Program Information
The University of Colorado, through collaborative efforts of the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) has launched a CU Denver/ SSPPS Pathway Program to promote the diversity of health care professionals in Colorado and to better serve the health care needs of the State of Colorado. This Program will assemble up to 20 outstanding students each year from broadly diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be currently enrolled at CU Denver, in their freshmen year of college (first time enrolled in college), and have an interest in serving the health care needs of Colorado as a Pharmacist.
Being accepted to the program allows students to earn a reserved spot at the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences provided they meet specific academic, non-academic, and professional requirements annually.
Applications open in the fall of each year, and close in early March. Decisions for acceptance typically happen in late March.
The University of Colorado CU Denver/SSPPS Pathway Program conducts its review practices holistically; in a manner which treats each applicant fairly, on the basis of experience, attributes and metrics without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, in accordance with federal law. Please visit the Eligibility page for specifics: Click Here
Pre-Application Information Sessions
The CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) will be hosting two Pre-Application Information Sessions virtually specificlaly for the CU Denver/SSPPS Pipeline Program. If you are interested in attending an Information Session, please RSVP by clicking on the appropriate link below. The information provided will be used for sending specific information regarding your attendance; specifically log-in information, and informing you about session changes if necessary. The dates for these sessions are:
- Friday, October 6, 2023
- The session will be held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- RSVP by clicking on the following link:
https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIb0gihbxxqkYUC
- RSVP by clicking on the following link:
- The session will be held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Friday, October 13, 2023
- The session will be held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
- RSVP by clicking on the following link:
https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8A3fcti7anwqCTc
- RSVP by clicking on the following link:
- The session will be held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
The pre-application information sessions will provide attendees with an overview of the program philosophy, as well as the admissions and application process for this program. Each session will also provide an overview of the academic, as well as the non-academic, requirements and answer any questions you might have about applying. Attendees only need to attend one session. The information provided at each session is the same.
Eligibility for Application to the CU Denver/SSPPS Pipeline Program
The CU Denver/SSPPS Pathway Program at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and Anschutz Medical Campus aims to promote diversity and to better serve the health care needs of the State of Colorado. Students who have an interest and passion in becoming a Pharmacist are encouraged to apply to the CU Denver/SSPPS Program.
We believe it is our responsibility to help meet the health care needs of the State of Colorado by selecting talented students that intend to practice pharmacy. The CU Denver/SSPPS Program Admissions Committee will consider all aspects of an applicant's experiences, academic performance, and background including but not limited to:
- Excellence of academic record
- Array of community and/or volunteer service experiences
- Characteristics and capabilities that would make you an excellent pharmacist
- Extracurricular activities
- Honors and Awards
- Full or part-time jobs held during school or in summers
Students must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to apply to the CU Denver/SSPPS Program:
- Current First Time in College (New Freshman) CU Denver Pre-Pharmacy student with a 3.30 or higher cumulative GPA who have taken all prerequisites at CU Denver. ***It is acceptable for applicants to have AP/IB, and or, completed college credits, if taken prior to admission into CU Denver as a freshman student.
- In order for an application to be reviewed for admission, the following requirements must be met by the application deadline:
- 3.30 cumulative prerequisite GPA in all of the prerequisites required for application. A grade of "C" or better is required for each prerequisite course.
We encourage students who identify with any of the following to apply:
- Pell Grant eligible
- From federally designated rural/frontier communities
- A demonstrated commitment to provide care for medically underserved ethnic communities within the State of Colorado such as:
- Latino/Hispanic
- Black or African American
- Native American/Alaska Native
- Pacific Islander
- Vietnamese
- Veteran status or history of military service
- Identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
- First generation college students- someone whose parents did not attend or graduate from college, or did not complete a baccalaureate degree
- Desire to practice Pharmacy in Colorado after the completion of the Pharm.D. Program
Additional Early Admission Program Requirements
- Academic Requirements
- Document enrollment in, or completion of, the following courses at CU Denver in the spring term of application:
- ENGL 2030
- BIOL 2020
- BIOL 2021
- CHEM 2061 or Chem 2031
- Chem 2068 or Chem 2038
- MATH 1110, MATH 1120, or MATH 1401
- Plan to attend CU Denver for 4 more semesters (2 years) after admission into the Pathway Program. This Program is designed to be a 3+4 program consisting of 3 years of pre-requisite coursework at CU Denver + 4 years of pharmacy coursework at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Recommend a minimum CU Denver cumulative GPA of 3.30 including a minimum pre-requisite GPA 3.30.
