School of Pharmacy FAQs

Frequently asked questions to the PCOM School of Pharmacy - Georgia Campus

Accreditation-related questions
What is the current accreditation status of the School of Pharmacy?
What does "Candidate" accreditation status mean?

PharmD program-related questions
What degree will I obtain from the School of Pharmacy?
How long is the PharmD program?
Can the PharmD program be taken on a part-time basis? 
What is the total number of credits in the PharmD program?
Where can I find information regarding the curriculum for the program?
When do classes begin and when do they end?
Where will I complete my clinical experiences/rotations?
Will I be required to find my own clinical sites or will the School of Pharmacy locate these for me?
For an out-of-state student, if they wanted to move back home during the final year of the program, are they allowed to find their own rotation sites?
Will PCOM provide transportation to/from rotation sites or lodging at distant sites?
What are the pharmacy intern requirements?

Admissions-related questions
Does the PCOM School of Pharmacy participate in the PharmCAS application service?
How many students apply each year?  How many students are accepted every year?
Does PCOM require a Supplemental Application?
What factors are considered for admission to PCOM?
What does the “rolling application process” mean?
What are the pharmacy pre-requisite courses and how many credit hours do I need to enroll at PCOM?
Do I need a college degree to apply to and/or attend PCOM School of Pharmacy?
Can one class count toward multiple prerequisites?
Will PCOM accept Pass/Fail classes for prerequisites?
Will PCOM accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits for prerequisites?
Where can I complete my prerequisite coursework?

How do I convert quarter hours to semester hours?
What if I have taken classes on the quarter system and after conversion I am short?
How is my GPA calculated for admissions consideration?
If I take coursework after submitting my PharmCAS application, how will PCOM know this?
Does PCOM require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)? What is the minimum score needed to apply?

Will January PCAT scores be accepted?
If I have taken the PCAT multiple times, which PCAT score will the Admissions Committee use when they review my application?
Does PCOM require interviews as a component of the admissions process?
Do all prerequisite courses have to be completed before submitting an application or receiving an invitation for an interview?

What information is required to be granted an interview?
If I'm granted an interview, who will interview me?
What is the proper dress attire for the interview?
Is work experience in a pharmacy required to be admitted to PCOM School of Pharmacy? If I do have relevant experience, how do I document it?
How many letters of recommendation are required?
How/when will I be informed of my admissions decision?
If I am accepted and wish to attend PCOM, does PCOM require a seat deposit?
Does PCOM require a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen prior to matriculation?

Financial Questions
What is the tuition and fees for the School of Pharmacy?
How do I apply for financial aid?

Health and Safety Issues
Does PCOM require immunizations to enroll in the PharmD program?
Am I required to have health insurance before I can attend PCOM?

General questions
Can I work while attending pharmacy school?
Is a laptop computer required/recommended for this program?
Is there University housing available for pharmacy students?
The School of Pharmacy is based in Suwanee, GA. What is it like to live in Suwanee?

International Student Questions
Will you accept my course work taken in a foreign university?
As an international applicant do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam?
Does PCOM accept International Students?


Accreditation-related questions

Q. What is the current accreditation status of the School of Pharmacy?
A: In July, 2011, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted “Candidate” status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). For an explanation of ACPE accreditation process and details regarding candidate status, please contact the Office of the Dean (678) 407-7340 or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street Suite 4100 Chicago, IL 60603-4810 Phone: (312) 664-3575  FAX: (312) 664-4652, web site www.acpe-accredit.org.


Q. What does "Candidate" accreditation status mean?
A: The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) provides the following definition of terms:

Candidate Status
With respect to clarification of the meaning of Candidate accreditation status, graduates of a program so designed would, in the opinion of ACPE, have the same rights and privileges of those graduates from a fully accredited program. The Candidate accreditation status denotes a developmental program that is expected to mature in accord with stated plans within a defined time period. It should be underscored, however, that decisions concerning eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity reside with the respective state boards of pharmacy in accordance with their state statutes and administrative rules. Should Candidate accreditation status be awarded to a program, ACPE would, however, make its position known and make recommendations consistent with that position.

PharmD program-related questions

Q. What degree will I obtain from the School of Pharmacy?
A: The School of Pharmacy offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) as its single professional degree. The PharmD degree is awarded in recognition of the attainment of the highest level of professional education in pharmacy.

