B.S. in Biology/Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) Dual Degree Program
A joint program leading to a Bachelor in Science (B.S.) in Biology from Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown, N.J./Doctoral level degree in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) at University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy, Hartford, Connecticut. University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy will give priority admission to dual degree program applicants from Saint Elizabeth University and other dual degree program schools when those applicants have completed the first three years in the dual degree program, satisfied admission requirements of the Pharm.D program and are otherwise competitive with other applicants competing for admission to the Pharm.D program.
Pharmacists are health practitioners who specialize in dispensing drugs prescribed by physicians and communicate with patients and other healthcare providers about drug information and patient care. Pharmacists who are trained in the United States must earn a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy. The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree has been replaced by the Pharm.D. degree. A Pharm.D can seek employment in retail pharmacies (privately owned or in retail drugstore chains), hospital/nursing home pharmacies, and in pharmaceutical industries, which includes companies that research, manufacture, or sell drugs.
Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) and University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy have developed a joint program for qualified students interested in pursuing a B.S./Pharm.D degree. Students attend Saint Elizabeth University for three years and complete their required prerequisite science and math courses as well as general education course requirements. Following the successful completion of required biology courses and general education courses at SEU, students will then attend University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy for three years and complete training in pharmacy. Students receive their B.S. in Biology after completing the first year of the program at University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and their Pharm.D at the completion of the program at University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.
While enrolled at SEU students must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of prerequisite math and science courses in the biology major. A grade of C+ or better is required for BIO111 and BIO113; a grade of C or better in the other prerequisite math and science courses.
- Students are to maintain a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 3.25(on a 4.00 scale) or better in the prerequisite math and science courses, and an overall cumulative G.P.A. of 3.4.
- Completion of all General Education requirements.
- Evidence of understanding of the profession as demonstrated by experience in health profession.
- Demonstrated integrity.
Qualifying for enrollment at University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy:
- Completion of all prerequisite math and science courses for biology major (as described above) along with the completion of general education courses and all prerequisite courses required for admission to University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.
- Required G.P.A as described under SEU requirements.
- Satisfactory scores on the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test).
- A timely and satisfactory formal application.
- Satisfactory evaluation in a personal interview by University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy interviewer and recommendation for admission by University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy Admission Officer who has interviewed the applicant in person.
A complete description of the Pharm.D program at University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy can be found at https://www.usj.edu/academics/sppas/pharmacy/. You can also get a quick view of their Admissions Information and Checklist.
Course Requirements (52 or 56 credits)
MATH149 if necessary
BIO111 and BIO113 or their equivalent is a prerequisite for all major courses designated 200 or above except BIO 209. Students can fulfill this prerequisite by means of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations or advanced placement tests.
Students must also fulfill all requirements for General Education.
Recommended Course Sequence-Pre pharmacy track
As of April 2015
First Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (18 Credits)
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (18 Credits)
Second Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (16 Credits)
| BIO209 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CSE | CSE200-level General Education | 4 |
| | |
| MATH119 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| or | |
| CSE | CSE200-level General Education | 4 |
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16 Credits)
| BIO251 | Cellular Biology | 4 |
| CHEM213 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CSE | CSE200-level General Education | 4 |
| | |
| CSE | CSE 200-level General Education | 4 |
| or | |
| SEU300 | Faith Spirituality Ethics I | 4 |
BIO251, CHEM213, SEU200/300-level: Prerequisites apply.
SEU200-level: If still needed.
Summer (8 Credits)
PHYSICS I, PHYSICS II: Prerequisites apply.
Third Year
Fall Semester (First Semester) (17 Credits)
| BIO123 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO | BIO300/400 | 4 |
| CHEM325 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| BIO431 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Free Electives | 4 |
Spring Semester (Second Semester) (16 Credits)
| BIO125 | Honors Women & Science: History, Health & Hope | 3 |
| BIO303 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO | BIO300/400 | 4 |
| | |
| SEU300 | Faith Spirituality Ethics I | 4 |
| and-or | |
| SEU400 | Essentials Capstone | 4 |