The presidents of Chesapeake College and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore signed an agreement on December 16 to allow Chesapeake’s associate’s degree students to earn a doctorate in pharmacy in five years.

Offered through the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at Chesapeake College, the program is open to Chesapeake students earning an Associate of Science in Biological Sciences or an Associate of Arts in General Studies

The collaboration provides a seamless transfer pathway from Chesapeake’s associate’s biology program through the UMES pharmacy doctoral program. With starting salaries above $90,000, pharmacy is a high-income field with ample projected job openings in the region.

Officials from both institutions joined representatives from Congressional members, state leaders, and the superintendents from all five local public school systems for the Memorandum of Understanding signing.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were University of Maryland Board of Regents member Bob Rauch, Del. Johnny Mautz and Sen. Addie Eckardt.  In addition, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen attended the ceremony.

“This partnership helps students and the healthcare workforce in our region,” said UMES President Heidi Anderson, who is a pharmacist. “The completion time also helps reduces student loan debt for the graduates.”

Chesapeake President Cliff Coppersmith said, “I’m not aware of many programs like this. We’re eager to pursue partnerships and very happy to work closely with UMES and Dr. Anderson.”

Chesapeake Board of Trustees Chair Nash McMahan having this new educational pathway on the Shore will be boon to the delivery of health care in the region.

For more information about the program, please contact Marci Leach at [email protected].