Q. How long is the PharmD program?
A: The PharmD Program requires 4 years to complete.

Q. Can the PharmD program be taken on a part-time basis?
A: No. Unlike undergraduate education where a student may progress at their desired speed, the PharmD program is a professional program where the curriculum is pre-determined by the school and the curriculum is scheduled to be completed in 4 years.

Q. What is the total number of credits in the PharmD program?
A: At the current time, the total number of credits is 150 for the 4 years of the program.

Q. Where can I find information regarding the curriculum for the program?
A: The PharmD Program is a 4-year professional program. In any program, the curriculum is always subject to change, but the most recent version can be found here.

Q. When do classes begin and when do they end?
A: The academic year begins in August and ends the following June. For the first 3 years, each academic year is composed of three terms, each 12 weeks long (plus a final exam week).  In the summer before the third year of instruction, students will also be required to participate in experiential clinical experiences/rotations during the months of June or August. These experiences will last about 2 weeks (80 hours). In the fourth year of the program, students will complete eight, 5-week long Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiential (APPE) rotations.  These APPEs begin in May and continuing until the following May. Students may be assigned to areas outside the metro Atlanta area and will be required to secure transportation and/or lodging at these distant sites.

Q. Where will I complete my clinical experiences/rotations?
A: The PharmD program will have clinical experiences throughout all four years of the curriculum as mandated by ACPE. The first, second and third year Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) will be completed in various pharmacies and health care facilities in the greater Atlanta area. The fourth year Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) will be completed mostly in the greater Atlanta area but some rotations will be offered throughout the state of Georgia as well.

Q. Will I be required to find my own clinical sites or will the School of Pharmacy locate these for me?
A: Students are not required to find their own clinical sites. The School of Pharmacy will identify appropriate rotation sites for you, train the preceptors at each site and conduct quality assurance measures to ensure that you will train at a quality site. Preceptors are either full-time faculty members of the School of Pharmacy or licensed pharmacists with affiliation agreements with PCOM.

Q. For an out-of-state student, if they wanted to move back home during the final year of the program, are they allowed to find their own rotation sites?
A: This is possible, but not guaranteed. In order to become a preceptor for one of our clinical sites, the Director of Experiential Education or one of the Clinical Coordinators would have to visit the site, discuss the types of learning opportunities available at the site and determine the outcome objectives, provide training to the preceptors, discuss issues such as grading, etc. Not all sites will qualify as a rotation site. It would be unlikely that all of this would be done to accommodate a single student because of the resources required, but if multiple students were interested in the site then development of the site could be possible.

Q. Will PCOM provide transportation to/from rotation sites or lodging at distant sites?
A: No.  PCOM does not provide transportation or lodging for students. It is strongly suggested that students have their own car during all 4 years of the program.

Q. What are the pharmacy intern requirements?
A: An applicant may register with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy intern if they are registered in an accredited school/college of pharmacy. All students at the PCOM School of Pharmacy - Georgia Campus will be required to obtain their Georgia Pharmacy intern license during the first semester.  The school will assist you with the application process.

Any applicant with a history of substance abuse, a previous felony conviction or any other issue that would be revealed in a criminal background check is advised to consult with the state board of pharmacy in Georgia prior to matriculation in the school (the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy phone number is (478) 207-2440). Any changes resulting from criminal or civil actions should also be disclosed to the state board of pharmacy. Students wishing to gain intern experience outside of the state of Georgia are advised to contact the board of pharmacy in that state to determine the requirements for intern/pharmacist licensure. PCOM School of Pharmacy - Georgia Campus has no authority to determine eligibility of licensure for any intern or pharmacist in any state.

The license requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy interns vary by state and it is recommended that applicants inquire with the board of pharmacy in the state where they intend to practice if they have any questions. In general, in order to take the pharmacist licensure examination, boards of pharmacy will require successful completion of the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution and complete a certain number of hours as a pharmacy intern. In Georgia, applicants for pharmacist licensure must be at least 18 years of age, have graduated from an approved school of pharmacy and have completed 1,500 hours of internship under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Schools of pharmacy in Georgia allow students to claim credit for 1,000 internship hours obtained during experiential rotations and the student is required to obtain 500 additional hours on their own as a licensed pharmacy intern.

