Barry PhilipsTexas is home to several universities and health sciences institutions offering pharmacy education and professional training. For students interested in becoming pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmaceutical scientists, or pursuing other careers in the pharmaceutical industry, choosing the right school is an important first step.
A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is the professional degree generally required to become a licensed pharmacist in Texas. However, students can also find pharmacy-related programs covering pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy technician training, pre-pharmacy preparation, and other healthcare disciplines.
This guide explores 20+ pharmacy schools and pharmacy-related programs in Texas, highlighting their locations, program options, and important admission requirements. Because the number of accredited Pharm.D. programs is smaller than 20, the list also includes institutions with relevant pharmacy and pharmaceutical education pathways.
Top Pharmacy Schools In Texas And Requirements
1. University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy is one of the best-known pharmacy education institutions in Texas. Its Pharm.D. program combines pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, clinical education, and experiential learning.
Applicants generally apply through PharmCAS and complete the university’s supplemental application. Required prerequisite courses must be completed according to the college’s admissions schedule.
Basic Requirements
- PharmCAS application
- UT Austin supplemental application
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Three letters of evaluation
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Interview
- Completion of required prerequisites before matriculation
The college uses a holistic admissions process, meaning academic performance is considered alongside other aspects of an applicant’s preparation.
2. Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy
Texas A&M University’s Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy provides professional pharmacy education through its Pharm.D. program.
The college requires applicants to complete specific prerequisite courses and submit their applications through PharmCAS.
Basic Requirements
- PharmCAS application
- Minimum cumulative GPA requirement
- Minimum prerequisite GPA requirement
- Required science and general education courses
- Official transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Personal statement
- Multiple Mini Interview
Applicants should carefully review the current prerequisite list because the required courses and application deadlines can change from one admission cycle to another.
3. Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Texas Southern University in Houston offers pharmacy education through its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
The university provides pathways for students interested in progressing toward the Pharm.D., including pre-pharmacy preparation.
Basic Requirements
Applicants should expect to complete:
- Required pre-pharmacy courses
- Biology and chemistry courses
- Mathematics requirements
- General education requirements
- Application materials
- Official transcripts
- Recommendations
- Interview or admissions assessment
Students should check the current prerequisite curriculum before beginning their application.
4. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
The Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is another major option for aspiring pharmacists in Texas.
The school has a strong emphasis on clinical education and prepares students for careers in community, hospital, clinical, research, and other pharmacy settings.
Basic Requirements
- PharmCAS application
- Supplemental application
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive pre-pharmacy GPA
- Official transcripts
- Recommendations
- Personal statement
- Interview
Applicants must complete the school’s required science and mathematics prerequisites and satisfy its academic standards.
5. University of Houston College of Pharmacy
The University of Houston College of Pharmacy provides Pharm.D. education for students seeking careers as pharmacists.
The program combines classroom instruction with laboratory work, patient-care education, and experiential learning.
Basic Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- PharmCAS application
- University of Houston supplemental application
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum grades in prerequisite courses
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Interview or admissions assessment
Students should pay particular attention to the required prerequisite courses because completing the wrong courses can delay an application.
6. University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy
The Feik School of Pharmacy at the University of the Incarnate Word is located in San Antonio.
Its Pharm.D. program prepares students for professional pharmacy practice while incorporating healthcare, pharmaceutical science, patient care, and experiential learning.
Basic Requirements
Applicants typically need:
- PharmCAS application
- Required pre-pharmacy coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Interview
- Critical-thinking assessment
- Writing assessment
The university does not necessarily require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering the Pharm.D. program.
7. UNT Health College of Pharmacy
UNT Health College of Pharmacy in Fort Worth offers a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The program is designed for students who have completed the necessary prerequisites and want to progress into professional pharmacy education.
Basic Requirements
- PharmCAS application
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum prerequisite GPA
- C or better in required courses
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Health and technical standards
- Interview or admissions requirements
Applicants with bachelor’s degrees may receive exemptions from certain general education prerequisites, although required science and mathematics courses still need to be satisfied.
