Back to Directory
Admission Scholarships are available to incoming first-year pharmacy students based on availability at the time of application! Priority will be given to those applying earlier in the admission cycle and meeting the Priority Application Deadline of March 2, 2026!
Published Survey
Submission Number: 4059
Submission ID: 7
Submission UUID: d43f3214-3a24-48fa-bf85-a0e9f9f7a7d5
Submission URI: /publishedsurvey

Created: Thu, 09/05/2019 - 00:02
Completed: Thu, 06/05/2025 - 14:44
Changed: Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:30

Remote IP address: 215.145.88.163
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Submitted to: Published Survey

Active Yes
Institution Name California Northstate University
College or School Name College of Pharmacy
Short Name California Northstate U
Banner Image: CNU_Pharma_Logo.png
If you need to post a notification below your institution name, please enter it here: Admission Scholarships are available to incoming first-year pharmacy students based on availability at the time of application! Priority will be given to those applying earlier in the admission cycle and meeting the Priority Application Deadline of March 2, 2026!
Street 1 9700 West Taron Drive
Street 2
Street 3
City Elk Grove
State California
Zip 95757
Country United States
Program Location: California
Admissions Office Contact(s):
Institutional Website:
Contact Information Video:
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
What is the final (enforced) application deadline for your program? June 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline Description:
What is the priority application deadline for your program? March 2, 2026
Describe any requirements or incentives for applicants who apply by the priority deadline. Student applying by the Priority Application Deadline will receive an expedited review of their application materials and may be eligible to receive Priority Admission Scholarships.
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Please select the appropriate ACPE accreditation status for your institution from the list below: Full Accreditation
Satellite/Branch campuses: None
Does your program follow the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines? No
Is your institution public or private? Private
Is your institution part of an academic health center? No
Select the appropriate academic term type for your program. Trimester with summer term
What is the minimum requirement of pre-pharmacy coursework for matriculation into your professional Doctor of Pharmacy program?  2 years
Is a Baccalaureate degree required or preferred for admissions? Not Required
What is the structure (e.g., length) of your Pharm.D. program curriculum? 3 years
Does your program offer an Early Assurance program for admissions?  No
Does your program have affiliation or articulation agreements with undergraduate institutions for admissions? Contact the program directly for additional details.  Yes
Does your program offer a student the ability to complete their bachelor’s degree while enrolled in the Pharm.D. program? No
Does your program offer alternative pathways to Pharm.D. degree completion?  No
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Total number of Pharm.D. seats filled in the last P1 entering class: 50
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Target number of Pharm.D. seats for the upcoming P1 entering class: 60
Maximum number of Pharm.D. seats available in the upcoming P1 entering class: 60
Anticipated number of early assurance students advancing to the P1 year in the upcoming entering class: 0
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Does your institution offer a dual degree program, as defined above? Yes
If yes, check all that apply: PharmD/MHA (Healthcare Administration), PharmD/MS (Master of Science)
Does your institution offer a concurrent, double, or second degree program, as defined above? No
Provide any additional information regarding dual, concurrent, double, or second degree programs: A 17-month Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program is available to pharmacy students interested in pursuing a healthcare management degree. CNU also offers a one-or two-year Master of Pharmaceutical Science (MPS) degree program to PharmD students. Email COPadmissions@cnsu.edu for more information.
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Program Description California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP), located just outside of the state capitol, Sacramento, is an accelerated three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program dedicated to educating, developing, and training future pharmacist to provide competent, evidence-based care focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing the pharmacy profession. By reducing the program duration from four to three years, our graduates are able to enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate training opportunities earlier in their pharmacy careers.

CNUCOP provides unique learning experiences to our students through the use of active learning, specifically team-based learning, to deliver our curriculum. Through team-based learning, students are exposed to a diverse population of students from a variety of different backgrounds. Team discussions are stimulated by instructor facilitation, and practical application of the material through a variety of exercises and self-reflections solidifies the students’ knowledge base and understanding. As a result of student participation in a variety of interprofessional activities delivered by the College of Pharmacy, in association with CNU’s College of Medicine, Psychology, and Dentistry, our students learn how to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary care team. Furthermore, hands-on experiences gained through high fidelity simulation, the Advanced Pharmacy Practice laboratory, through research collaborations with faculty and preceptors, and experiential education rotations in a variety of settings, collectively provide opportunities for our students to bridge theory and practice across the pharmacy curriculum.