Admissions-related questions

Q. When was the inaugural class to PCOM School of Pharmacy admitted?
A: PCOM admitted 79 members in its inaugural class in August, 2010. They are scheduled to graduate following the spring term in 2014. 

Q:  Does the PCOM School of Pharmacy participate in the PharmCAS application service?
A:  Yes.  The deadline for completing your PharmCAS application is March, 1, 2014.  To get more information in regards to PharmCAS, please go to http://www.pharmcas.org.

Q. How many students apply each year?  How many students are accepted every year?
A: For the 2012-2013 admissions cycle, PCOM received 1047 PharmCAS applications and will enroll 100 new students in August, 2013. The School of Pharmacy will continue to admit 100 students to start in fall, 2014.  In general, schools of pharmacy in Georgia have > than a 10:1 ratio of applicants to matriculants.

Q. Does PCOM require a Supplemental Application?

A: Yes. When PCOM receives and processes your completed PharmCAS application, PCOM will send you a Supplemental Application via email.  The Supplemental Application must be fully completed and sent back to PCOM before you can be considered for an interview.  For the 2013-2014 Admissions cycle, there is no cost for the Supplemental Application.  The deadline for submitting a completed Supplemental Application is April

Q. What factors are considered for admission to PCOM?
A: Students will be evaluated on a variety of criteria.  Academic performance in science courses, as well as overall academic performance, as determined by Grade Point Average (GPA) are major criteria utilized by the Admissions Committee.  Competitive scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) are also considered.  Professional preparedness, motivation, decision making and written and verbal communication skills are also evaluated.  Prior degrees earned and previous pharmacy related work experience are additional considerations.

Q. What does the “rolling application process” mean?
A: The rolling application process means that we review applications on an on-going basis from the beginning of the application year until all seats in the class are full. Once we receive completed applications, they are reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  Interviews will be offered throughout the year to qualified students. If the interview is acceptable and there are seats remaining to be filled, then the candidate may be offered admission shortly following the interview. It is to your advantage to turn your application in as early as possible because of this process. Once the seats in the class are filled, qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list. As positions become available, students on this list will be offered seats in our program.

Q. What are the pharmacy pre-requisite courses and how many credit hours do I need to enroll at PCOM? A: PCOM requires sixty (60) semester credit hours of prerequisite coursework. The prerequisite courses are listed below:

Q. Do I need a college degree to apply to and/or attend PCOM School of Pharmacy?
A: No.  Qualified applicants who have satisfactorily completed all pre-requisite coursework but do not attain a Bachelors degree can apply and enroll at PCOM.  Qualified applicants may also apply and be offered admissions without having completed all pre-requisite coursework.   However, all applicants must successfully complete prerequisite coursework before matriculating to the School of Pharmacy. Note, also, that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required, that the Admissions Committee gives preference to those students who have attained a Bachelor's degree.
 
Q. Can one class count toward multiple prerequisites?
A: No.  Courses may not be counted for more than one prerequisite requirement.
 
Q. Will PCOM accept Pass/Fail classes for prerequisites?
A: No. PCOM will NOT accept pass/fail classes for prerequisites.  All courses used for prerequisites must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
 
Q. Will PCOM accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits for prerequisites?
A. Yes, PCOM will accept AP credits.  All AP credits must be given a grade equivalent of “C” or higher at the institution you attended and received credit. 

Q. Where can I complete my prerequisite coursework?
A: Students may complete their pre-professional course requirements at any regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
 
Q. How do I convert quarter hours to semester hours?
A: In general, to convert from quarter hours to semester hours multiply the quarter hours by 2/3. Please use the following conversion chart as a guide.

Quarter Hours  Semester Hours
1= 0.67
2= 1.33
3= 2.00
4= 2.67
5= 3.33
6= 4.00
7= 4.67
8= 5.33

Q. What if I have taken classes on the quarter system and after conversion I am short?
A: PCOM will round up the hours / credits when converting from quarter to semester hours. If the number of credit hours is insufficient after rounding, additional courses must be taken to fulfill the admissions requirements.

