BA in Biochemistry/PharmD (joint degree)
6-Year Dual Degree – University of Mount Saint Vincent (BA in Biochemistry) – University of Saint Joseph (Doctor of Pharmacy Degree)
The University of Mount Saint Vincent and the University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut offer a dual degree program through which students are able to earn both a bachelor’s degree and the Doctor of Pharmacy degree in six years of full-time study.
During the first three years, students study full-time at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, completing a prescribed course of study that will lead to the BA in Biochemistry. During the fourth through sixth year, students enroll full-time at the School of Pharmacy, University of Saint Joseph.
BA Degree
The BA degree is awarded by the University of Mount Saint Vincent upon the successful completion of four years of study in the dual degree program. The PharmD degree is awarded by the University of Saint Joseph upon the successful completion of the fourth through sixth years of study at the School of Pharmacy.
PharmD Degree
To be eligible to transfer into the University of Saint Joseph’s School of Pharmacy after three years of study at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, students must complete a tightly defined set of courses during the first three years. Students in the dual degree program must also maintain a high GPA and must perform satisfactorily on the PCAT exam before transferring to the School of Pharmacy.
For additional information, please visit the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.
Degree Requirements
| Undergraduate College Core Requirements | 31 credits* | |
| Biochemistry Major | 50 credits | |
| Chemistry Core Courses | 26 credits | |
| CHEM 120-121 General Chemistry I and II | (8 credits) | |
| CHEM 219-220 Organic Chemistry I and II | (6 credits) | |
| CHEM 223-224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II | (2 credits) | |
| CHEM 3xx Chemistry Electives | (4 credits) | |
| CHEM 309 Physical Chemistry I (or CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences) | (3 credits) | |
| CHEM 403-404 Chemistry Colloquium | (3 credits) | |
| Cognate Requirements | 24 credits | |
| BIOL 111 General Biology I | (4 credits) | |
| BIOL 217 Genetics | (4 credits) | |
| MATH 131-132 Calculus I and II | (8 credits) | |
| PHYS 207-208 General Physics I and II | (8 credits) | |
| PharmD Requirements | 22 credits | |
| MATH 212 Biomedical Statistics | (4 credits) | |
| BIOL 109-110 Anatomy and Physiology | (8 credits) | |
| BIOL 225 Microbiology | (4 credits) | |
| ECON 120 Principles of Microeconomics | (3 credits) | |
| COMM 210 Public Speaking | (3 credits) | |
| Open Elective | 3 credits | |
| Remaining credits will be transferred upon successful completion of the first academic year at University of St. Joseph. |
13 credits | |
| TOTAL | 120 credits |
*Nine core credits in natural science and mathematics satisfied with major requirements. Three core credits are taken from ECON 120. Three core credits are taken from Pharmacy Law taken during the first year at University of St. Joseph.
Sample Program
BA in Biochemistry with PharmD (120 credits)
Year 1
| FYE 101 First Year Experience | 1 credit |
| ENGL 110 Writing in Context I | 3 credits |
| ENGL 120 Writing in Context II | 3 credits |
| Humanities Core | 3 credits |
| MATH 131-132 Calculus I and II | 8 credits |
| BIOL 111 General Biology I | 4 credits |
| BIOL 225 Microbiology | 4 credits |
| CHEM 120-121 General Chemistry I and II | 8 credits |
| TOTAL | 34 credits |
Year 2
| BIOL 109-110 Anatomy and Physiology I and II | 8 credits |
| Humanities Core | 3 credits |
| Introduction to Ethics – Philosophy Core | 3 credits |
| BIOL 217 Genetics | 4 credits |
| PHYS 207-208 General Physics I and II | 8 credits |
| CHEM 219-220 Organic Chemistry I and II | 6 credits |
| CHEM 223-224 Organic Chemistry Lab I and II | 2 credits |
| TOTAL | 34 credits |
Year 3
| Humanities Core | 3 credits |
| Religious Studies Core and Topics | 6 credits |
| Modern Language and Literature Core | 6 credits |
| ECON 120 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 credits |
| MATH 212 Biomedical Statistics | 4 credits |
| CHEM 3xx Chemistry Electives | 6 credits |
| CHEM 309 Physical Chemistry I (or CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences) | 3 credits |
| CHEM 403-404 Chemistry Colloquium | 3 credits |
| Open Elective | 1 credit |
| TOTAL | 36 credits |
Total Credits for Graduation – 120