Accelerated Graduate Degree Pathways

There are several different Accelerated Graduate Degree pathways from which a student can select: 

• The B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate. 
• The B.S. in Biological Science to the Pharmacy Doctorate. 
• The B.S. in Chemical Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate. 
• The B.S. in Health Sciences to the Pharmacy Doctorate.

The B. S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program is also offered as part of an accelerated 3 + 4 program in conjunction with the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (3 years B.S. + 4 years Pharm.D.). The first 3 years of the B.S.P.S. program include all prerequisite courses that are required for matriculation into the Pharm.D. program as well as all university core requirements for a B.S. The coursework in the fourth year of the B.S.P.S. program is synonymous with the coursework in the first year of the Pharm.D. program. This allows both degrees to be completed within 7 (3 + 4) years. 

Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Graduate Degree (AGD) program can begin taking master’s level classes while still in the B.A. program. These graduate credits can be used for both the undergraduate and graduate level coursework and will help facilitate an easy and fast transition into the master’s program if a student is accepted. In order to be accepted into the AGD, please see your advisor to see if you qualify for one of these positions.

AGD applicants who meet these program GPA admission requirements must comply with all other admission standards. Also, it is important to note that during the last semester of the undergraduate degree program, students in the AGD program must apply for formal admission to the PharmD program. 

Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Graduate Degree (AGD) program can begin taking graduate level classes while still in their undergraduate program. These graduate credits can be used for both the undergraduate and graduate level coursework and will help facilitate an easy and fast transition into a graduate program if a student is accepted. To be accepted into the AGD, please see your advisor to see if you qualify for one of these positions.

Undergraduates accepted into an AGD program can begin taking graduate coursework during their junior or senior year. 

Graduate coursework/credit will appear only on the graduate transcript, and graduate course grades will be calculated towards the graduate GPA.

Note: Accelerated Graduate Degree programs may have admission requirements that differ from the admission requirements for the regular graduate degree. Students should check with the chosen graduate degree program.

Application Process

1. During the junior or senior year, eligible students should meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies of their chosen graduate degree program to develop an AGD plan of study. Any changes to the AGD plan of study must be approved by the undergraduate advisor and director of graduate studies in writing to the dean of the college.
2. The student’s acceptance into the AGD program is subject to the approval of the plan of study by the dean of the college.
3. Students accepted into the AGD program should apply for admission to the chosen  degree program for the first semester after the bachelor’s degree is awarded. Applications should be submitted during the last semester of the senior year.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate credit toward their graduate degree program.

Withdrawal from the AGD

A student may withdraw at any time from the AGD by informing the undergraduate advisor, the director of graduate studies and the dean of the college in writing. A student’s status will then revert to the standard undergraduate degree program. Any graduate hours earned must be approved for use in fulfillment of bachelor’s degree requirements by the student’s undergraduate dean.

From Undergraduate to Graduate Student

Beginning with the semester after the student has earned the bachelor’s degree and has been accepted into a graduate degree program, the student is enrolled in the graduate program and is assessed tuition and fees at the graduate rate. All rules regarding graduate education will apply to the student once admitted into the graduate degree program.