Application Timeline
Admissions cycle for the first PharmD-MSCR cohort
| Date | Milestone |
| July 2026 | PharmCAS application opens |
| Nov. 1, 2026 | Application deadline for PharmCAS and PharmD-MSCR supplemental materials |
| December 2026-January 2027 | PharmD admissions interviews |
| February-March 2027 | PharmD and PharmD-MSCR application review |
| May 1, 2027 | National PharmD decision deadline; admitted students confirm participation |
| June 2027 | Admitted students meet with PharmD and MSCR advisors for initial planning |
| July 2027 | PharmD program begins |
Dates subject to change. Applicants should confirm all deadlines on the UCSF PharmD website and this program page.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the UCSF PharmD program and the PharmD-MSCR pathway.
Minimum eligibility expectations include:
- Completion of the PharmD application through PharmCAS
- Completion of all UCSF PharmD prerequisites by the required deadline
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of a bachelor's degree before enrollment in the MSCR curriculum
- Indication of intent to apply to the PharmD-MSCR Dual Degree Program within the UCSF PharmD PharmCAS application
- Supplemental essay describing research experience and interest in the MSCR program
- One of the three required letters of evaluation from a reference who can address the applicant's experience and/or potential in clinical research
- Ability, if admitted, to remain in good academic standing during the first two years of the PharmD curriculum before matriculating into the MSCR portion of the program
Applicants whose native language is not English may need to demonstrate English language proficiency according to UCSF requirements.
GRE scores are not accepted.
Application Process
Step1
Apply to the UCSF PharmD program through PharmCAS
Complete the PharmD application in PharmCAS and meet all standard UCSF PharmD application requirements.
Step2
Indicate intent to apply to the PharmD-MSCR program
Within the UCSF portion of the PharmD application, indicate that you intend to apply to the PharmD-MSCR Dual Degree Program.
Step3
Submit the supplemental PharmD-MSCR essay and research-focused letter of evaluation
Applicants are required to submit a supplemental essay describing their research experience, interest in clinical research, and reasons for pursuing the PharmD-MSCR pathway.
Essay prompt: Describe your prior research experience, your interest in clinical research, and how the PharmD-MSCR Dual Degree Program would support your academic and career goals. You may include examples of research questions, health problems, populations, methods, or career pathways that interest you.
Among the three required letters of evaluation, one letter should come from a reference who can address the applicant's experience and/or potential in clinical research.
Step4
Complete interviews and admissions review
Applicants are reviewed through the PharmD admissions process and the PharmD-MSCR review process. Applicants not admitted to the dual degree program may continue to be considered for admission to the PharmD program alone.
Step5
Maintain good academic standing
Students admitted to the PharmD-MSCR pathway must remain in good academic standing during the first two years of the PharmD curriculum before matriculating into the MSCR portion of the program.