What is the UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program?

A program developed by the University of Houston College of Pharmacy and Lamar University to create a pipeline of highly qualified students who ultimately graduate from UHCOP with a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The program provides for the admission of those students who satisfy both academic and non-academic requirements.

What does a student accepted to the UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program receive?

• Mentoring and personal assistance to prepare for UH COP while completing the pre-pharmacy curriculum
• Career Counseling
• Mentoring and networking with local alumni
• Annual meetings with UH COP to enhance student preparation for UHCOP
• Admission to UHCOP if all program requirements are met
• Meetings with UHCOP Admissions staff each semester to enhance student preparation for UHCOP
• Personal visits to UHCOP once a semester during the academic year
• Shadow current Pharm.D. students at UHCOP during the academic year
• Meetings with UHCOP Admissions staff each semester to enhance student preparation for UHCOP

How does a student become part of the UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program?

• Have earned an SAT or ACT score equal to or greater than the mean score for the state of Texas.
• Must be admitted to Lamar University as an incoming freshman.
• Must have completed a minimum of 12 and no more than 30 semester hours at Lamar University, including one math and one science course during the fall semester. A 3.2 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in math/science courses are recommended.
• Apply to the UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program no later than February 15 of the freshman year.
• Interview with UHCOP upon invitation by the Director of Admissions subsequent to receiving a completed application packet.

What are the steps a student must take to apply for admission to the program?

• Submit the completed UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program Application (.pdf) to the following address no later than February 15: Medical Pre-Professional Programs, College of Arts & Sciences, PO Box 10058, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710.
• Submit official final transcripts from all colleges and universities that the student has attended
• Submit an official final high school transcript
• Provide three letters of reference forms from three of the following sources: a high school teacher/counselor, a college professor/academic advisor, a pharmacist or a personal reference.
• Submit personal statement, 1-2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, on why you chose pharmacy as a career and what distinguishes you from other students.

What is required of a student who is accepted to the UH/LU Pharmacy Cooperative Program?

• Sign a contract with UHCOP which specifies the requirements of the program
• Attend Lamar University full-time
• Maintain a minimum cumulative UH prerequisite GPA of 3.2 and UH prerequisite math/science GPA of 3.2 GPA will be reviewed yearly at the end of the spring semester.  Any grade of a "D" or an "F" will automatically make a student ineligible to continue in this program.
• Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) during September of the year prior to a student’s entrance into pharmacy school.  
• Make a personal visit to UHCOP once a semester during the academic year.
• Meet with the UHCOP Director of Admissions at least once per semester during the academic year.
• Shadow a current Pharm.D. student once a semester at UHCOP during the academic year.
• Attendance at a summer internship may be required in the future; students will be given a minimum of one-year notice for the internship requirement.
• Meet with the Lamar University pre-health advisor at least twice per semester.