PharmD

CSI Offers the PharmD via Affiliate Partnership with University at Buffalo

Staten Island, N.Y. —The College of Staten Island (CSI/CUNY) and the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS/SUNY) have formed three new collaborative agreements that provide CSI students opportunities to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

A memorandum of agreement was formally signed in February 2020 by College of Staten Island Dean Michael Cavagnero, Ph.D., and UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean James M. O’ Donnell, Ph.D.

Discussing the partnership, Cavagnero stated, “We are very proud to be partnering with University at Buffalo to offer a PharmD degree. This incredible opportunity represents not only a significant tuition savings to our students via a CUNY/SUNY partnership, but also offers a top-notch accelerated program and rich academic experience with renowned professors and one-on-one advisement, which will allow our students to earn a Doctorate in Pharmacy in as little as six years.”

O’Donnell said, “The University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences values our strong collaboration with the College of Staten Island, and our agreements will further solidify this partnership. We look forward to having their best and brightest students as members of our PharmD program.”

For over 130 years, the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has continually been a leader in the education of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, renowned for innovation in clinical practice and research. The school is accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) and is the #1 ranked School of Pharmacy in New York State and #14 in the United States by US News & World Report.

Contact Information

Grozdena Yilmaz, MPAS,PA-C

Director of Pre-MD/Pre-PA Advisement

Building 6S-137
Email Grozdena Yilmaz, MPAS,PA-C

Program Overview

Students can pursue three options with established CSI to UB pathways including two accelerated options: 6 years (2+4) and 7 years (3+4) as well as a more traditional route of 8 years (4+4). All options begin with taking prerequisite degree requirements at CSI in Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry and completing the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at UB SPPS. A CUNY-SUNY partnership ensures a world-class education with significant cost savings of up to $150,000 compared to the equivalent degrees offered by private colleges.

Apply via PharmCAS

What is PharmCAS? 

The University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (UB SPPS) utilizes The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). This centralized service allows applicants to use a single application to apply to multiple programs. 

PCAT 
The PCAT (The Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is optional. 
Students may submit test scores* to strengthen their admission consideration if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Overall GPA is below 3.0/4.0 
  • Overall grades in math and science courses are below 3.0/B 
  • Math and science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago 
  • Grades have trended downward over time 
  • Information on Calculating Your PharmCAS GPAs 

Updated Math and Science GPA Requirement:  

  • Prerequisite course science and mathematics GPA 3.00 (85th percentile or grade B on the 100-point scale) 

For additional details on admissions requirements, please visit the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences web pages:


2+4 CSI to UB Affiliate Program

Spend 2 years at CSI, earn the Associate degree and transfer to UB SPPS for the 4-year doctoral portion of the program.

The first phase (undergraduate) of the collaborative program will consist of the completion of a minimum of an AS program/major at CSI (Chemistry-based curriculum) including all of the UB PharmD program required prerequisite courses. The second phase will consist of completion of the four-year curriculum of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University at Buffalo.

Under this agreement, the student would receive an Associate’s degree from the College of Staten Island and, upon approval of the University at Buffalo, the student will complete four years of professional study and requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This is a six-year program developed between CSI and UB that allows a participating student the opportunity to receive an Associate’s degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The first two years of the program are completed at CSI and the last four years are spent at the University at Buffalo.

  • Save up to 2 years on tuition, books and expenses
  • Earn the AS and PharmD in as little as six years

3+4 CSI to UB Affiliate Program

Complete the first three years of undergraduate study at CSI, transfer to UB SPPS, earn the Bachelor’s degree from CSI in your first year at UB and PharmD degree after the next three years.

Under the 3+4 agreement, students will complete three years of undergraduate study in the College of Staten Island’s Biology program and then apply to UB’s Pharmacy program during their junior year. Once accepted, students will have their first-year Pharmacy courses applied toward completion of their Bachelor’s degree at CSI. Rather than taking four years to complete a Bachelor’s degree and another four years to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students will complete both programs in seven years. The Pharmacy program will guarantee seats each year for qualified CSI students.

The first phase (undergraduate) of the collaborative program will consist of the completion of a minimum of 104 semester hours in the Biology baccalaureate program at CSI and, for the Fall entering class, a minimum of 26 semester hours from the first year of the four-year curriculum of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University at Buffalo, with the semester hours from all sources totaling at least 130 semester hours upon completion of the first year of the four-year curriculum of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University at Buffalo.

Students who leave the 3+4 program for legitimate reasons while in their fourth year at UB SPPS may opt to return to CSI to complete their Bachelor’s degree.

  • Save up to a year on tuition, books and expenses
  • Earn a BS and the PharmD in seven years

4+4 CSI to UB Affiliate Program

Under this agreement, the student would first receive a baccalaureate degree in Biology from CSI and, upon approval of the University at Buffalo, the student will complete four years of professional study and the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Choosing this program provides the opportunity of a smooth transition between their undergraduate experience and graduate pharmacy training. The student would need to formally apply to the PharmD program through the PharmCAS application service.

