Pharmacy
A Dual-Degree (3:4) Program
For students with a strong interest in a liberal arts education and a career in pharmacy, Washington College and the University of Maryland offer the 3:4 Pharmacy Program. Through this program, students may earn a bachelor of science degree from Washington College and a doctor of pharmacy degree (Pharm. D.) from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. A Pharm. D. is the current standard for today's pharmacists. This dual degree program requires a minimum of seven years of study: The first three years are spent at Washington College, completing the Washington College general education requirements and the prerequisites for entrance into the School of Pharmacy. After the third year at Washington College, four years of additional study are required at the School of Pharmacy.
Consideration of the prerequisite courses for entrance into the School of Pharmacy leads to the recommendation that students major in biology, chemistry, or psychology (with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience). Students in this program will receive their B.S. degree from Washington College after successful completion of the first year of courses in the Pharm. D. program. To be eligible for graduation from Washington College, grades from the School of Pharmacy must be submitted to the Washington College registrar by the appropriate deadline. Because the academic calendar at the University of Maryland generally runs behind that of Washington College, students in the 3:4 program might not be able to participate in graduation exercises after their first year in the Pharm. D. program.
Prerequisites to Enter the School of Pharmacy
Natural Sciences
- Biology (w/lab) 3 semesters
BIO 111, 112, 203 - Chemistry (w/lab) 4 semesters
CHE 111, 112, 201, 202 - Physics (w/lab) 2 semesters
PHY 111, 112 - Mathematics 2 semesters
MAT 109, 201
Humanities and Social Sciences
- English Composition 2 semesters
- CNW courses
- Other humanities and social sciences 4 semesters
Additional Requirements of the 3:4 Pharmacy Program
For Completion of the BS at Washington College
Required of all students:
- Completion of 96 credit hours before leaving Washington College
- Completion of all distribution courses before leaving Washington College
- Completion of the required CNW seminar courses
Required for a Major in Biology:
- BIO 206. Ecology
- BIO 305. Genetics
- Two additional upper level biology courses
Required for a Major in Chemistry:
- CHE 301, 302. Analytical Chemistry
- CHE 305. Physical Chemistry (or) CHE 409. Biochemistry
- MAT 202. Integral Calculus
Required for a Major in Psychology (With a Concentration in Behavioral -Neuroscience):
- PSY 201, 202. General Psychology
- PSY 310. Biopsychology
- PSY 390. Research Design
- PSY 405. Psychopharmacology
- Two additional upper level (300 or 400) psychology courses
A Senior Capstone Experience is not required unless a student wishes to be eligible to graduate with departmental honors.
Advising and Application
The numerous requirements of this program make it imperative that interested students and their advisors lay out an appropriate schedule of courses as soon as possible! Prospective students should contact the 3:4 Pharmacy Advisor during the freshman orientation period and take required courses beginning with the first semester at Washington College. Each semester, students should consult with both their regular advisors and the 3:4 Pharmacy Advisor to make sure that they are meeting all requirements of the program.
Students can obtain an internship at a local pharmacy to get experience before applying to the School of Pharmacy.
Admission to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is a separate process, and it is highly competitive. Washington College students are not guaranteed positions in the School of Pharmacy. Students participating in the 3:4 Pharmacy Program should submit applications to the School of Pharmacy by February 1 of the third year at Washington College. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 2.5; the average GPA for entering students has been 3.5 in recent years. Applicants must also submit results of the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), which should be taken in October prior to application to the School of Pharmacy. An admissions interview and writing assessment are required as well.