8. University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy
The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy offers a Pharm.D. program designed to prepare students for professional pharmacy practice.
The school has a strong regional focus and provides students with opportunities to develop clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge.
Basic Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- PharmCAS application
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum or preferred GPA standards
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Résumé or CV
- Official transcripts
- Interview
Applicants should also pay attention to UTEP’s specific language and prerequisite requirements.
9. University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
The Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy at UT Tyler offers a four-year Pharm.D. program.
The program combines pharmaceutical sciences, clinical education, patient care, and experiential training.
Basic Requirements
Applicants should expect to provide:
- PharmCAS application
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum cumulative GPA
- Minimum prerequisite GPA
- Official transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
- Interview
- Personal statement and other application materials
A bachelor’s degree is not necessarily required for admission to the professional pharmacy program.
10. Texas A&M University-Kingsville Pharmacy Pathway
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is associated with pharmacy education through the Texas A&M University Health Science Center’s Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy.
Students interested in the pathway should understand the distinction between completing undergraduate prerequisites and entering the professional Pharm.D. curriculum.
Basic Requirements
- Undergraduate prerequisite coursework
- Competitive academic record
- Required science courses
- PharmCAS application for the professional program
- Recommendation letters
- Interview
- Completion of prerequisites before enrollment
11. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy – Abilene
Texas Tech’s Abilene location provides another opportunity for students to pursue pharmacy education through the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy.
Basic Requirements
Students generally need to meet the school’s Pharm.D. admission requirements, including:
- PharmCAS application
- Required prerequisites
- Academic requirements
- Official transcripts
- Recommendations
- Personal statement
- Interview
The Abilene option may be particularly relevant to students who prefer studying outside the major metropolitan areas of Houston, Austin, or Dallas.
12. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy – Dallas
The Dallas location provides students with access to pharmacy education in one of the largest healthcare markets in Texas.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the general Texas Tech Pharm.D. admission requirements, including prerequisite coursework, academic standards, application materials, and interview requirements.
Students should also consider the opportunities available through nearby hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare organizations.
13. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy – Lubbock
The Lubbock location is another Texas Tech pharmacy education site.
Students pursuing the Pharm.D. through this pathway complete the same general professional pharmacy admissions process.
Basic Requirements
- PharmCAS application
- Supplemental application
- Required prerequisites
- Academic requirements
- Recommendations
- Official transcripts
- Interview
The Lubbock location can be an option for students who prefer a West Texas setting.
14. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy – Amarillo
Amarillo is another important location associated with the Texas Tech pharmacy program.
Students can receive professional pharmacy education while living in the Texas Panhandle.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must meet Texas Tech’s general Pharm.D. requirements and complete the required prerequisite courses.
These typically include foundational coursework in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Microbiology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- English
- Communication
15. University of Houston Pharmaceutical Sciences Programs
The University of Houston provides opportunities beyond the professional Pharm.D. degree.
Students interested in pharmaceutical research, drug development, laboratory science, and related areas can explore pharmaceutical sciences and graduate-level opportunities.
Basic Requirements
Requirements vary by program but may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Relevant undergraduate coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Résumé or CV
- Interview where applicable
These programs can be suitable for students interested in pharmaceutical research rather than direct pharmacist licensure.
16. University of Texas at Austin Pharmaceutical Sciences
The University of Texas at Austin also provides opportunities for students interested in pharmaceutical sciences and research.
These programs may appeal to students interested in drug discovery, pharmacology, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and related careers.
Basic Requirements
Depending on the specific program, applicants may need:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree
- Science prerequisites
- Competitive GPA
- Official transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé
- Research experience for some graduate programs
Requirements differ significantly between undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
17. Texas A&M Pharmaceutical Sciences Programs
Texas A&M provides additional pharmaceutical and biomedical research opportunities alongside its professional pharmacy education.
Students interested in drug development, pharmaceutical research, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and related fields can explore the university’s graduate and research programs.
Basic Requirements
Requirements vary according to the program but may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Appropriate science coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Research experience
18. Texas Southern University Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Programs
Texas Southern University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers educational opportunities extending beyond professional pharmacy practice.