Q. How is my GPA calculated for admissions consideration?
A: For Admissions purposes, overall and science GPAs are calculated by PharmCAS:

To calculate a GPA, PharmCAS determines your total number of quality points by multiplying semester credit hours attempted by the value of the verified PharmCAS grade. Quarter hours and units are converted to semester hours (quarter hours are multiplied by .667). The quality points are divided by the total number of hours for completed courses. PharmCAS will report your standardized GPA in semester-based 4.0 grading scale.

Please visit the PharmCAS web site for specific information regarding GPA. The minimum GPA for consideration of admission to the School of is 2.0, although GPAs of 2.5 and above are considered competitive. PharmCAS calculates GPA by the following table:

PharmCAS Weight 4 3.7 3.5 3.3 3 2.7 2.5 2.3 2 1.7 1.5 1.3 1 0.7 0.5 0
PharmCAS Grade A/A+ A- AB B+ B B- BC C+ C C- CD D+ D D- DE F

As a hypothetical example, assume a student has the following information based on a semester system:

Course Grade PharmCAS weight Semester Credits
Biology B 3.0 3
Chemistry C+ 2.3 3
Physics B 3.0 3
Psychology A 4.0 2

The total number of quality points (QP) in this example would be:
Biology 3 x 3 = 9.0 QP 
Chemistry 2.3 x 3 = 6.9 QP 
Physics 3 x 3 = 9.0 QP 
Psychology 4 x 2 = 8.0 QP 
Total QP   = 32.9 Total # credits = 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 11
   
GPA = Total QP / Number of credits 
  = 32.9 / 11 
  = 2.99 

The minimum GPA required for admission is 2.0, but it is expected that the average GPA of students that matriculate will be > 3.0.

Q. If I take coursework after submitting my PharmCAS application, how will PCOM know this?
A: You must update your PharmCAS application following the fall term. This information will be forwarded to PCOM once you have completed the updated PharmCAS.

Q. Does PCOM require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)? What is the minimum score needed to apply?
A: Yes. In order to qualify for an interview and be granted admission to the School of Pharmacy, students are required to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Information regarding the PCAT can be found here.  For the 2013-2014 testing cycle, the PCAT will be administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers on one or more dates during the months of July, September and January. Although no minimum PCAT score is required, students with composite scores <40% or subscores in science-related areas < 25% are not likely to be competitive for admission.   

Q. Will January PCAT scores be accepted?
A: Yes.  Keep in mind that students with complete applications will be invited for interviews first. Early applicants have an increased chance of an offer for an interview and acceptance into the school. Your application is not complete until the PCAT score is received along with all other admissions requirements. If the PCAT examination is taken in January, the School may not receive the student's score until March and interviews will not be scheduled until the School has received the student's PCAT score.

 
Q. If I have taken the PCAT multiple times, which PCAT score will the Admissions Committee use when they review my application?
A: The Admissions Committee will take into consideration the highest composite PCAT score (regardless of whether this is the most recent score or not). PCAT scores must be taken within 5 years of the application date in order to be considered valid scores.

Q. Does PCOM require interviews as a component of the admissions process?
A:Yes.  In order to receive an offer of admissions to the PharmD program, you must be invited and participate in an on-campus interview.

Q. Do all prerequisite courses have to be completed before submitting an application or receiving an invitation for an interview?
A: No.   Prerequisite coursework does not have to be completed in order to submit an application or receive an interview invitation.  However, all courses must have been successfully completed (with a grade of "C" or higher) no later than July 1 of the year you are applying for admission.

Q. What information is required to be granted an interview?
A: Students with a complete application file who the Admissions Committee determines are qualified will be offered an interview. A completed application file is one where all of the following materials have been received by PCOM:

• Completed PharmCAS Application,
• Completed PCOM Supplemental Application  
• Official PCAT score

Q. If I'm granted an interview, who will interview me?
A: Interviewers will consist mostly of faculty and staff of the school. As the school grows, the interview team will likely include current students, pharmacy preceptors and school alumni as well.

Q. What is the proper dress attire for the interview?
A. Professional attire is required for the interview.

Q. Is work experience in a pharmacy required to be admitted to PCOM School of Pharmacy?  If I do have relevant experience, how do I document it?
A: No.  It is, however, strongly recommended that all applicants gain some form of experience in pharmacy through employment as a technician, shadowing, or volunteer work. Candidates who have prior experience in a pharmacy environment do receive consideration during the application process. Previous pharmacy-related work experience is not required for admissions.  However students with such work experience are given greater consideration in the admissions process. On the Supplemental Application, you will be asked to provide a history of your pharmacy work or volunteer experience and be required to sign your name acknowledging the accuracy of the information provided.

