University of Saint Joseph and University of Hartford to Partner on Dual Degree Program

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (August 30, 2013) – The University of Saint Joseph and the University of Hartford announce their partnership on an accelerated joint degree program. Beginning this fall, students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry at the University of Hartford followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.

Administrators from both universities have signed an articulation agreement to offer the joint degree program and to work cooperatively to recruit and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to enter the field of pharmacy. This agreement is an extension of ongoing collaboration between the University of Hartford and the University of Saint Joseph. Additional dual degree programs in other areas of study are planned for the near future.

University of Hartford students who successfully complete a specific, predetermined three-year undergraduate course of study in biology or chemistry will be given priority consideration to enroll in the professional phase of the Pharm.D. program at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy. The Pharm.D. program is a three calendar-year doctoral program offered at the University of Saint Joseph’s Hartford 21 location in downtown Hartford. 

Under this agreement, after successful completion of the first professional year at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy, students will be encouraged to graduate with their classmates during Commencement at the University of Hartford. They will receive a bachelor’s degree in either biology or chemistry. The students’ professional studies at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy will then continue for successful completion of the Pharm.D. degree requirements.

“This partnership opens new doors to academic program options for our students,” says University of Hartford Provost Sharon L. Vasquez. “Both students and parents will appreciate having a clear educational plan mapped out right from the start with earned credits transferring seamlessly. This will link the University of Hartford’s rigorous undergraduate programs in biology and chemistry with the significant outcomes of a doctorate from the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy.”

University of Saint Joseph Provost Michelle M. Kalis adds, “The pharmacy profession is highly respected and in demand, offering outstanding career opportunities and earning potential. Pharmacists apply their unique expertise of medications, serving in all areas of health care from cutting-edge research to community pharmacies. We are extremely excited about this collaboration between the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and the University of Hartford and look forward to future partnerships between our neighboring institutions.”

For full details, contact: Joseph C. Voelker, dean, University of Hartford’s College of Arts and Sciences at 860.768.4103 or voelker@hartford.edu; or Joseph R. Ofosu, dean, University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy at 860.231.5868 or jofosu@usj.edu. For more information, view: http://www.usj.edu/academics/schools/school-of-pharmacy/