Offered in: Chicago

The College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy at Roosevelt University offers a dual degree program for the BS in Biology/PharmD Pharmacy program to eligible students.  Students entering this program can earn both a bachelor’s and pharmacy doctorate in six years instead of seven or eight years at other institutions.

Program Description

The Dual Degree Program is an early assurance program for select high school seniors and Roosevelt University first-year students. The program provides students who are motivated to become pharmacists with a clear path to achieving their goal directly out of high school. Students admitted to the Dual Degree Program are required to complete coursework towards a bachelor's in biology and pre-requisite pharmacy coursework during the first three years, and then transition into the pharmacy program at the Schaumburg campus to complete pharmacy coursework which includes the final year coursework for the bachelor's degree.

Benefits of the Dual Acceptance Program include:

• Solid liberal arts program as a pre-pharmacy student at Roosevelt University
• Sets out a clear road map for what courses to take and when.
• Admission to the PharmD program is guaranteed if all Pre-Pharmacy Requirements for Early Assurance are achieved*
• Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is waived for students who apply and complete the acceptance process through the early assurance program
• Opportunity to join student pharmacy organizations and an open invitation to lectures, seminars and other special events sponsored by the College of Pharmacy
• All students are considered for Roosevelt's undergraduate merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. These scholarships are applied to the first four years of study, while additional scholarship funding is available for the doctoral level coursework only in the final two years.

Eligibility Requirements

High school seniors must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission into the Dual Acceptance Program:

• Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, unweighted
• Minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1220

Roosevelt University First Year students must meet the above criteria to be considered for admission into the Dual Degree Program as well as:

• Complete at least one term of courses at Roosevelt University, including at least one pre-requisite Biology or Chemistry course, and earn a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0.

Admissions Process

Eligible high school seniors should first apply to the RU College of Sciences, Health, and Pharmacy and indicate that they are interested in the pre-pharmacy curriculum.  After acceptance into the RU College of Sciences, Health, and Pharmacy undergraduate program, students will complete the Roosevelt University Dual Degree Application.  The Pharmacy administration will review the Roosevelt University Dual Degree Application.  Students accepted into the Dual Degree Program will work with an assigned advisor to monitor progress through the program. Accepted applicants will transition into a guaranteed seat into the Doctorate of Pharmacy program upon completing the undergraduate Dual Degree Program/pre-pharmacy course work and fulfilling the nine conditions for transition.

Dual Degree Program/Pre-Pharmacy Course Requirements

• Students cannot take summer or academic-year classes at a community college or other college/university.
• Some exceptions to the "Roosevelt University only" rule may apply.  For example, Recognized AP credit granted for work completed before beginning at Roosevelt University or other work approved in advance by the College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy Dean and Co-Dean may be accepted.

Requirements for Transition into Doctorate of Pharmacy

It is of utmost importance that students understand that all nine of the following conditions must be met to retain admission to the Doctorate of Pharmacy program for their respective summer sessions. Failure to meet any of the following requirements will result in the forfeiture of the student's place in the student's respective pharmacy entering class.

Condition #1   
All pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses must be completed at Roosevelt University within a three-year period. (All courses must be completed by the end of spring, just before transitioning into Pharmacy program.)

Condition #2 
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be achieved and maintained. For a student to retain a place in the Dual Degree Program, the cumulative GPA must be a minimum of 3.0 by the end of the spring of the student's first and second pre-pharmacy year and at the end of all pre-pharmacy coursework. Only courses taken at Roosevelt University are to be used in the Dual Degree Program cumulative GPA calculation. 

Condition #3 
A minimum pre-pharmacy science grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 must also be achieved and maintained.

Condition #4 
Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses.

Condition #5 
Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a passing grade.

Condition #6 
The PCAT exam will be waived for all program participants.

Condition #7

Students must participate in a standard pre-matriculation interview in the Fall term before entering the Pharmacy program.  This interview ensures continued interest in the dual degree program, ensures all appropriate coursework will be completed and discusses provisional admission requirements.

Condition #8

Once provisional admission is accepted, the student must pay the pharmacy deposit as instructed in the application cycle year in which the student will be enrolled.

Condition #9

All remaining admission requirements, including the successful outcome of a drug screening and criminal background check, must be completed.

To enhance students' performance when later attending the pharmacy program, students should consider these additional experiences:

• Reflect the successful practice of service through community engagement or extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate the proper motivation for and commitment to the pharmacy profession through previous work, volunteer, or life experiences.
• Possess and practice the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact successfully with patients and colleagues.

Progress Checks

Dual Degree Program students should meet with Roosevelt University's Dual Degree Program designee or their assigned academic advisor every semester. The designee monitors students' progress and will advise Pharmacy administration of any students failing to meet the requirements. 

Any student who fails to meet the program requirements, although the student will lose the guaranteed placement, will be encouraged to apply to the Doctorate of Pharmacy degree via the traditional route (complete a PharmCAS application, submit PCAT scores, etc.).   The traditional application process is competitive; hence former Dual Degree Program students must compete for available seats and are not guaranteed admission via this route.

* Students who do not achieve all requirements remain eligible to apply for admission to the PharmD program at Roosevelt University without guaranteed admission.