University of Charleston School of Pharmacy Transition FAQs
Why is UC no longer accepting students in its pharmacy program?
- While a successful program for many years, interest in becoming a pharmacist has significantly declined. As a result of this declining interest in pharmacy, our new enrollment has dropped to 20% of previous years.
Why has pharmacy enrollment dropped?
- While pharmacists remain critical for effective healthcare, market conditions have led to a decline in student interest. Pharmacy school applications have fallen nationally and in West Virginia since 2016. At the same time, the number of pharmacy schools has increased over the past decade. As a result, most schools are facing declining pharmacy enrollments.
Is UC closing any other programs?
- UC continues to focus its resources on programs with more favorable market conditions and impact on the University’s success. For example, our advanced healthcare degree enrollments are growing in our Physician Assistant and new Family Nurse Practitioner programs, and we expect the same in new occupational and physical therapy programs, all of which have very high projected job openings in West Virginia and nationally.
Is UC’s overall enrollment growing or declining?
- This Fall we have over 3,000 students registered – the highest enrollment in over 50 years, and since we became known as the University of Charleston.
If university enrollment is growing, why close the pharmacy program?
- Our primary focus is on students and their future success. The University of Charleston makes market-driven decisions to prepare students for in-demand fields. Pharmacy jobs have been declining and are forecast to grow at a lower rate than other health professions. As such UC is focusing its efforts on adding and expanding healthcare programs with higher job growth rates.
Is UC closing its program because of accreditation issues?
- The UC School of Pharmacy is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) through 2032. The decision to discontinue the program is due to market conditions, not because of program issues.
Is it possible pharmacy will be brought back in the future?
- This is possible. UC has done this before. For example, in 2014 we closed the Associate Degree in Nursing program in Charleston, then brought it back in 2019 when nursing demand increased, and student interest returned.
What were the last programs UC closed?
- The Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design was closed in 2016, the Master of Forensic Accounting was closed in 2017, and the Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography was closed in 2019. Similar to pharmacy, demand for these programs declined resulting in their closure.
Is UC admitting any new students to its School of Pharmacy?
- No
What is going to happen to current UC pharmacy students?* UC has worked to help create opportunities for each student to continue his or her pharmacy education.
- All UC School of Pharmacy classes and activities will continue through the Spring 2025 semester.
- Students currently in their 4th and final pharmacy year (P4 year, 2025 graduating class) will complete their clinical rotations and other requirements and progress toward graduation in April 2025. Upon successful completion of their degree requirements, students will earn a UC Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
- Students entering their 4th pharmacy year (P4 year, 2026 graduating class) in May 2025 will remain at UC to complete their degree requirements, including their clinical rotations, and progress toward graduation in April 2026. Upon successful completion of their degree requirements students will earn a UC Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
- Students entering their 3rd pharmacy year (P3, 2027 graduating class) in Fall 2025 may enroll at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Pharmacy. Through a transition and teach-out agreement, students may enroll at WVU and continue their pursuit of a pharmacy degree for the P3 year. In their P4 year, students will complete clinical rotations. Upon successful completion of their degree requirements students will earn a WVU Doctor of Pharmacy degree. UC will work individually with students on transitioning to WVU or to a different School of Pharmacy.
- Students entering their 2nd pharmacy (P2 year, 2028 graduating class) year in Fall 2025 may enroll at the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Pharmacy. Through a transition and teach-out agreement, students may transfer to WVU and continue with their PharmD degree at the WVU School of Pharmacy’s Morgantown West Virginia location. Upon successful completion of their degree requirements students will earn a WVU Doctor of Pharmacy degree. UC will work individually with students on transitioning to WVU or to a different School of Pharmacy.
*The transition plan and teach out agreement with WVU is pending final approval by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Will UC continue offering pharmacy classes in the Spring (January-April) 2025 semester?
- All classes are expected to be held as scheduled.
Will the summer IPPE experience be completed through UC or through the school I transfer to?
- The current plan is for our P2 students to complete this experience through UC this summer by the end of July. We will notify students of any changes.
What pharmacy classes will UC offer in the future?
- In the 2025-26 academic year, UC will offer P4 classes and experiential rotations for students on track to graduate in April 2026. Classes will not be offered at UC for any other classes (P1, P2, P3) after June 2025.
Who should I contact if I want to speak with someone about my academic options?
- Each current UC SOP student will be contacted to discuss their options.
Who can I contact if I wish to speak with someone about how best to manage this transition?
- UC is committed to supporting you throughout the transition and have arranged for free counseling services. Please contact UC’s Director of Counseling and Outreach Services, Rance Berry (ranceberry@ucwv.edu, office phone 304-357-4862, mobile phone 304-552-7523).
How can I request my official UC transcript be sent to another school?
- Complete this form or scan this QR code and have your transcript sent to the school of your choice at no cost. UC Official Transcript Release Form
Should I go ahead and transfer to my new school for the Spring 2025 semester?
