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BA in Biology/PharmD (joint degree)

6-Year Dual Degree – University of Mount Saint Vincent (BA in Biology) – 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 Biology. 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*
Biology Major 50 credits
Biology Core Courses 19 credits 
BIOL 111–112 General Biology I and II (8 credits)
BIOL 217 Genetics (4 credits)
BIOL 223 Ecology (4 credits)
BIOL 403-404 Biology Colloquium (3 credits)
Cognate Requirements 32 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)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4 credits)
MATH 212 Biomedical Statistics (4 credits)
PHYS 207–208 General Physics I and II (8 credits)
Pharm.D. Requirements 18 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)
Remaining credits will be transferred upon successful completion of the first academic year at University of St. Joseph. 18 credits
TOTAL 120 credits

*Nine core credits in natural science and mathematics may be 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 Biology 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 Calculus I 4 credits
MATH 212 Biomedical Statistics 4 credits
BIOL 111-112 General Biology I and II 8 credits
CHEM 120-121 General Chemistry I and II 8 credits
TOTAL 34 credits

Year 2

BIOL 217 Genetics 4 credits
BIOL 223 Ecology 4 credits
BIOL 109-110 Anatomy and Physiology 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
PHYS 207-208 General Physics I and II 8 credits
TOTAL 32 credits

Year 3

Religious Studies Core and Topics 6 credits
Humanities Core 6 credits
Modern Language and Literature Core 6 credits
Introduction to Ethics – Philosophy Core 3 credits
ECON 120 Principles of Microeconomics 3 credits
COMM 210 Public Speaking 3 credits
BIOL 225 Microbiology 4 credits
BIOL 403-404 Biology Colloquium 3 credits
TOTAL 32 credits

Total Credits for Graduation – 120