The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and Frostburg State University (FSU) have established a new partnership that creates an accelerated pathway for Frostburg students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in just seven years.

The new “3+4” agreement allows qualified students to complete three years of undergraduate study at FSU before enrolling in UMSOP’s four-year PharmD program. By accelerating the traditional educational timeline, the pathway saves students both time and tuition costs while helping prepare more pharmacists to serve communities across Maryland, including Western Maryland.

Under the agreement, students will complete a minimum of 98 credits toward the chemistry major at FSU, including all prerequisite coursework required for admission to UMSOP’s PharmD program. Students who meet the pathway’s academic requirements will be guaranteed an admission interview. UMSOP will reserve up to five seats in each incoming PharmD class for eligible FSU applicants who apply by the final admissions deadline and satisfy all program requirements.

After successfully completing the first year of the PharmD curriculum, students will earn their Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Frostburg. Upon completing all PharmD degree requirements, they will receive their Doctor of Pharmacy from UMSOP.

“This partnership creates an accelerated pathway for talented students to pursue a career in pharmacy while earning both a bachelor’s degree and a PharmD,” says Leah Sera, PharmD, associate dean for recruitment, admissions, and integration at UMSOP and associate professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research. “By strengthening the connection between UMSOP and Frostburg and reducing barriers for students, this agreement makes it easier for future pharmacists to begin serving their communities sooner.”

The agreement reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Maryland students while addressing the growing need for pharmacists throughout the state. The pathway is particularly valuable for students from Western Maryland, providing a streamlined route to a pharmacy career while maintaining strong ties between the two institutions.

Admission to UMSOP’s PharmD program remains competitive. Students in the pathway must complete all required prerequisite coursework, submit a complete application, and participate in a successful admissions interview. Eligible students may receive priority admission consideration during January of their junior year at FSU, with regular admissions decisions continuing through the spring application cycle.

The partnership also benefits students who historically left FSU before completing their bachelor’s degree after gaining admission to pharmacy school. Through the new pathway, coursework completed during the first year of the PharmD program satisfies the remaining requirements for FSU’s chemistry degree, allowing students to earn both credentials while remaining on an accelerated timeline.

“As a chemistry faculty member at FSU, I see firsthand the talent and drive of our students,” says Holly N. Currie, PhD, chair of the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences and associate professor of chemistry at Frostburg State University. “This agreement gives many of them a direct, accelerated route into UMSOP’s highly respected PharmD program. We’re excited to enroll our first students in this pathway and to grow this partnership with UMSOP knowing our graduates will go on to meet the pharmacy needs of communities across Maryland.”

UMSOP has six other 3+4 agreements with Maryland-based undergraduate universities: Salisbury University, Stevenson University, Washington College, Towson University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and University of Maryland, College Park.