We are West Virginia’s first school of pharmacy and have been pioneers in the education of pharmacists for over a century. Many of our more than 3,400 alumni practice in West Virginia; a large number are also working in 48 other states and internationally. Their practices are a reflection of our profession, ranging from patient specific pharmaceutical care, to leaders of national organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and academia. We are proud that our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates perform above the national average on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. They are highly competitive in the job market and in the selection process for postgraduate pharmacy residencies across the country.
Healthcare and the profession of pharmacy are constantly evolving. Our PharmD curriculum integrates basic and translational science with clinical practice so students understand the underlying “why” behind drug therapy. We emphasize active learning and skills development — student pharmacists at WVU learn by participating in hands-on activities from the first semester in the program. Most importantly, students learn how to function as members of interprofessional teams alongside students from medicine, nursing, dentistry, public health, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
Students also have opportunities to develop specialized expertise in areas such as research, gerontology, college teaching, and global health by taking elective coursework and practice experiences in these areas. We also offer a clinical pharmacy track to better prepare students for postgraduate pharmacy residency training. An additional alternative is for students to enroll in our dual PharmD/MBA degree program to position themselves for executive careers in healthcare.
Students interested in improving patient health through research can pursue a PhD through one of our two nationally renowned graduate program pathways: Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, or Health Services and Outcomes Research. Whichever career path students choose, they can rest assured that they will have a solid and competitive educational foundation on which to build.
Our dedicated faculty help and inspire students to achieve their goals. Our faculty are scientists developing new medications as well as clinicians working with healthcare teams to improve medication use. Through their teaching, research and service, our faculty are making differences in the lives of our students and in the health of citizens in the state, national and world.
- Positions
- Gates Wigner Dean of the WVU School of Pharmacy, Office of the Dean
- Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Member, WVU Cancer Institute Research Programs
- Phone
- 304-293-5212