPHARM Concentration PharmD with other Concentrations
Admission Apply regular admission through PharmCAS Apply after admitted to UIC PharmD and before enrollment Apply at the end of the P1 year
Total Credits 133 hours 135 hours (includes capstone) 133 hours
Core Credits 78 hours 80 hours 78 hours
Elective Credits 13 hours 6 hours (6 1-credit hour electives) 9 hours during the P1-P3 year specific to the concentration (but may include other required courses)
IPPE/APPE Credits 42 hours 2 or 3 APPEs are sequentially completed in the same community Will require 1 elective APPE in an approved site
Capstone Course None PMPR 321/PSOP 397 2 hour capstone course None