Students can finish both degrees in just seven years, saving a full year on a typical timeline.
Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences’ (SMS) students can now take advantage of a unique opportunity to fast-track their journey toward a pharmacy career. Through an exclusive partnership with Creighton University, students can pair their ASU undergraduate degree with a doctorate in pharmacy at Creighton’s state-of-the-art Phoenix campus.
This exciting new program is open to biochemistry undergraduates at ASU. The 3 + 4 Dual Degree PharmD Program with ASU allows students to complete their major requirements and Creighton’s PharmD program prerequisites. While at ASU, students will work closely with an admissions counselor to ensure they’re on track to apply to Creighton’s PharmD program. In the end, one can finish both degrees in just seven years, saving a full year on a typical timeline.
“Coming to the Creighton Pharmacy program has been a great experience,” says Creighton student and ASU alum, Kevin Mills. “The faculty and staff take the time to make sure each student succeeds and feels seen. There is great attention to detail and an understanding of the demands of the program while at the same time making it manageable. I feel like Creighton cares about me whether it’s been having the Dean know who I am or the professors taking the time to recognize me by name and know my struggles. I am not just another number here and that has made all the difference.”
Beginning this month, applicants from the Arizona State University program will receive priority consideration and scholarships to the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Creighton University.
- Accelerated Pathway to a PharmD – ASU biochemistry students can earn both a bachelor’s and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in just seven years through the 3+4 Dual Degree PharmD Program with Creighton University.
- Priority Consideration & Scholarships – ASU students applying to Creighton’s PharmD program will receive priority consideration, guaranteed interviews (pending verification of credentials), and scholarship opportunities.
- Collaborative Learning & Research – Creighton pharmacy students in Phoenix can participate in research at ASU, while ASU faculty contribute to basic science instruction at Creighton’s Phoenix campus.
“The Creighton & SMS 3+4 Combined BS & PharmD Program provides ASU undergraduates with a new accelerated route to a PharmD degree that they can acquire within the Phoenix metropolitan area,” says Chad Borges, SMS associate professor and associate director of undergraduate programs. “We hope that this new program will create a win-win opportunity for students to achieve their career goals while helping to fill the projected 16% growth in the number of Arizona pharmacists from 2020 to 2030—which amounts to a demand for approximately 470 new Arizona pharmacists per year.”*
All applicants from ASU who qualify for priority consideration for admission will be guaranteed an interview pending verification of required credentials during the admission process.
“What excites me the most about the School of Molecular Sciences having the opportunity to partner with Creighton University for the 3+4 Doctor of Pharmacy program is that it allows our students to access the best both universities have to offer as we support students’ dreams of becoming future pharmacists,” explains Jessica Shipley, SMS associate director of academic services.
“Being able to collaborate with a prestigious university like Creighton, who has produced some of the best and brightest medical professionals, paired with our innovative approaches to the sciences at ASU, creates a dynamic pathway for students to simultaneously work towards two degrees and receive a one-of-a kind education that will further benefit their desires to pursue pharmacy as a career.”
The Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions will prioritize ASU applicants in each first-year pharmacy class that meet the guaranteed interview criteria and interview successfully. Applicants who are unable to meet the specified GPA, prerequisite requirements or the specified deadline will be reviewed on an individual basis.
“At Creighton, I am more than just a number,” explains Creighton student and ASU alum, Shanna Jansen. “The pharmacy program has been a wonderful experience with faculty who not only want you to succeed but want to know you so they can help direct you towards the pharmacy career that will fulfill you most.”
In other elements of the partnership, Creighton University students in Phoenix may engage in research activities at ASU facilities under the mentorship of ASU faculty, and ASU faculty will provide basic science instruction for first-year medical students enrolled at Creighton’s Phoenix campus.
For more information fill out the 3+4 ASU and Creighton University Doctor of Pharmacy interest form.
By Jenny Green