Developing 3:4 dual degree programs: Linking undergraduate and professional education

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Winter 2001 by Beardsley, Robert S, Hayes, Margaret

Some critics may argue that by stressing the existence of the 3:4 programs the school is really adding another year to a student's educational experience. Students should be able to complete the prepharmacy requirements in two, rather than three years. The authors considered the question: Are we doing a disservice to students by promoting a three-year educational program? However, in our recruitment material we stress the fact that students can enter after completing a two-year, 63hour prepharmacy program. If students are ready after two years, we will definitely welcome them into the school. However, each year a smaller percentage of applicants are actually entering the pharmacy program after two years of college. Many students need three or four years to decide what career to pursue and to prepare for professional education.

In summary, establishing 3:4 programs is a relatively efficient way to recruit well-qualified students without impacting on the academic rigor of the Doctor of Pharmacy program. It is impossible to predict exactly how many students will benefit directly from these programs. But the indirect benefits to potential students, their undergraduate institutions, and the schools and colleges of pharmacy warrant continued expansion of these dual degree programs.

References

(1) American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Profile of Pharmacy Students, 1997-98, Alexandria VA (1999).

(2) American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Profile of Pharmacy Students, 1998-1999 Alexandria VA (2000).

(3) American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Profile of Pharmacy Students, Alexandria VA (2001) p. 3.

Robert S. Beardsley and Margaret Hayes

School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 North Pine Street, Baltimore AM 21201-1180

Am. J. Pharm. Educ., 65, 355-358(2001); received 6/19/01, accepted 9/19/01.