Through a partnership between Worcester State University and MCPHS University, Worcester State offers a pathway to a pharmacy degree from MCPHS through several 3+3 programs for qualified students majoring in biology, biotechnology, or chemistry. Dr. Daron Barnard (Biology) is the liaison for the MCPHS 3+3 Pharmacy programs. For questions about these programs, please contact him at dbarnard@worcester.edu.
Below is a general list of requirements for students interested in applying to pharmacy school. Prerequisite courses may be taken during the summer; taking community college courses is not encouraged.
Interested students are encouraged to gain experience in pharmacy by working as pharmacy technicians.
The PCAT is not required for admission to MCPHS University, but may be for other pharmacy programs. Applications are typically rolling, with a hard deadline of February 1 for a fall matriculation.
MCPHS University will accept CLEP courses.
Students with any AP credits should be aware that MCPHS will only accept AP scores of 4 or above. Worcester State accepts credits with an AP score of 3 or higher, so pay attention to your scores. You may need to repeat a course if you received a 3.
(Based on MCPHS requirements. Students should check other schools of interest for specific requirements.)
Winter session or summer session after the 1st and 2nd years: one course that meets LASC requirements (6 credits total).
Total Credits taken at Worcester State University: 105. Remaining credits will be transferred from MCPHS University and fulfill upper level biology electives.
Notes:
Winter session or summer session: 2 courses, 1 that meets humanities criteria at Worcester State University and a behavioral science course at MCPHS University (a psychology 100-level course or higher), are recommended.
Winter session or summer session: 2 courses, 1 that meets humanities criteria at Worcester State University and a social science course at MCPHS University.
Winter session or summer session: 1 course that meets the fine art criteria at Worcester State University.
Total credits taken at Worcester State University: 114
Transferred to Worcester State University from MCPHS: 18 credits
LASC requirements should include an introduction to psychology, introduction to sociology, introduction to history or political science, economics, humanities elective, social science elective, and an upper level (beyond first semester) psychology or sociology course.
Total credits taken at Worcester State University: 97
Remaining credits transferred from MCPHS University. These fulfill the chemistry major upper level electives.
PY 241 and 242 satisfy LASC NSP requirements. MA 200 and 201 satisfy LASC QR requirements. CH 210 satisfies LASC WAC requirement. PY 241 satisfies LASC QLAC requirement.
Download the 3+3 Curriculum Guide for Natural Science Majors.
The Worcester State University/MCPHS University articulation agreement states that there will be 2 seats held for qualified applicants. The student must be a first-time college degree recipient with an expected degree in biology, biotechnology, or chemistry. The GPA must be a 3.4 or higher with no grades below a C. This two-year program is for students who have completed (or will complete) a B.S./B.A. degree prior to matriculation. The prerequisite courses can be taken during the summer.
Students interested in this program must also have some type of clinical experience, preferably as a CNA or EMT or something similar. Additionally, prospective students need to shadow a PA for a recommended 50 to 100 hours.
Students who wish to apply to the MCPHS PA program through the articulation agreement should notify Dr. Hood-DeGrenier of that intention and must have their applications completed and verified by the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (“CASPA”) by October 1 of their 4th year at Worcester State. The application review period ends in January for matriculation into the program the following January.
*Note: MCPHS does not allow substitution of BI 200 (human biology) for BI 161/162.
The Worcester State University/MCPHS University articulation agreement states that there will be 2 seats in the physical therapy (doctorate, DPT) held for qualified applicants. The student must be a first-time college-degree recipient with an expected bachelor’s of science degree in biology or a related field. The GPA must be 3.0 or higher. All prerequisite courses must have been completed at Worcester State or at another regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better. GRE scores must be submitted for admission.
Please notify Dr. Hood-DeGrenier if you intend to apply to this program through the articulation agreement. The application process typically opens on August 1 with a final deadline for students applying through the articulation program of January 1. You need to notify Dr. Hood-DeGrenier of your intent to participate in this program prior to the end of the spring semester of the year you are applying.
Required: 10 hours of PT shadowing.
The Worcester State University/MCPHS University agreement states that there will be 5 seats in the optometry program held for qualified applicants. The student must be a first-time college degree recipient with an expected degree in biology, biotechnology, or chemistry. The GPA must be a 3.4 or higher with no grades below a C.
This is a 4-year doctorate program and admits only students who have completed their B.S./B.A.. The OAT exam is necessary for this program.
Please notify Dr. Hood-DeGrenier if you intend to apply to this program through the articulation agreement. The application process for this program opens at the end of each June. Final applications for those participating in the articulation agreement are due January 1. You should notify Dr. Hood-DeGrenier of your intent to participate in this program prior to the application opening date.
Department: Chemistry
Department: Biology
Department: Earth, Environ., & Physics
Department: Psychology
