The College of New Jersey

Programme overview

TCNJ offers an 8-year (4+4) dual-degree pathway that pairs a BS in either Biology or Chemistry with an early-assurance Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) pathway through the Jefferson College of Pharmacy. First-year students may apply for this articulation agreement to begin the early assurance process and prepare to matriculate to Jefferson for professional pharmacy training.

What you'll study

Students complete a TCNJ major in Biology or Chemistry and must take all pharmacy prerequisite coursework at TCNJ (non-science courses may be satisfied by AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits). Coursework is intended to prepare students for PharmD study at the Jefferson College of Pharmacy, which is part of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and emphasizes interprofessional healthcare education, practice, and research.

Entry requirements

To be eligible you must enroll at TCNJ as a Biology or Chemistry major and present a plan to finish all required prerequisite courses with at least a grade of C in each by August 1 of the year you would matriculate to Jefferson. Cumulative and science GPAs must be above 2.7. Apply to TCNJ via the Common Application (regular or early decision) and, by the end of your first year, submit a separate application to the Department of Biology or Chemistry to join the early assurance pharmacy program. During junior or senior year you will submit a PharmCAS application to Jefferson for interview consideration and final admission review; acceptance to the PharmD is not guaranteed.

Career prospects

The dual-degree pathway prepares students for professional pharmacy practice and related roles in medication management, patient counseling, drug development, regulatory affairs, and interprofessional clinical teams. Completion positions graduates to continue into the PharmD program at Jefferson and pursue licensure and pharmacist careers.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships or funding are not listed on the TCNJ program page. Prospective students should investigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities at TCNJ and at Thomas Jefferson University, and consider federal aid, institutional scholarships, and external pharmacy-related funding when planning the eight-year pathway.