Q. How many letters of recommendation are required?
A: PCOM requires 3 letters of recommendation.  We do not accept letters of recommendation from friends or family members. We recommend that you seek out reference letters from individuals who have had direct experience of you in an educational and/or professional setting that can attest to your work ethic, character and skills. Ideally this would include faculty members familiar with your academic abilities, pharmacists whom you have worked with in the past, previous work supervisors, or advisors from experiences you may have had in education, research, patient exposure, community service and/or employment.

Q. Can I apply for a transfer from another PharmD program to PCOM?
A: PCOM School of Pharmacy does not routinely accept transfer students; however, a transfer application may be considered under extenuating circumstances and depending on availability. Consideration will be given only to a student who is currently in good standing at an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy. Students who have been on probation, temporarily or permanently suspended, required to repeat classes, or involved in any adverse action as a result of conduct violations or academic dishonesty are not eligible for transfer.

To initiate a transfer, students should send a letter detailing the reason for the transfer request to the PCOM School of Pharmacy, Associate Dean for Academics and Assessment along with an official transcript of all coursework in the College/School of Pharmacy and a letter from the Dean of the College/School of Pharmacy stating that the student is currently in good standing and has never been on probation, suspended, required to repeat classes or had any adverse action taken as a result of conduct violations or academic dishonesty. A formal interview with the Admissions Committee may be required and the committee will decide whether to accept the transfer student and grant, if appropriate, credit for courses successfully completed at the previous college/school that meet PCOM’s curricular requirements. A minimum of two years must be completed at PCOM School of Pharmacy for a student to be eligible to receive the PharmD degree.

Q. How/when will I be informed of my admissions decision?
A: The Admissions Committee will review all interviewed applicants and the most-qualified applicants will be selected for the incoming class. You will be notified typically within a few weeks after the interview. Accepted applicants will be informed in writing by mail or e-mail of their admission to the school, and will be provided a packet of information necessary for matriculation. Students who interview but are not immediately selected for admission will be placed on a wait list. A student on the wait list may be accepted into the program if a position becomes available.  Students that apply to the program that are not granted an interview will be placed on a hold list if they meet the minimum qualifications but are not as competitive as other students. Such students may receive an interview at a later date. Students not meeting the minimum qualifications will be notified at the end of the cycle in writing. PCOM does not disclose applicant’s position on the official wait list. 

Q. If I am accepted and wish to attend PCOM, does PCOM require a seat deposit?
A. Yes.  To confirm your place in the incoming class, we must receive a $500 seat deposit.  This deposit is non-refundable and must be received within the time frame noted in your acceptance letter (usually within 14 days of date of acceptance letter).  Your deposit will be credited toward your first tuition payment for the Fall Term.  The balance of your tuition and fees minus your anticipated financial aid will be due at the beginning of the fall term.

Q. Does PCOM require a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen prior to matriculation?
A. Yes.  PCOM participates in CBC and drug screen programs offered to all participating PharmCAS institutions through third party vendors.  All accepted applicants to PCOM are required to complete a CBC and drug screen through these PharmCAS programs prior to enrolling. Information and instructions on these programs and how to complete them will accompany your acceptance letter.

Financial Questions
Q. What is the tuition and fees for the School of Pharmacy?
A: For the 2013-14 academic year, tuition and fees has been set at $33,905.  Like most other universities/colleges, it is estimated that the tuition would likely increase 3-5% each subsequent year. This tuition is competitive with many private schools of pharmacy.

Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
A: Information regarding federally-based financial aid for students is available at FAFSA.   All questions regarding financial aid should be referred to the Financial Aid office of the Georgia Campus at (678) 225-7533.

Health and Safety Issues
Q. Does PCOM require immunizations to enroll in the PharmD program?
A: Yes. Students will be exposed to a number of different health care environments and will be in contact with many patients. In order to protect yourself and to minimize the possibility of transmitting diseases to other patients, certain immunizations are required.  Updated immunization information will be sent to each student upon acceptance of an offer of admissions. Please note that a failure to provide adequate documentation of these requirements may result in your invitation for admission to be withdrawn.

