University of Mary Washington students now have an accelerated path to a pharmacy career, thanks to a formal agreement with Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
In August, both schools signed a memorandum of understanding that makes it possible for qualified students to earn a baccalaureate degree through UMW and a doctor of pharmacy degree from Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy in seven rather than the usual eight years.
Among the prerequisites to apply for admission to the program, students must complete at least 63 academic credits, maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average, and score in the 50th percentile on the Pharmacy College Admission Test.
“This agreement provides highly motivated students an opportunity to earn the pharmacy doctorate more quickly, decreasing the cost and potential student loan debt,” said Deborah O’Dell, professor of biology, who helped initiate the partnership. “The accelerated dual-degree program also permits students an extra year of earning power in their chosen profession.”