CNUCOP students have the opportunity to concurrently seek a Master of Healthcare Administration or Master of Pharmaceutical Science degree offered by California Northstate University.
Program Description Video:
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Minimum Overall GPA: N/A
Minimum Prerequisite GPA: N/A
Provide any additional information regarding GPA policies for applicants: The Admissions Committee of California Northstate University College of Pharmacy uses a holistic review process, taking into account a broad range of factors in addition to academic standing (e.g. socioeconomic status, perseverance in the face of adversity, work and research experience, volunteer activities, etc) when reviewing applications.
Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 40
Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 29
Total number of college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 54
Total number of basic science college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: 37
Provide any additional information regarding credit hour policies for applicants: Upper division science courses may be substituted for a required biology course on a case-by-case basis.
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
List of Course Prerequisites:
Course Subject Course Title Semester Hours (Min) Quarter Hours (Min)
Chemistry General Chemistry I with lab 4 6
Chemistry General Chemistry II with Lab 4 6
Chemistry Organic Chemistry I 3 4
Chemistry Organic Chemistry II 3 4
Chemistry Organic Chemistry I or II lab 1 1
Physiology Human Physiology (if taking a combined Anatomy and Physiology course, Anatomy and Physiology I and II both must be taken to fulfill the Physiology course requirement) 3 4
Math Calculus or Statistics 3 4
Biology/Biological Science *General Biology I 3 4
Biology/Biological Science *General Biology II 3 4
Biology/Biological Science *Biology I or II lab 1 1
Communication / Speech (Verbal) Public Speaking or Communications or Course Focused on English Speaking or Presentations 3 4
English Composition / Writing English Composition 3 4
General Elective(s) General Education courses (Psychology or Economics preferred) but any other courses in the Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences will be accepted 6 8
When do applicants need to complete all course prerequisites prior to enrollment (e.g. date or term)? All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the start of New Student Orientation, which is in mid-August each year.
Can applicants use online classes to fulfill the institution's course prerequisites?
  • Science Course Prerequisites with Labs: Yes
  • Science Course Prerequisites without Labs : Yes
  • Non-Science Course Prerequisites: Yes
Enter any additional information regarding online course prerequisites: Online courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited institution.
Can applicants use pass/fail classes to fulfill the institution's course prerequisites?
  • Science Course Prerequisites with Labs: Yes, but only if no letter grade option available
  • Science Course Prerequisites without Labs : Yes, but only if no letter grade option available
  • Non-Science Course Prerequisites: Yes
Enter any additional information regarding pass/fail course prerequisites: Pass/fail may not be accepted for science and/or math courses. However, general education courses may be taken pass/fail.
Enter any additional information regarding course prerequisites: The Admissions Committee of California Northstate University College of Pharmacy uses a holistic review process to evaluate each application, thereby taking into account a variety of factors, in addition to an applicant's academic standing, including but not limited to: work or research experience, resilience, extracurricular activities, and other non-academic related activities. California Northstate University College of Pharmacy does not require a bachelor's degree or PCAT. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.
Link to additional course prerequisites information: https://pharmacy.cnsu.edu/admissions/
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Does your institution require applicants to submit a supplemental application or supplemental materials directly to the institution and outside of PharmCAS? No
Will your institution require a supplemental application fee? No
Provide any additional information about the supplemental application, materials, or fee requirements:
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Do you accept or consider any standardized tests? Do not include immunization requirement or other similar documentation requirements. No
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Does your program require pharmacy observation hours? No
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Are evaluations (letters of reference) required by your institution? Yes
 If yes, how many evaluations are required? Two (2)
Please indicate your evaluation type requirements. Select all that apply.
  • Clergy: NOT ACCEPTED
  • Co-Worker: NOT ACCEPTED
  • Employer: CONDITIONALLY REQUIRED
  • Faculty Advisor: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
  • Family Member: NOT ACCEPTED
  • Friend: NOT ACCEPTED
  • Health Care Professional: CONDITIONALLY REQUIRED
  • Pharmacist: CONDITIONALLY REQUIRED
  • Politician: NOT ACCEPTED
  • Pre-Health Advisor: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
  • Professor (Any Subject Area): CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
  • Professor (Liberal Arts): CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
  • Professor (Math): CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
  • Professor (Science): CONDITIONALLY REQUIRED
  • Supervisor: CONDITIONALLY REQUIRED
