The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and School of Law have launched an innovative Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Juris Doctor (BS/JD) degree program, which will commence this fall semester. This pioneering dual degree program is designed for students with a passion for pharmaceuticals and law, offering an accelerated pathway to earn both degrees in just six years.
The 3+3 BSPS/JD program provides students with a robust education in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, along with a comprehensive legal education. The program aims to produce pharmaceutical scientists who will gain a profound understanding of pharmacy law, federal regulations, and intellectual property, preparing them for successful careers in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Graduates of the program will be uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of federal and state regulations, opening doors to competitive positions in academics, government, and industry sectors.
The typical program of study for the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences and the JD program will consist of three years of pharmaceutical sciences followed by three years of legal studies. The program’s structure is designed to be flexible, allowing modifications based on Advanced Placement (AP) credits, transfer credits, and semester credit loads. First-year JD courses are used to fulfill major elective requirements for the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.
Qualified students will apply to the UGA School of Law during the spring semester of their third undergraduate year. Upon admission, they will begin their Juris Doctor coursework full-time in their fourth year. This integrated approach allows students to receive their BS degree after completing their first year of the JD program. The JD degree is awarded after the third year of law school, marking the sixth year of the dual degree program.
Remarked Dr. Yaguang Xi, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Department Head at the College of Pharmacy, “This dual degree pathway offers rigorous academic and experiential training, preparing graduates for highly competitive roles across various sectors. By merging pharmaceutical sciences and legal studies, UGA’s 3+3 program prepares professionals to shape and navigate the legal landscape of the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and healthcare industries.”
For further information, contact Gurvinder Singh Rekhi (gsrekhi@uga.edu) and Leslie Standridge (lrb76@uga.edu). To visit the website page, see here.
