Top 10 Pharmacy Schools

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings of graduate pharmacy schools provides a comprehensive look at the most prestigious and innovative institutions in the United States for graduate education in pharmacy. These rankings highlight the universities that are leading the way in research, education, and innovation within the pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Based on the 2009 report, the top four graduate pharmacy schools in the United States are the University of California–San Francisco (UCSF), the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), the University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas–Austin.

Leading the way is the University of California–San Francisco (UCSF), which has maintained its position as the number one pharmacy school in the United States for many years. UCSF’s School of Pharmacy is celebrated for its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, which spans four years of full-time study, is one of the most prestigious and competitive in the country. Designed to prepare students for both advanced clinical practice and research, the UCSF PharmD program combines cutting-edge scientific instruction with hands-on practical experience. In addition to its PharmD program, UCSF offers several PhD options, such as the PhD in Biological & Medical Informatics (BMI), PhD in Biophysics, and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmacogenomics (PSPG), allowing students to explore specialized research opportunities. These programs are bolstered by UCSF’s advanced laboratories, state-of-the-art technology, and a strong focus on innovative discovery.

UCSF’s strength lies not only in its PharmD curriculum but also in its research prowess. The institution is a leader in advancing pharmaceutical research, exploring topics such as biophysics, drug development, and medical informatics. UCSF has a long history of translating research discoveries into real-world clinical applications, with its graduates often going on to lead advances in healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation. The combination of exceptional faculty, outstanding research facilities, and a commitment to practical learning make UCSF the leading institution for graduate pharmacy education in the United States.

In the second spot is the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), home to the distinguished Eshelman School of Pharmacy. UNC-Chapel Hill’s pharmacy program is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier pharmacy schools. It offers a variety of graduate programs that cater to a diverse array of interests and professional aspirations, including the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, the Master of Science in health system pharmacy, and the PhD in pharmaceutical sciences. These programs are designed to give students a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between academic study and practical application in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study and research has contributed to its strong national and international reputation. UNC-Chapel Hill integrates innovative teaching strategies and extensive research opportunities into its programs, ensuring that students have access to advanced research laboratories and collaborations with pharmaceutical industries. The school’s graduates are highly competitive in the healthcare field, thanks to the program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, research innovation, and professional development. Moreover, UNC’s strong focus on public health and interdisciplinary approaches to solving healthcare challenges has solidified its position as the second-best graduate pharmacy program in the country.

Following closely is the University of Minnesota, which holds the third position in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy has earned its reputation for academic rigor, strong research output, and leadership in advancing the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Its PharmD program is comprehensive and practical, with students receiving instruction in both scientific theory and real-world clinical practice. The University of Minnesota has established itself as a hub for innovation in pharmacological research, emphasizing the development of new medicines, therapeutic interventions, and the study of complex biological processes that underpin drug development.

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota is known for its commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to gain experience working with other healthcare professionals and researchers across the biomedical sciences. With state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated research faculty, and a strong commitment to student success, the University of Minnesota continues to produce graduates who are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of modern pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical research. The university’s innovative approach to teaching, combined with its research achievements, has solidified its position as one of the top graduate pharmacy schools in the nation.

The University of Texas–Austin rounds out the top four graduate pharmacy schools in the United States, with its College of Pharmacy consistently earning recognition for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The University of Texas–Austin offers a well-rounded PharmD program, as well as graduate research opportunities that span areas such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. The program emphasizes a balance between academic instruction and practical experience, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to address the modern pharmaceutical landscape. With faculty members renowned for their contributions to scientific research and a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the University of Texas–Austin is a hub for innovation and leadership in pharmaceutical education.

The University of Texas–Austin’s emphasis on research and innovation has contributed to its reputation as a leading institution in pharmacy education. Its graduates benefit from access to cutting-edge research opportunities and strong industry connections, preparing them for careers in clinical pharmacy, research, healthcare administration, and pharmaceutical development. The university’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that it remains one of the most competitive and influential pharmacy schools in the United States.

These four institutions—the University of California–San Francisco, the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Texas–Austin—represent the pinnacle of graduate pharmacy education in the United States. They each bring unique strengths to the table, including outstanding Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs, innovative PhD opportunities, advanced research facilities, and interdisciplinary opportunities that prepare students for diverse careers in the pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare. Their graduates consistently lead in pharmaceutical innovation, clinical research, healthcare administration, and pharmaceutical practice, thanks to the well-rounded and comprehensive education these institutions offer.

Top 10 Graduate Pharmacy Schools in US:
1. University of California–San Francisco
2. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
3. University of Minnesota
4. University of Texas–Austin
5. Ohio State University
5. University of Kentucky
5. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5. University of Washington
9. Purdue University
9. University of Arizona
9. University of Florida
9. University of Illinois–Chicago
9. University of Maryland–Baltimore
9. University of Wisconsin–Madison

Source: US News & World Report 2009

Guardian Top 10 UK universities for Pharmacy and Pharmacology:
1 UCL
2 Strathclyde
3 Nottingham
4 Leeds
5 UEA
6 Bath
7 Liverpool
8 Bristol
9 Cardiff
10 Dundee

Source: Guardian League Table 2010

The Times Top 10 Pharmacology & Pharmacy Ranking (UK):

1. Edinburgh
   
2. Queen's Belfast
   
3. Nottingham
   
4. East Anglia
   
5. Manchester
   
6. Bath
   
7. Leeds
   
8. Cardiff
   
9. Cambridge
   
10. Strathclyde
    

Source: Times Good University Guide 2010

Top 10 Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy (MED) programs in the world:
1 Harvard Univ
2 Univ California - San Francisco
3 Univ Washington - Seattle
4 Johns Hopkins Univ
5 Columbia Univ
6 Univ California - Los Angeles
7 Univ Texas Southwestern Med Center
8 Univ Michigan - Ann Arbor
9 Karolinska Inst Stockholm
10 Univ Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh

Source: Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2008