Q. Am I required to have health insurance before I can attend PCOM?
A: Yes.  All pharmacy students are required to have health insurance to attend PCOM, and be able to provide proof of your coverage. Students must enroll in the PCOM student health insurance plan or provide proof of health insurance coverage with an outside carrier.

General questions
Q. Can I work while attending pharmacy school?
A: Yes.  However, pharmacy school can be quite rigorous and significantly different from your undergraduate experience. Students must be able to maintain a balance between school, part-time work and an active social life. It is important that each student be able to manage their time effectively. Also, please note, while participating on experiential rotations, students shall not, under any circumstances, receive financial remuneration from the experiential site.

Q. Is a laptop computer required/recommended for this program?
A: A laptop computer is required. The School of Pharmacy utilizes state-of-the-art technology in the program, and thus access to email and the internet are critical. Communication with students is often done via email, and you will receive a PCOM email account before orientation. Curricular coursework is posted online via Blackboard educational software, and students may be taking some of their examinations online as well. The specifications of the laptop will be provided and it is the students' responsibility to ensure that their laptops meet the specifications. Depending on the models, both PCs and Macintosh computers can be utilized.

Q. Is there University housing available for pharmacy students?
A: PCOM has no on-site housing for students at the Georgia Campus. However, Student Services will assist students in finding housing close to the campus. You can also find listings for apartments that the college has a working relationship with in the housing section on the website. For students choosing to do 4th year rotations at distant sites, the School of Pharmacy will assist students in finding temporary housing at such sites.

Q. The School of Pharmacy is based in Suwanee, GA. What is it like to live in Suwanee?
A: Suwanee offers an outstanding quality-of-life.  Suwanee is approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta and offers close proximity to a large metropolitan environment with world-class shopping, restaurants, points-of-interest like the Georgia Aquarium, sporting events, indoor and outdoor concert arenas, theme parks like Six Flags, and yet is still close enough to great outdoor sporting areas like Lake Lanier and natural environments for hunting, hiking and fishing. For more information about Suwanee, please visit the Suwanee web site.

International Student Questions
Q. Will you accept my course work taken in a foreign university?
A: Students with international transcripts must have their transcripts analyzed by a foreign transcript service. These foreign transcript evaluation reports are submitted to PharmCAS. PharmCAS will send PCOM this information. PCOM will accept evaluations from WES, ECE or Josef Silny& Associates. Please visit the PharmCAS website for more information on this process and to view the contact list of Foreign Transcript Evaluation Services.

Q. As an international applicant do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam?
A: Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. Any applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate objective competency in English by satisfactory performance on the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score is considered too old, and will not be accepted, if it is more than two years old from the start of the applicant’s admissions term. Country of citizenship does not exempt applicants from this requirement. Language of instruction at the college or university level, and how
recent it has been, are the determining factors in meeting this requirement. The minimum required score for the IBT (Internet Based Testing) is 79 and a minimum score of 26 is required for the speaking component. General writing assistance is available for theses and dissertations; however, as an institution
offering only graduate and professional programs, PCOM does not offer remedial ESL coursework.

Applicants are exempt if:

1. English is the exclusive language of instruction at the undergraduate level; or

2. Student has earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or
university not more than five years prior to the anticipated semester of
enrollment; or

3. Student has completed at least two full-time semesters of graded coursework,
exclusive of ESL courses, in a U.S. college or university, or at an institution
outside the U.S. where English is the exclusive language of instruction, not
more than five years prior to the anticipated semester of enrollment.

Q. Does PCOM accept International Students?
A: PCOM is authorized to host F-1 visa students only. At the time of confirmation of acceptance, an international student is required to complete a Certificate of Financial Responsibility form and provide financial documentation. The financial documentation must indicate that the confirmed applicant has sufficient funding for tuition, fees and living expenses for the entire duration of his or her program or a maximum of five years.

It is the sole responsibility of the confirmed applicant to determine if the degree received from PCOM and any licenses obtained from the United States will be acceptable to practice this field in his or her country. PCOM does not guarantee every international country will allow the practice of the profession for which PCOM’s degrees are received and licensing obtained.