This is an eight-year program developed between CSI and UB that allows a participating student the opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree and then a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The first four years of the program are completed at College of Staten Island and next last four years are spent at the University at Buffalo.


Quick Advice

Plan early, act quickly and study diligently.

The UB PharmD offers an appealing academic path for our students, leading to their future pharmacy career. Students who are interested in this program are encouraged to plan early since timing to complete required courses, PCAT test and application packet is essential. Their devotion to course studies will be the first step building a strong portfolio for the application to the UB PharmD program.


Inquiries

Please contact Professor Grozdena Yilmaz, PharmD program advisor for students majoring in Biology.


 

Guidelines for Admission

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLABORATIVE 2+4 DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAM

The PharmD Admissions Committee is seeking the following minimum requirements. In order to remain in the program(s), a participant must achieve or maintain the following:

  • Earn (on the 4.00 grading system) the following minimum grade point averages at College of Staten Island:
    • Prerequisite course science and mathematics GPA 3.00 (85th percentile or grade B on the 100-point scale) 
    • Each prerequisite course must successfully be completed with a grade equal to, or greater than, a C (2.00) by the end of the summer semester prior to fall admission.
    • For the Fall entering class, students will have completed at least one year of English composition, one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of calculus, one semester of statistics, one semester of microbiology, one semester of anatomy, one year of physiology, one semester of biochemistry, and one semester of any social or behavioral science (see the Undergraduate Catalog) and all University at Buffalo Curriculum requirements by the end of the summer semester prior to the fall semester in which the student will enter the first year of the PharmD program. See here: Prerequisite Courses.
  • Submit an application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) during the Fall of their sophomore year no later than October 1 following these steps: PharmCAS Application Steps.
  • The PCAT (The Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is optional.   Students may submit test scores* to strengthen their admission consideration if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 
    • Overall GPA is below 3.0/4.0 
    • Overall grades in math and science courses are below 3.0/B 
    • Math and science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago 
    • Grades have trended downward over time 
    • Information on Calculating Your PharmCAS GPAs 
  • Submit a favorable letter of recommendation from the College of Staten Island’s Pre-Medical Advisory Committee as one of the 2 required PharmCAS letters of recommendation.
  • Maintain the appropriate moral and ethical standards necessary for admission and for the eventual attainment of professional licensure.
  • Upon invitation, the University at Buffalo will also require a formal interview with designated interviewers as part of the PharmD admissions process. Information regarding this requirement will be provided following the receipt of all application documents.
  • Selection is based on scholastic achievement, aptitude, personal qualifications, and evidence of motivation toward pharmacy. These are judged from the college record, grade point average, the PCAT, letters of reference and evaluation, and a personal interview. In addition to intellectual and academic competence, the School's Admissions Committee considers communication skills, leadership ability, community service, health care-related or research experience, and motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy.
  • All students enrolled in the PharmD program must submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and a Drug Screen from a vendor approved by UB SPPS at the student’s expense. The CBC is due within 15 days of the acceptance confirmation email. Drug Screens will be assigned throughout the four years in the professional program.
  • At the end of the first and second years at UB SPPS, participants must submit an official transcript of grades to the PharmD Admissions Committee. Their performance in the program will be evaluated and they will receive a written or electronic response informing them of their status. Failure of a participant to achieve or maintain these standards will result in his or her removal from the program. Unsuccessful application or discontinuance following acceptance will not preclude direct application to the University at Buffalo through its PharmCAS application process and will not be considered in any future admissions review process.
  • College of Staten Island students would identify intent to pursue the 2+4 within the first 30 credit hours to ensure they can meet all course requirements during the Associate’s degree program. Students should make every effort to maintain continuous enrollment at College of Staten Island.

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLABORATIVE 3+4 DOCTOR OF PHARMACY (PHARMD) PROGRAM

Requirements

The PharmD Admissions Committee is seeking the following minimum requirements. In order to remain in the program(s), a participant must achieve or maintain the following:

