Program Overview
This accelerated 5-year program, a collaboration between Slippery Rock University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, allows students to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D) without a bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes laboratory and research skills, biological literacy, critical thinking, professional attitude, and diverse scientific activities. Students complete two years of pre-pharmacy coursework at SRU before transitioning to LECOM for the three-year professional pharmacy curriculum.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Slippery Rock University (SRU) and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) partnership
SRU and LECOM collaborated to develop an accelerated, 5-year Doctor of Pharmacy program. This program allows students to complete their first two years of undergraduate study in Pre-Pharmacy at SRU. Upon successful completion, students are then admitted to LECOM School of Pharmacy to complete the three-year professional curriculum for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D). The professional pharmacy curriculum follows a 12-month program per academic year. Students in this program will not receive a bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University.
Program Learning Outcomes
This combined program aims to develop students' competence in the following areas: Laboratory and research skills: Students will be equipped to conduct, evaluate, and communicate research investigations using scientific practices. Core concepts for biological literacy: Students will gain knowledge and understanding in various biological concepts:
- Evolution
- Structure and function across all levels of biological organization
- Diversity and interactions of life
- Information flow, exchange, and storage in biological systems Critical thinking and problem-solving: Students will learn to connect information from different courses and apply scientific principles to address current and future societal problems. Participation in diverse scientific activities: Students will have opportunities to apply their technical and professional skills in hands-on laboratory, clinical, or field experiences. Professional attitude: Graduates will demonstrate professional behavior and effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Outline:
Year 1
- Fall:
- Biology I: Foundations of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity with Lab (4 cr)
- General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab (4 cr)
- Critical Writing (3 cr)
- Calculus I (4 cr)
- FYRST Seminar (1 cr)
- Spring:
- Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes, and Cells with Lab (4 cr)
- General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab (4 cr)
- Introduction to Professional Writing (3 cr)
- Computer Concepts (3 cr)
- Elective (3 cr)
Year 2
- Fall:
- Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice (3 cr)
- OR Ethics and Civil Discourse (3 cr)
- OR Civil Discourse and Democracy (3 cr)
- Genetics with Lab (4 cr)
- Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (4 cr)
- Elements of Physics I with Lab (4 cr)
- Elective (3 cr)
- Spring:
- Economics Elective (3 cr)
- Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (4 cr)
- Psychology Elective (3 cr)
- Behavioral Science Elective (3 cr)
- Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab (3 cr)
Additional Program Requirements
- Overall GPA: 3.4 or higher
- Science GPA: 3.4 or higher
- Math GPA: 3.4 or higher
- Required Courses:
- Biology I with Lab (BIOL 113)
- Biology II with Lab (BIOL 114)
- Genetics with Lab (BIOL 250)
- Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab (BIOL 325)
- General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab (CHEM 107 & CHEM 111)
- General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab (CHEM 108 & CHEM 112)
- Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (CHEM 201 & CHEM 211)
- Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (CHEM 202 & CHEM 212)
- Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice (COMM 200) or Ethics and Civil Discourse (PHIL 110) or Civil Discourse and Democracy (POLS 235)
- Computer Concepts (CPSC 110)
- Critical Writing (ENGL 102)
- Introduction to Professional Writing (ENGL 205)
- Calculus I (MATH 225)