Students interested in pharmaceutical and health sciences can explore the university’s various academic pathways.
Basic Requirements
Depending on the program, applicants may need:
- High school or college qualifications
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Application materials
- Recommendations
- Interview
Applicants should confirm the requirements for their specific program before applying.
19. University of North Texas Health Sciences Programs
UNT Health provides education across several healthcare disciplines and offers a pharmacy program alongside other health-professional training.
Students interested in pharmacy can pursue the Pharm.D. pathway, while those interested in pharmaceutical research or related healthcare careers may find additional opportunities through the university system.
Basic Requirements
For the Pharm.D. pathway, applicants generally need:
- PharmCAS application
- Required prerequisites
- Minimum prerequisite GPA
- Required science courses
- Recommendation letters
- Official transcripts
- Interview
- Health and technical standards
20. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Pharmacy-Related Opportunities
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, commonly known as UTHealth Houston, provides extensive education and research in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Although students should distinguish its health-science programs from the state’s dedicated Pharm.D. colleges, the institution can be relevant to students interested in pharmaceutical research, pharmacology, biomedical science, and related careers.
Basic Requirements
Requirements vary according to the specific degree program and may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Science prerequisites
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Research experience
- Interview
21. Texas A&M Health Science Programs Related to Pharmacy
Texas A&M Health provides several educational and research opportunities that intersect with pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, biomedical research, and healthcare.
Students who are not certain that they want to become licensed pharmacists may find related programs worth considering.
Basic Requirements
Requirements depend on the program and may include:
- Appropriate undergraduate degree
- Required science courses
- Minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Interview
22. Texas Medical Center-Affiliated Pharmacy Education Opportunities
Houston’s Texas Medical Center is home to a large concentration of hospitals, universities, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.
While the Texas Medical Center itself is not a standalone pharmacy school, students at Houston-area pharmacy programs can benefit from the broader healthcare environment for clinical education, internships, research, and professional networking.
Basic Requirements
Students seeking Pharm.D. admission should apply to an accredited pharmacy school rather than treating the medical center itself as a degree-granting pharmacy college.
What Courses Do You Need for Pharmacy School in Texas?
Although prerequisite lists differ, most Pharm.D. applicants should expect to complete several foundational subjects.
Biology
Biology provides the foundation for understanding the human body, microorganisms, genetics, and biological processes relevant to pharmaceutical practice.
General Chemistry
General chemistry is commonly required because pharmacists need a strong understanding of chemical reactions, compounds, solutions, and laboratory principles.
Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is an important prerequisite at many pharmacy schools because pharmaceutical drugs are largely based on chemical compounds.
Microbiology
Microbiology helps students understand bacteria, viruses, fungi, microorganisms, infection, and antimicrobial treatments.
Anatomy and Physiology
These courses introduce the structure and function of the human body and are particularly relevant to clinical pharmacy.
Mathematics and Statistics
Pharmacy students use mathematics and statistics for dosage calculations, research, pharmacokinetics, data analysis, and evidence-based healthcare.
Physics
Some pharmacy programs require physics as part of their pre-pharmacy curriculum.
English and Communication
Strong communication skills are essential because pharmacists communicate with patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
How Much Does Pharmacy School Cost in Texas?
The cost of pharmacy school varies significantly depending on the institution, residency status, fees, housing, transportation, books, insurance, and other expenses.
Public universities may offer different tuition rates for Texas residents and non-residents, while private universities generally have their own tuition structures.
Students should calculate the total cost of attendance, not just tuition.
Important expenses may include:
- Tuition
- Student fees
- Books
- Laboratory equipment
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Professional clothing
- Licensing examination fees
Scholarships, grants, assistantships, and other forms of financial aid may help reduce the overall cost.
How Long Does Pharmacy School Take in Texas?
A Pharm.D. program generally takes four years of professional study after completion of the required prerequisite coursework.
However, the total time from high school to pharmacist licensure can be longer because students may first need to complete undergraduate prerequisites.
