UB Pharmacy and RIT form new partnership for future pharmacy students

Rochester, New York – Students interested in pursuing careers in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences will soon have new opportunities thanks to a collaborative agreement between Rochester Institute of Technology and the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The newly announced partnership creates a structured academic pathway that will allow qualified RIT students to continue their education at UB, where they can work toward either a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or a Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities while helping address future workforce needs in healthcare and scientific research.

At the center of the collaboration is a memorandum of understanding designed to simplify the transition between the two institutions. Under the arrangement, two eligible RIT students each academic year will be guaranteed an admissions interview for UB’s PharmD program. In addition, students who satisfy all admissions and application requirements will be assured placement in available seats within UB’s Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences program.

University leaders say the initiative is intended to give students a clearer and more accessible route toward advanced degrees in fields that continue to play a vital role in modern healthcare.

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“This partnership with UB creates an exciting pathway for our RIT scholars to advance into pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences careers while building on the strong scientific foundation they receive at RIT,” said André Hudson, dean of RIT’s College of Science. “We are proud to collaborate with UB to expand opportunities for our scholars and strengthen the future healthcare workforce.”

The agreement is not the beginning of a new relationship, but rather an extension of one that has developed over many years. RIT and UB have a history of educational collaboration, with numerous RIT graduates previously continuing their studies through programs offered by the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Officials believe formalizing the pathway will make the process more predictable and beneficial for future students.

As healthcare and pharmaceutical industries continue evolving, universities are increasingly seeking ways to connect undergraduate education with specialized graduate training. The new arrangement aims to bridge that gap by providing students with a seamless progression from foundational science coursework to advanced professional and research-focused programs.

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Leaders at UB view the partnership as an important step in strengthening ties between the two institutions while attracting talented students prepared to contribute to the future of healthcare innovation.

“The UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences values its relationship with RIT, and this agreement further strengthens our ties,” said Gary Pollack, dean of the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “We look forward to welcoming RIT’s talented and exceptional students into our PharmD and MS programs.”

For students considering careers in medication management, drug development, pharmaceutical research, or related scientific fields, the partnership provides a new avenue to pursue advanced education. University officials say the collaboration will not only benefit students but also contribute to developing the highly skilled professionals needed to support healthcare systems and pharmaceutical innovation in the years ahead.