- While the decision is yours, the timeframe for a mid-year transfer is very compressed. We believe it will be in your best interest to remain at UC for the Spring 2025 semester. Having a full year of credits completed will likely be more beneficial to you and maximize the credits you are able to transfer to your new school. Lining up curriculum and your personal acclimation to a new program are barriers to success that would be avoided by staying in place at UCSOP for the Spring 2025 semester.
When will the teach out plan with WVU get final approval?
- The transition plan and teach-out agreement between UC and WVU was developed following guidance from both ACPE and the HLC. The plan is fully approved by both UC and WVU administrations. Final ACPE and HLC approval is expected early in the spring semester.
Will we have to apply to our new school through PharmCAS?
- WVU is not requiring PharmCAS applications and has established a streamlined application process for our students. If you wish to transfer to a different institution, their institutional policies will determine the application process. UC will provide your transcripts to the institution of your choice without cost.
If I choose to transfer to a school other than WVU, what is in place to assist me with the transition?
- UC faculty and administration are standing by to assist students with their transfer to the pharmacy school of their choosing. From providing transcripts at no cost, to facilitating contact with schools of interest, we are here to assist you. Contact Dr. Lucas or your advisor for first steps.
Will other institutions besides WVU accept all of my credits?
- While our partnership with WVU guarantees that all of the credits you have earned at UC will be transferred and applied to your degree, should you choose to attend a different school, they will need to review your credits in comparison to their curriculum. We anticipate that other institutions will strive to be accommodating, but the decision on transfer credit will ultimately be up to them.
What if I have progression issues within my current year?
- We will work with students on an individual basis to help them address progression issues. All academic policies remain in effect for the institution in which you are enrolled. We will assist in communicating with your transfer institution about your academic standing and how it may affect your standing next year.
Will my academic success plan currently in place change?
- Our goal is for every student to successfully complete the curriculum in which they are currently enrolled. The university will work with you individually on academic success plans.
Will I be able to keep my UC-issued MacBook?
- Yes. The computer is yours to keep.
If I currently live on campus, may I stay through the summer until my new housing is available in August?
- We will work with students who need housing to bridge the summer months on an individual case-by-case basis.
Will WVU provide any support in finding quality and affordable housing in Morgantown?
- WVU pharmacy students have provided recommendations on university and private housing options. Please refer to your UC email for this attachment.
Where will School of Pharmacy student records go?
- UC will maintain student records for all past and current School of Pharmacy students. Student record inquiries can be directed to UC’s Student Solutions Center via email at solutions@ucwv.edu or phone at 304-357-4947.
What changes will there be to current students’ financial aid next year?
- If you are in the Class of 2026 and remain at UC, your financial aid will not change. Your scholarships will be renewed in accordance with UC standard policies and procedures, and you will file your FAFSA with UC as you have in prior years.
- If you are in the Class of 2027 or 2028, you will work with the financial aid office of the school you transfer to. You’ll need to send your 2025-26 FAFSA to that school.
- Class of 2027 and 2028 students: if you enroll in summer 2025 classes at your new institution, your new institution will need to be aware that you have utilized your federal unsubsidized loan eligibility for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Class of 2027 and 2028 students: if you will be repeating courses for which you earned credit at UC, you may or may not be eligible for financial aid for those classes. You will need to work closely with your new advisor and new financial aid office on this topic.
I am a current UC SOP student. Will I have to start paying back my loans earlier?
- As long as you maintain enrollment as a graduate student at UC or at another institution, your loans will remain in deferment. If you do not remain enrolled at UC for this spring semester, your loan payments may begin in six months if you have not utilized your grace period.
- The cessation of the program does not change your responsibilities to repay your student loans after you end your enrollment.
- Continuing your enrollment next year will keep your loans in deferment.
What about my MBA/MSSL degree?
- UC will continue to honor the offer for you to complete the MBA or MSSL through UC at no additional charge. As both programs are online, you may continue to complete the courses regardless of where you enroll to complete your PharmD.
- During the spring semester, we will work with each MBA/MSSL student individually to map out their remaining classes and connect them with a master’s program advisor for assistance with future registration.
- Since you will not be charged for tuition for the MBA or MSSL program courses, you will not be eligible for federal student aid for these programs. Your aid will run through the institution where you enroll to complete your PharmD.
What if I have a lease that extends past this academic year?
- For students not remaining in Charleston, WV, the University will be happy to provide you with a letter to give your landlord confirming the cessation of your program at the end of the Spring 2025 semester. We encourage you to start that conversation with your landlord now and let us know if you need additional support/assistance.
Who should I contact if I have financial aid questions?
- If you have additional questions/concerns about your financial aid, please contact Dr. Beth Wolfe, Executive VP of Enrollment Management at elizabethwolfe@ucwv.edu, 304-357-4839 (office), or 812-361-4377 (cell).
Updated December 20, 2024.