The exact timeline depends on whether a student enters a program after completing a bachelor’s degree or follows a pathway that allows the required prerequisites to be completed without earning a separate bachelor’s degree.
What GPA Do You Need for Pharmacy School in Texas?
There is no single GPA requirement for every pharmacy school in Texas.
Some institutions publish minimum GPAs, while others publish preferred or competitive GPA levels. For example, individual Texas programs currently list different academic thresholds, demonstrating why applicants should examine each school’s requirements separately.
A minimum GPA should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of admission.
Students with stronger academic records may have more flexibility during the admissions process, particularly where programs use holistic review.
Do You Need the PCAT for Pharmacy School in Texas?
The Pharmacy College Admission Test, or PCAT, is no longer a universal requirement for Pharm.D. admission.
Texas pharmacy schools have their own admissions policies, and applicants should check the current requirements of each institution before preparing for or taking any standardized test.
How to Become a Pharmacist in Texas
After completing a qualifying pharmacy degree, students who want to become licensed pharmacists in Texas must satisfy the requirements of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
The licensing process includes completing the required internship experience and passing the applicable licensing examinations.
Applicants should therefore consider both pharmacy school admission requirements and pharmacist licensing requirements when planning their education.
Comparison Table of Pharmacy Schools and Programs in Texas
| School/Institution | City/Area | Main Pharmacy Option | Typical Admission Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin College of Pharmacy | Austin | Pharm.D. | Prerequisites, PharmCAS, interview |
| Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy | Kingsville/College Station | Pharm.D. | GPA, prerequisites, MMI |
| Texas Southern University | Houston | Pharm.D. | Prerequisites, application, interview |
| Texas Tech HSC | Amarillo/Abilene/Dallas/Lubbock | Pharm.D. | Prerequisites, GPA, interview |
| University of Houston | Houston | Pharm.D. | Prerequisites, PharmCAS, supplemental application |
| UIW Feik School of Pharmacy | San Antonio | Pharm.D. | GPA, prerequisites, interview |
| UNT Health College of Pharmacy | Fort Worth | Pharm.D. | Prerequisites, GPA, recommendations |
| UTEP School of Pharmacy | El Paso | Pharm.D. | GPA, prerequisites, recommendations |
| UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy | Tyler | Pharm.D. | GPA, prerequisites, interview |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville pathway | Kingsville | Pre-pharmacy pathway | Undergraduate prerequisites |
| UT Austin pharmaceutical sciences | Austin | Pharmaceutical sciences/research | Program-specific |
| Texas A&M pharmaceutical sciences | College Station | Pharmaceutical sciences/research | Program-specific |
| University of Houston pharmaceutical sciences | Houston | Pharmaceutical sciences | Program-specific |
| Texas Southern University health sciences | Houston | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
| UNT Health | Fort Worth | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
| UTHealth Houston | Houston | Health/biomedical sciences | Program-specific |
| Texas A&M Health | Texas | Health/biomedical programs | Program-specific |
| Texas Medical Center institutions | Houston | Clinical/research opportunities | Institution-specific |
| Texas Tech HSC | Lubbock | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
| Texas Tech HSC | Amarillo | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
| Texas Tech HSC | Abilene | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
| Texas Tech HSC | Dallas | Pharmacy/health sciences | Program-specific |
Related
Conclusion
Texas offers a range of opportunities for students interested in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical healthcare, and related careers. The state’s principal Pharm.D. programs include UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech, the University of Houston, the University of the Incarnate Word, UNT Health, UTEP, and UT Tyler.
Students should not choose a pharmacy school based on name recognition alone. Important factors include prerequisite requirements, tuition, location, curriculum, clinical training, experiential opportunities, admission standards, financial aid, and the school’s approach to professional pharmacy education.
If your goal is to become a licensed pharmacist, focus primarily on accredited Pharm.D. programs and make sure your undergraduate coursework satisfies the prerequisite requirements of the schools you plan to apply to.
Because admission requirements, deadlines, tuition, and prerequisite courses can change, prospective students should always verify the current requirements directly with their chosen institution before submitting an application.