  • Teaching Assistant: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
What is your college/school policy on committee letters? Conditionally accepted
If you've selected "Conditionally Accepted," please post the criteria you require and all necessary information for the applicants. Committee letters are accepted if a healthcare professional or supervisor or science faculty member is a part of the committee.
Does it count as more than one evaluation? No
What is your college/school policy on composite letters? Accepted
Does it count as more than one evaluation? No
Provide institution specific details regarding evaluations: Two letters of recommendation are required and must be written/typed on official letterhead and include contact information for the person writing the letter. Additionally, the letter must be sent directly from the reference to PharmCAS. A letter of reference from a science or math professor and healthcare professional or supervisor is preferred. If the student has been out of school for over five years, a letter from a recent supervisor and a healthcare professional can be submitted in place of the letter from a science professor. Letters of recommendation from family or friends are not acceptable. A Teacher's Assistant letter is accepted, if approved and signed by the science course professor.
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Is preference given to state residents? No
Is preference given to residents of other states? No
Additional information about the program’s state residency requirements:
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Does your institution consider foreign citizens (excluding Canadian citizens)? Yes
Select the citizenship types eligible for admission: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, Foreign (non-US) Citizens with a Visa, Foreign (non-US) Citizens
Policy for accepting non-U.S. coursework (excluding study abroad): Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS
Other clarifying information, if necessary: International students not previously enrolled in a foreign (non-US) pharmacy, medical, or other healthcare professional program must fulfill the prerequisite courses for entry into the PharmD program. Domestic and international applicants currently or previously enrolled in a pharmacy program may be eligible for transfer into our program. Please note, per ACPE 2025 Standards, no more than the equivalent of one year of credit shall be given to any student applying for advanced standing in the program from any institution other than an ACPE-accredited college/school of pharmacy. Credit for completed coursework is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please contact COPadmissions@cnsu.edu for more information.
Non-native speakers must submit official TOEFL scores? No
If the TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers, provide additional details about the requirement below: International applicants who have not completed 2 years or at least 40 semester units at a US college/university may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum preferred TOEFL IBT score is 80 and the minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Additional information pertaining to international applicants is available by emailing COPadmissions@cnsu.edu.
Does the institution offer a post-B.S. Pharm.D. program for current pharmacists who are already licensed in the U.S.? No
Does the institution consider foreign-educated pharmacists WITHOUT a U.S. license for admission to the entry-level Pharm.D. program? Yes
Enter any additional information for foreign-educated pharmacists without a U.S. license who are interested in the entry-level Pharm.D. program. Foreign-educated pharmacists without a US license may be eligible for transfer with advanced standing into our program. Please note, per ACPE 2025 Standards, no more than the equivalent of 1 year of credit shall be given to any student applying for advanced standing from an institution other than an ACPE-accredited college/school of pharmacy. Credit for completed coursework will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please email COPadmissions@cnsu.edu for more information.
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Interview Format: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Does the institution offer an online interview option? Yes
Briefly describe your institution's interview process: Applicants will participate in two multiple mini interviews (MMI) with faculty members. A writing sample is also required. Interviews are being conducted virtually with the option to visit our campus.
Link to institutional webpage for more detailed description: https://pharmacy.cnsu.edu/admissions/steps.php
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Is a deposit required to hold an acceptee's place in the class? Yes
Is the deposit refundable for any period of time? No
Enter details on the deposit (e.g. amount) and deposit refund policies: A $100 non-refundable security deposit is required to be submitted with the Enrollment Agreement.
Date of first day of classes and/or matriculation for the next entering class: 2026-08-24
Additional details for accepted applicants: New Student Orientation, which is mandatory for all new students, will be held on-campus from 8/18/26-8/21/26.
Are accepted applicants required to have CPR certification prior to matriculation? No
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Is your institution participating in the PharmCAS-facilitated Criminal Background Check (CBC) Service? Yes
Is your institution participating in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service? No
I would like to mark this section as done. Yes
Admin Status Published
old_id 410
AACP Institution Number 421
SIDS 7