Xavier University College of Pharmacy: A Legacy of Excellence and Opportunity

The Xavier University College of Pharmacy stands as a beacon of opportunity and achievement, particularly for minority students aspiring to enter the pharmacy profession. This article delves into the distinctive features of Xavier's pharmacy program, its commitment to diversity, its academic rigor, and the opportunities it provides for students to excel in the field of pharmacy.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Xavier University of Louisiana, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is the only historically Black and Catholic university in the nation. The College of Pharmacy is deeply committed to bringing minority youth into the learned profession of pharmacy. For years, Xavier has been among the top three producers in the nation of African Americans with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Open to students of all races and creeds, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

Xavier equals opportunity. Students from a wide variety of races, cultures, backgrounds and locations are represented in our Pharm.D. program, even if they thought working toward a Doctor of Pharmacy degree was not possible before. If you are willing to work hard to improve yourself and your community, you can succeed as a Xavier student-and as a pharmacist.

Xavier University of Louisiana is ranked among the top HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Despite its relatively small size, Xavier is recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences and produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country. More than 30 percent of Xavier students go on to graduate or professional school.

Academic Excellence and Rigor

Xavier maintains its reputation as one of the most effective teaching institutions anywhere. The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Pharmacy offers preparation in varied fields on the undergraduate, graduate and professional degree levels. The Xavier University College of Pharmacy boasts a reputation for excellence.

Xaiver's 40-hour credit core curriculum seamlessly integrates the rich legacy and tradition of its identity with its status as a premier institution for contemporary liberal arts education. Students are constantly challenged to think critically and innovatively about their world, regions, communities, and themselves. Foundational courses teach communication, rhetoric, quantitative skill, and critical reasoning. Students progress to exploration courses that investigate the natural world, build connections with our human past, study human behavior, inquire about life's deep questions, discover their own creativity, dig deep into issues of faith and society, and learn more about the richness of African American heritage. Xavier’s core promotes intellectual development that empowers students to engage holistically with complex issues.

Whether pursuing current interests or exploring new ones, students make friends and establish their on-campus community by getting involved. Xavierites of all disciplines are guided by the University's mission, developing into life-long learners and global leaders that actively contribute to a more just and humane society for all.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program

Earning your Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Xavier University is all about discovering how to become a pharmacist. The Pharm.D. program at Xavier is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice.

Curriculum Overview

While every track prepares you for Pharm.D. Our program provides the critical skills for pharmacy school and beyond, rooted in chemistry, biology and pharmacology, with added expertise in drug discovery, development and regulation. The Pharmaceutical Science program has three tracks, each of which contains the required coursework for acceptance into nearly all Pharm.D.

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Examples of Required Courses:

CHEM 180: Intro. to Chem.
BIOL 140: Anat. & Phys.
BIOL 141: Anat. & Phys.
BIOL 142: Anat. & Phys.
BIOL 143: Anat. & Phys.

This course explores the scientific and economic aspects of medicinal chemistry, covering the discovery, structure-activity relationships, synthesis, and mechanisms of action of various drug classes.

Experiential Learning and Research

As a Xavier Doctor of Pharmacy student, you can participate in pharmacy research that significantly improves the lives of patients-from understanding the molecules that make up pharmaceutical drugs to ensuring that the right patient receives the right medication at the right time. Explore pharmaceutical science topics that interest you most with our undergraduate research program. Beyond the science, you’ll explore the ethical considerations necessary to advance drug discovery, development and delivery in a responsible and beneficial manner.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, a student must have pursued college level work for six years (four of these in the College of Pharmacy) and have completed a minimum of 57 semester hours of pre-pharmacy course work. Recommendation Forms - The College of Pharmacy requires each applicant to submit three recommendation forms. The applicant should select three faculty members or two faculty members and an employer to complete the forms. The faculty recommendations must come from physical/life science or math instructors who have taught the applicant at the college level. The employer recommendation must come from someone who has served as an immediate supervisor to the applicant.

Factors to Consider:

Dual Degree Program?
Part of an academic health center?
Pharmacy observation hours required?
Supplemental application requirement?
Baccalaureate degree preferred for admissions?
Follows the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines?
Is preference given to in-state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants?

Campus Life and Student Engagement

Xavier is located near the heart of New Orleans in a quiet neighborhood dotted with bungalows. An enclosed campus green mutes the urban feel of the encroaching city, and yellow brick buildings have been erected among the older historical limestone structures. Overcoming damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ida in 2021, Xavier remains standing strong.

