At the end of the program, what degrees would I have?

At the completion of your seven years of education, you will have earned your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology from Redlands and your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Loma Linda University. The PharmD degree is the highest degree offered in that field and is required to practice as a pharmacist.

Why participate in an accelerated pathway rather than earning your bachelor's degree first?

All students at University of Redlands who are interested in pharmacy have the opportunity to receive pre-health advising from Redlands faculty as well as Loma Linda University counselors. Additionally, all Redlands students can take advantage of our Preferred Admissions Agreement with Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy. The primary advantage with this accelerated pathway is that you would earn your BA and PharmD degree in seven years as opposed to eight years. If you are highly motivated and confident that pharmacy is the best career for you, this pathway may be a good option.

How difficult or rigorous is the program?

Students who are entering graduate school a year early need to prove that they are ready for the increased rigor of a doctoral program. As a student in this pathway, you will need to meet the current standards for admissions into Loma Linda University, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.75 in your science courses. Note that this is the minimum required GPA; strong candidates will want to have a higher GPA. You will also need to interview with the Loma Linda University admissions team in your sophomore year.  

Would I be able to have a study-abroad experience?

Redlands offers an ample selection of month-long travel experiences during May term that would be easy for you to fit into your schedule. It would be very challenging to participate in a full semester abroad while remaining on track to complete your accelerated pathway, but with careful planning and a willingness to take courses over the summer, it may be possible for you to travel abroad and stay on track to finish at Redlands in three years.

When do I have to officially decide whether or not I'm doing the accelerated pathway?

You do not need to officially decide until you apply to transfer into Loma Linda University in your sophomore year. However, it is important that you communicate your intent with your pre-health advisor at Redlands early in your first year so that appropriate course planning can take place. Even if you declare an interest in this accelerated pathway, it is not binding, and you still have the option to attend any graduate school of your choice.

What's the financial side of going from Redlands to Loma Linda University?

Once you finish your three years at Redlands and transfer, you become a Loma Linda University graduate student, and any financial aid is worked out with them.  

What are the general education requirements for the accelerated pathway?

Students in the accelerated pathway are required to satisfy the general education requirements for a BA degree at Redlands. With careful planning, this is doable in your three years here.

What if the accelerated program is not right for me, but I still want to earn my PharmD degree?

All graduates from University of Redlands can take advantage of our Preferred Admissions Agreement with Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy or School of Allied Health Professions. Even if you express an interest in Loma Linda, you are always able and encouraged to apply to other university’s graduate programs as well.

As an entering student with an interest in pharmacy, it is important for you to take your math placement the summer before you start at Redlands. Once you arrive on campus, you will be assigned a pre-health advisor and put in touch with an admissions counselor at Loma Linda. It is strongly encouraged that you communicate with both of them during your first semester. You will want to take General Chemistry (CHEM 131) in the fall of your first year. In the spring, you will continue with chemistry (CHEM 132) and start biology (BIOL 200).

Acceptance into this program is determined solely by Loma Linda University.  To be considered for accelerated entry into Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete an acceptable interview for admissions in the fall of your second year at Redlands
• Be enrolled at University of Redlands in good standing, on track to complete all prerequisite requirements, and on track to complete the third year of academic studies
• At the conclusion of your third year at Redlands, have a calculated math and science GPA, as well as an overall GPA, of 2.75

Prerequisite Courses

General Biology (BIOL 200 & 201)

General Chemistry (CHEM 131 & 132)

Organic Chemistry (CHEM 231 & 232)

General Physics (PHYS 220 or 231)