A new agreement between Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee gives students the chance to obtain a bachelor’s degree and a PharmD degree, and save a year of studies in the process.
On Dec. 18, leadership from Concordia University signed a 3+4 Dual Degree agreement with the downtown Milwaukee school. It articulates that students may complete three years of undergraduate coursework at UW-M and, after admittance into CUW’s School of Pharmacy, use coursework from their Doctor of Pharmacy studies to apply toward a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UW-M as they continue to work toward their Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Concordia.
“The beauty of this partnership is that students from UW-M can obtain their bachelor’s degree while also efficiently pursuing their PharmD degree at Concordia, and they don’t have to extend their studies by a year to do it,” says Dr. Mike Brown, School of Pharmacy Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. “This program leverages strengths of both universities and honors the accomplishments of these students with a degree from each institution.”
A strength of Concordia’s PharmD program is its holistic approach to student success. While some pharmacy schools throughout the nation have moved to an accelerated, three-year model, Concordia remains committed to its four-year structure, which includes summer and winter breaks from classes.
“It’s about helping our students find that work-life balance, both now and in the future,” says Brown. “Balance is vital to students’ overall well-being, and it plays an important role in their development as life-long professionals.”
Concordia has partnered with other institutions of higher learning throughout the state to offer even more students the same opportunity as UW-M. In May, Concordia signed an agreement with the Madison-based Edgewood College. Prior to that, Concordia inked its commitment with Alverno College.
Concordia also offers CUW undergraduates the same opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree and PharmD degree in a shorter amount of time than it would otherwise take. Students who take advantage of Concordia’s own 3+4 program would earn a Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences after completion of undergraduate coursework, core requirements and general elective requirements, as well as the first year of pharmacy school.
To learn more about Concordia’s 3+4 programs, or to apply to the CUW School of Pharmacy, visit www.cuw.edu.
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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