Student Organizations and Activities

Whether pursuing current interests or exploring new ones, students make friends and establish their on-campus community by getting involved. There is "something for everyone, and you even have the opportunity to start clubs of your own."

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Examples of Student Organizations:

The Alchemyst Club is a vibrant community for students interested in chemistry and related fields. Members engage in a variety of activities, including academic support, community outreach, professional development and social events. The club also offers opportunities for students to conduct research and present their findings at conferences.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) is a national pre-health honors organization for juniors and seniors.
The Pre-Med Student Association is a club for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.
Many enrollees enjoy the Peer Dean Association, which has select members "provide a family space for incoming students" and help them acclimate to life on campus."
Student ambassadors "are seen as the faces of Xavier" and offer tours and host events for prospective undergrads.

Campus Culture and Community

Though Xavier University of Louisiana is a historically Black university, the student body is very diverse, with notably "well-rounded" and "community-minded" individuals. Several students note that "even though this is a small campus, the people can be so different." Since Xavierites come from so many different backgrounds and regions, "they bring unique elements such as regional dances, phrases, mannerisms, and recipes." Though some might worry about feeling isolated, Xavier is "one big family" where "no one feels unreachable or untouchable." Additionally, it's clear that Xavier students recognize how hard their classmates work and make the effort to lift one another up.

Xavier College of Pharmacy is about working together-and working with heart. There is a strong sense of community within each cohort. It is something we like to call “pharmily.” From start to finish, you get to learn, study, complete hands-on experiences and stretch your skills side by side-and our faculty and staff are here to cheer you on each step of the way.

Life in New Orleans

It's a life of books at this rigorously academic university, so "literally most of us are in the library most of the day if not in class," though you will find that "students congregate in their dorm rooms or in the lobby area of the cafeteria." A life of books, at least, until the weekend, at which point the bustle of the nearby city calls out: "There's always something to do in New Orleans." Cincinnati, Ohio is a city made for exploration.

Rankings and Recognition

Xavier University of Louisiana is ranked among the top HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Xavier is recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences and produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country. Xavier University College of Pharmacy proudly ranking among the top four producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree-holders nationwide.

News & World Report for the past two decades. Recognized for its "challenging classes" and "academic resources," Xavier University of Louisiana is a Catholic and historically Black university that stresses a well-rounded curriculum within a nurturing learning environment.

Faculty and Support

Many students agree, "[Our] school's greatest strength is our sense of togetherness. We all want to see each other succeed and are willing to help each other along the way," professors included. Most students describe their professors as "kind, understanding and always willing to work with you to achieve a goal." Faculty at the university "value [their students'] education," as observed by students who find that their instructors go above and beyond conventional teaching methods and try to incorporate pedagogical innovation into classes: "Instead of a final exam, my professor is making us do a podcast project in the style of a Vanderbilt professor." Additionally, as a school that challenges its students to be their best, "there is always a resource center or a teacher offering their services" to offer additional guidance. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. Xavier provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls.

Campus Visits and Location

The Office of Admissions hosts campus tours Monday through Friday for high school students and their families. In an effort to accommodate guests and provide the best experience, group visits are limited to 75 high school students. The campus visit experience includes a 30 minute presentation by an Admissions Representative, followed by a walking tour, led by a XULA Vanguard Ambassador. Family Tours MWF 10am & 2 pm; Tues & Thurs 10am only. There’s nothing like experiencing campus for yourself.

Xavier is located in the heart of New Orleans, La., and is easily accessible by car via the I-10 system.

Directions:

From downtown New Orleans and all points East: take I-10 West and exit at South Carrollton Avenue (Exit 232). Drive straight through the Costco shopping area, then cross over the canal and take a left (you are now on Washington Avenue). Stay on Washington Ave. for approximately four blocks (you will cross South Carrollton Ave. at the next light) and enter the campus. Once you’ve crossed over South Carrollton Ave, keep driving until you get to Pine St. Then, turn left onto the bridge at Pine St. Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right onto Drexel Dr. until you get to S. Clark St. Turn left onto S. Clark St. and then turn right on Dixon St.
From the airport, Baton Rouge and all points West: take I-10 East and exit at South Carrollton Avenue (Exit 232). Once you have exited, get into the right lane and take the next exit onto Howard Ave. Once you have exited onto Howard Ave., turn right at South Jefferson Davis Pkwy.

Notable Alumni

These four chemistry graduates are making big impacts in science, business and education. Read more about their journeys to success.

Dr.
Ms.
Dr. L. One of the top civil rights lawyers of his generation.
Dr. Norman C.
US Representative Troy A.
Dr.
St.
St.
Superdome, St.

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