  • Earn (on the 4.00 grading system) the following minimum grade point averages at College of Staten Island:
    • Prerequisite course science and mathematics GPA 3.00 (85th percentile or grade B on the 100-point scale) 
    • Each prerequisite course must successfully be completed with a grade equal to, or greater than, a C (2.00) by the end of the summer semester prior to fall admission.
    • For the Fall entering class, students will have completed at least one year of English composition, one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of calculus, one semester of statistics, one semester of microbiology, one semester of anatomy, one year of physiology, one semester of biochemistry, and one semester of any social or behavioral science (see the Undergraduate Catalog) and all University at Buffalo Curriculum requirements by the end of the summer semester prior to the fall semester in which the student will enter the first year of the PharmD program. See here: Prerequisite Courses.
  • Submit an application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) during the Fall of their junior year no later than October 1 following these steps: PharmCAS Application Steps.
  • The PCAT (The Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is optional.   Students may submit test scores* to strengthen their admission consideration if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 
    • Overall GPA is below 3.0/4.0 
    • Overall grades in math and science courses are below 3.0/B 
    • Math and science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago 
    • Grades have trended downward over time 
    • Information on Calculating Your PharmCAS GPAs 
  • Submit a favorable letter of recommendation from the College of Staten Island’s Pre-Medical Advisory Committee as one of the 2 required PharmCAS letters of recommendation.
  • Maintain the appropriate moral and ethical standards necessary for admission and for the eventual attainment of professional licensure.
  • Upon invitation, the University at Buffalo will also require a formal interview with designated interviewers as part of the PharmD admissions process. Information regarding this requirement will be provided following the receipt of all application documents.
  • Selection is based on scholastic achievement, aptitude, personal qualifications, and evidence of motivation toward pharmacy. These are judged from the college record, grade point average, the PCAT, letters of reference and evaluation, a Supplemental Admission Application, and a personal interview. In addition to intellectual and academic competence, the School's Admissions Committee considers communication skills, leadership ability, community service, health care-related or research experience, and motivation for pursuing a career in Pharmacy.
  • All students enrolled in the PharmD program must submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and a Drug Screen from a vendor approved by UB SPPS at the student’s expense. The CBC is due within 15 days of the acceptance confirmation email. Drug Screens will be assigned throughout the four years in the professional program.
  • At the end of the first and second years at UB SPPS, participants must submit an official transcript of grades to the PharmD Admissions Committee. Their performance in the program will be evaluated and they will receive a written or electronic response informing them of their status. Failure of a participant to achieve or maintain these standards will result in his or her removal from the program. Unsuccessful application or discontinuance following acceptance will not preclude direct application to the University at Buffalo through its PharmCAS application process and will not be considered in any future admissions review process.
  • A candidate in good standing will have the option of spending the fourth year of the program at College of Staten Island to complete a baccalaureate degree rather than at the University at Buffalo in the first year of the PharmD program. Choosing this option will necessarily extend the length of the program to eight years. During the fourth year at College, a participant must maintain the same academic standards as specified for the first three years in order to remain in good standing. The student would need to reapply through PharmCAS in the fourth year. Additionally, a student in good academic standing may return to CSI during the fourth year (after the conclusion of the Fall or Spring semester).

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION TO THE 4+4 COLLABORATIVE DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAM

The PharmD Admissions Committee is seeking the following minimum requirements. In order to remain in the program(s), a participant must achieve or maintain the following:

  • Earn (on the 4.00 grading system) the following minimum grade point averages at College of Staten Island:
    • Prerequisite course science and mathematics GPA 3.00 (85th percentile or grade B on the 100-point scale) 
    • Each prerequisite course must successfully be completed with a grade equal to, or greater than, a C (2.00) by the end of the summer semester prior to fall admission.
    • For the Fall entering class, students will have completed at least one year of English composition, one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of calculus, one semester of statistics, one semester of microbiology, one semester of anatomy, one year of physiology, one semester of biochemistry, and one semester of any social or behavioral science (see the Undergraduate Catalog) and all University at Buffalo Curriculum requirements by the end of the summer semester prior to the fall semester in which the student will enter the first year of the PharmD program. See here: Prerequisite Courses.
  • Submit an application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) during the Fall of their senior year no later than October 1 following these steps: PharmCAS Application Steps.
  • The PCAT (The Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is optional.   Students may submit test scores* to strengthen their admission consideration if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 
    • Overall GPA is below 3.0/4.0 
    • Overall grades in math and science courses are below 3.0/B 
    • Math and science prerequisites were taken 5+ years ago 
    • Grades have trended downward over time 
    • Information on Calculating Your PharmCAS GPAs 
  • Submit a favorable letter of recommendation from the College of Staten Island’s Pre-Medical Advisory Committee as one of the 2 required PharmCAS letters of recommendation.
  • Maintain the appropriate moral and ethical standards necessary for admission and for the eventual attainment of professional licensure.
  • Upon invitation, the University at Buffalo will also require a formal interview with designated interviewers as part of the PharmD admissions process. Information regarding this requirement will be provided following the receipt of all application documents.
  • Selection is based on scholastic achievement, aptitude, personal qualifications, and evidence of motivation toward Pharmacy. These are judged from the college record, grade point average, the PCAT, letters of reference and evaluation, a Supplemental Admission Application, and a personal interview. In addition to intellectual and academic competence, the School's Admissions Committee considers communication skills, leadership ability, community service, health care-related or research experience, and motivation for pursuing a career in Pharmacy.
  • All students enrolled in the PharmD program must submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and a Drug Screen from a vendor approved by UB SPPS at the student’s expense. The CBC is due within 15 days of the acceptance confirmation email. Drug Screens will be assigned throughout the four years in the professional program.
  • At the end of the first and second years at UB SPPS, participants must submit an official transcript of grades to the PharmD Admissions Committee. Their performance in the program will be evaluated and they will receive a written or electronic response informing them of their status. Failure of a participant to achieve or maintain these standards will result in his or her removal from the program. Unsuccessful application or discontinuance following acceptance will not preclude direct application to the University at Buffalo through its PharmCAS application process and will not be considered in any future admissions review process.