Rutgers University College of Pharmacy was founded in 1892. In those days it was known as the New Jersey College of Pharmacy and was located in Newark. in 1927 it merged with Rutgers and took on the name Rutgers University College of Pharmacy. In 1971 the campus was moved from Newark to its current location in Piscataway, and in 2003 was renamed the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.
Rutgers University College of Pharmacy accepts students into one of two programs. Students wishing to attend straight out of high school apply to the six-year program. The first two years are mainly spent studying prerequisites in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students wishing to transfer can enter directly into the third year of study if they have completed all required classes (see Resources). Acceptance into the program is very competitive, and prior course work is examined closely.
To graduate from the PharmD program at Rutgers, students must complete six years of study. The first two years consists of required classes, and the next four years consists of professional study. The final year comprises course work based heavily on chemistry and biology, coupled with clinical study. Graduates are eligible to be licensed as a pharmacist in any state.
The college also offers joint PharmD/Ph.D. programs with several partner universities. Admission into these programs requires a special application that must be approved by both institutions.
High school applicants must submit their application by Dec. 1 of the year prior to enrollment. For early decisions, the application must be submitted by Nov. 1. Transfer students must submit their applications prior to Feb. 1 of the year of enrollment. Students not currently enrolled at Rutgers must submit the application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Though not required, students are encouraged to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test to self-evaluate and to provide the admissions board with additional information.