About the School of Pharmacy
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Pharmacy is a dynamic institution dedicated to excellence in pharmaceutical education, research, and service. Established in 2010, the School of Pharmacy has quickly become a leader in pharmacy education, preparing students to become knowledgeable, compassionate, and innovative pharmacists who serve communities across Maryland, the nation, and the world.
As part of a historically black university, the School of Pharmacy embraces a diverse student body and faculty, fostering an inclusive learning environment that values different perspectives and experiences. This commitment to diversity prepares graduates to work effectively in multicultural healthcare settings and address health disparities affecting underserved populations.
Our Mission
To provide an excellent pharmacy education that prepares competent, caring, and culturally aware pharmacists to serve the healthcare needs of diverse communities through innovative teaching, research, and service.
Academic Programs
The UMES School of Pharmacy offers innovative educational programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in various pharmacy sectors. Our curriculum combines cutting-edge scientific knowledge with practical training to develop well-rounded healthcare professionals.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Our flagship program is a four-year professional degree that prepares students for pharmacy practice in diverse settings. The PharmD curriculum includes courses in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, patient care, and healthcare management. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at hospitals, community pharmacies, and specialized healthcare facilities.
Key Features:
- Integrated, organ-based curriculum
- Interprofessional education opportunities
- Early clinical exposure
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
PharmD/MBA Dual Degree
This unique dual degree program combines pharmacy expertise with business acumen, preparing graduates for leadership roles in pharmaceutical management, healthcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures. Students can complete both degrees in an accelerated timeframe compared to pursuing them separately.
PharmD/MPH Dual Degree
Combining pharmacy training with public health knowledge, this dual degree prepares pharmacists to address population health issues, work in government health agencies, develop health policies, and lead community health initiatives that address health disparities.
Specialized Tracks and Certifications
Our PharmD program offers students the opportunity to pursue specialized knowledge through elective courses and experiential rotations in areas such as:
- Geriatric Pharmacy
- Pediatric Pharmacy
- Oncology Pharmacy
- Infectious Diseases Pharmacy
- Psychiatric Pharmacy
- Nuclear Pharmacy
Research and Innovation
Research is integral to the mission of the School of Pharmacy, with faculty and students engaged in groundbreaking work that advances pharmaceutical sciences and improves healthcare outcomes. Our research programs focus on addressing health disparities and finding solutions to medication-related problems that affect underserved populations.
Research Centers and Areas of Focus
Our research infrastructure includes specialized laboratories and collaborative spaces that support investigations in:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Studying drug mechanisms, safety, and adverse effects
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design: Developing new compounds with therapeutic potential
- Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery: Creating innovative drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability and patient compliance
- Clinical and Translational Research: Translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care
- Health Services and Outcomes Research: Evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and economics of medication use
- Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine: Investigating how genetic factors affect drug response
Student Research Opportunities
We actively involve students in research endeavors, offering opportunities to work alongside faculty mentors on groundbreaking projects. Students can participate in:
- Summer research programs
- Research assistant positions
- Independent study and thesis projects
- Poster presentations at regional and national conferences
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Faculty and Leadership
The School of Pharmacy boasts a distinguished faculty comprised of experienced practitioners, renowned researchers, and dedicated educators committed to student success. Our faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.
Leadership
The School is led by accomplished academic and professional leaders who guide its strategic direction and ensure excellence in all aspects of pharmacy education:
- Dean: Dr. Patricia F. Blackwell - A respected pharmaceutical scientist with extensive administrative experience
- Vice Dean: Dr. Richard T. Brown - An experienced clinician and educator focused on curriculum innovation
- Department Chairs: Leading dedicated faculty in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice
Faculty Expertise
Our faculty members represent a wide range of pharmacy specializations, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the discipline:
- Clinical Pharmacists with hospital and community practice experience
- Pharmaceutical Scientists conducting cutting-edge research
- Pharmacotherapy Specialists in various disease states
- Healthcare Administrators and Policy Experts
- Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
- Medicinal Chemists
Campus and Facilities
Located on the scenic campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland, the School of Pharmacy offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to support modern pharmaceutical education and research.
Facility Highlights
The School of Pharmacy building features:
- Modern Classrooms: Technology-enhanced learning spaces with collaborative seating arrangements
- Professional Practice Laboratories: Simulated hospital and community pharmacy environments for hands-on learning
- Research Laboratories: Specialized facilities equipped with advanced instrumentation for pharmaceutical research
- Pharmaceutics Laboratory: Dedicated space for compounding and dosage form development
- Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory: For safe handling of microorganisms in research
- Computer Laboratories: Resources for data analysis and pharmaceutical modeling
- Study Areas: Individual and collaborative spaces for student learning and group projects
- Patient Assessment Suites: Simulation spaces for practicing clinical skills
Technology Integration
School of Pharmacy facilities incorporate advanced educational technology to enhance learning outcomes:
- Virtual reality simulation for patient encounters
- Electronic health record systems training
- Drug information databases
- 3D molecular modeling software
- Video conferencing capabilities for interdisciplinary education
Student Life and Organizations
The School of Pharmacy offers a vibrant student community with numerous opportunities for professional development, networking, community service, and social engagement. Our students balance rigorous academics with activities that enhance their educational experience and personal growth.
Professional Organizations
Students can participate in various professional pharmacy organizations, including:
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Academy of Student Pharmacists
- Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA)
- National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
- Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Student Chapter
- Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society
- Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
- Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
Community Engagement
Our students regularly participate in community outreach activities, including:
- Health fairs and screening programs
- Medication therapy management for underserved populations
- Health education workshops in local communities
- Vaccination clinics
- International medical mission trips
Admissions Information
The School of Pharmacy seeks to enroll a diverse class of motivated, academically talented students with strong character and a demonstrated commitment to the pharmacy profession.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, applicants must:
- Complete a minimum of 72 semester hours of pre-pharmacy coursework from accredited colleges or universities
- Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and a science GPA of 2.5
- Submit official PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) scores
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Provide a personal statement addressing your interest in pharmacy
- Complete an interview with School of Pharmacy faculty
Preferred Application Deadlines
- Early Decision: September 1
- Priority Decision: December 1
- Regular Decision: April 1
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The School of Pharmacy is committed to maintaining a diverse student body and faculty. We particularly encourage applications from students from underrepresented groups in pharmacy, first-generation college students, and those who have experienced educational or economic disadvantages.
