Indiana Tech and Manchester University partner on innovative PharmD pathway

Manchester University and Indiana Tech have partnered to establish a unique B.S./M.S./PharmD pathway which creates time- and cost-saving educational opportunities for Indiana Tech students who wish to pursue advanced careers in pharmaceutical science and pharmacy.

Through this agreement, Indiana Tech students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (a new program which begins Fall 2025) and meet program standards will gain synchronous acceptance to Manchester University, where they will be able to continue on a seamless path to earn a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Manchester University.

This innovative program integrates the first year of PharmD coursework into a student’s third and fourth years of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, making it possible to complete three degrees in seven years instead of the standard eight.

“Indiana Tech is excited to partner with Manchester University on this pathway agreement,” said Dr. Anne Gull, dean of Indiana Tech’s College of Arts and Sciences. “For students who want to pursue an advanced, in-demand career in the pharmaceutical field, this is an outstanding opportunity for them to learn from the very best in a groundbreaking program that has achieved overwhelming success since its inception. In addition, this agreement aligns strategically with Indiana Tech as we work to develop more programming for students who wish to pursue health-related careers.” 

“Manchester University is proud to partner with Indiana Tech to create a first-of-its-kind, transformative educational pathway for future pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists,” said President Stacy Young, PhD, of Manchester University. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers in a rapidly evolving industry, all right here in Fort Wayne.”

Founded in 2012, Manchester University’s PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. It has a proven track record of impressive outcomes; a recent statistic from the university indicates 97.8% of PharmD graduates are employed or in residency within six months of graduation.

Indiana Tech developed its B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science in response to market analysis that points to a growing demand for well-trained professionals in areas like research and development, regulatory affairs, quality control and pharmaceutical sales.

Associate professor of biology, Dr. Michael Bechill, is director of the program. He specializes in medical microbiology and immunology and serves as director of the Summit Biofilm Institute. With expertise in clinical infections, his research focuses on novel drug development and biofilm antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Diane Calinski, chair of pharmaceutical and graduate life sciences, serves as the coordinator at Manchester University.

Those interested must apply to Indiana Tech first; qualifying students will then transition to Manchester University in their second year of undergraduate studies.

Contact Dr. Michael Bechill at mpbechill@indianatech.edu

Contact Dr. Diane Calinski at dmcalinski@manchester.edu

Learn more about the pathway to PharmD here: academics.indianatech.edu/pathways/pharmd-pathway

Learn more about Indiana Tech’s B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science here: academics.indianatech.edu/programs/pharmaceutical-science-bs