- Complete ALL required prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher.
- On track for completion of all required pre-requisites within two years of admission into the Pathway Program.
- Document enrollment in, or completion of, the following courses at CU Denver in the spring term of application:
*NOTE: Students wishing to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, or any other college/university are not eligible for this program if admitted.
How to Apply
2024 Application Cycle
The CU Denver/CU SSPPS Program Application can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
*** THE APPLICATION LINK FOR THE 2023 CYCLE IS NOW AVAILABLE:
https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aBkKxGvhqKvm6y
Before starting the CU Denver/CU SSPPS Program Application, please make sure you spend time going through each section of the application. It is ideal for you to complete the application in one sitting, but it is not necessary. At minimum, you should plan to spend 4-5 hours on completing the application.
The deadline for receipt of the program application and all supporting documents (resume and minimum of one letter of recommendation) are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. No exception to the deadline will be made. The program application should be submitted electronically via the link provided above. The requested resume will be uploaded to the program application and the required letter of recommendation must be emailed to the following email address:
Please note that letters of recommendation must be sent in PDF format, and they must be signed and dated. Additionally, for security purposes, we cannot accept letters emailed by you or anyone other than the letter writer. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the letter writer, and they must use a .org, .edu, or .gov email address to send their letter. You will receive a "receipt of letter" email as we receive your letters of recommendation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send an email to the Program Email at: PharmDPipeline@ucdenver.edu.
The University of Colorado, through collaborative efforts of the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) has launced a CU Denver/ SSPPS Pathway Program to promote the diversity of health care professionals in Colorado and to better serve the health care needs of the State of Colorado. This Program will assemble up to 20 outstanding students each year from broadly diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be in their freshmen year of college at CU Denver (first time enrolled in college), and have an interest in serving the health care needs of Colorado as a pharmacist.
This Program recruits students enrolled at the CU Denver campus and provides them with support activities and resources to promote success in their undergraduate studies and preparation for pharmacy school. This Program is designed to be a 3+4 program consisting of 3 years of pre-requisite coursework at CU Denver (Phase I) + 4 years of pharmacy coursework at the SSPPS (Phase II) leading to a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Sciences and a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD). Students are accepted into the program as entering freshmen (or during their first year at CU Denver) and must complete three years of preparatory coursework at CU Denver. Upon successful completion of the Pathway Program, students applications to the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy will be accepted providing they meet all required admissions criteria for the SSPPS Pathway Program.
- If accepted into the Program, students have the opportunity to complete a training in one or more areas directly associated with the Pharmacy profession. The cost of such training courses are covered by the CU Denver/University of Colorado SSPPS Pathway Program.
- Participate in co-curricular seminars and activities conducted by CU Denver and/or the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Students will be required to meet with:
- Ms. Trishia Vasquez, CU Denver Health Professions Programs Director and pre-admission program coordinator, once per semester to discuss goals, progress in coursework, etc.
- Chandler Follett, PharmD, Pharmacy Outreach Specialist, at least once per semester to discuss goals, learn about Pharmacy course work and mechanisms for success within the PharmD program.
- After successful completion of the PharmCAS Application (completed in the summer between sophomore and junior year), and meeting all of the admission requirements, students will be accepted into the PharmD Program at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- After successful completion of the PharmD Program, students will be awarded a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Sciences and a PharmD.
- Program Email: PharmDPipeline@ucdenver.edu
- Visit the following site to learn more about the CU Denver- University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) Pipeline Program: https://clas.ucdenver.edu/health-professions-programs/pathway-programs
- Visit the following site to learn more about the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences PharmD Program: https://pharmacy.cuanschutz.edu/academics/pharmd
- Trishia Vasquez, CU Denver Health Professions Programs Director and pre-admission program coordinator: Trishia.vasquez@ucdenver.edu
- Chandler Follett, PharmD, Pharmacy Outreach Specialist: CHANDLER.FOLLETT@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU