Prescription for a New Career Path

New York Tech students now have a faster path to earning a doctoral degree in pharmacy as part of a new, accelerated-program agreement with Howard University, located in Washington, D.C. New York Tech and Howard University’s College of Pharmacy will now offer a seven-year Chemistry, B.S. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)-Pharm.D. combined degree program.

The accelerated degree program provides qualified New York Tech students the opportunity to begin studying at Howard during their senior year. Eligible students will obtain both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from New York Tech and a Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) from Howard in seven years.

“New York Tech has long been focused on supporting successful academic and career outcomes for our students and sharing opportunities that enhance their sense of belonging. This agreement not only paves an efficient pathway to a career in pharmacy but also offers our students a pathway to one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black research universities,” says Marcelle Hicks, dean of admissions and financial aid.   

New York Tech, which is the first on Long Island to enter into this type of agreement with Howard, will begin enrolling undergraduate students into this accelerated program in fall 2025; students in the Chemistry, B.S. program can apply for the Pharm.D. program through PharmCAS in their junior year. Once admitted, students will begin the first year of pharmacy school at Howard after completing three years at New York Tech. After successful completion of their first year at Howard, New York Tech will award participating students a B.S. in Chemistry. Students will then complete three more years in Howard’s Pharm. D. program.

“We’re excited to partner with New York Tech on this innovative program, highlighting our commitment to enhancing pharmacy education and creating great opportunities for students. This partnership will help accelerate their academic and professional journeys, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s healthcare landscape. We look forward to preparing the next generation of pharmacy leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities and within the profession,” says Kierra M. Wilson, Pharm.D., assistant dean of student affairs at Howard University.

The agreement enabling this first-of-its-kind program for New York Tech students was facilitated by Associate Provost Francesca Fiore, Ed.D., with the help of faculty in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences. This accelerated pathway program will add to the university’s already robust healthcare-related offerings in osteopathic medicine and the allied health professions, including physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing.

“This collaboration not only strengthens academic ties between our institutions but also positions our students at the forefront of pharmaceutical education and healthcare innovation. We are excited to partner with Howard and offer this opportunity to educate and train pharmacists who will make positive contributions to their communities and the healthcare field,” says Chair of the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences Giovanni Meloni, Ph.D.