Read - University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

HistoryUniversity of the SciencesTo provide the means of instruction by the establishment of a school of pharmacy inwhich shall be taught those branches of knowledge essential to the education of anapothecary; to invite a spirit of pharmaceutical investigation and research…The original objectives of the University, drafted in 1821, were based on thetraditional roles of the academy—teaching, research, and service. The proudlegacy of University of the Sciences began when 68 Philadelphia apothecariesmet in Carpenters’ Hall in 1821 to establish improved scientific standards andto train more competent apprentices and students. These visionaries soughtto enhance their vocation, as well as protect public welfare. A year later, theyorganized and incorporated Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP), the firstcollege of pharmacy in the nation.After its conception in 1821, the college began to grow in enrollment, curriculum,and stature. Although matriculation was originally limited to men, the collegebecame coeducational in 1876. The college initially emphasized the biological andchemical sciences as mainstays of the curriculum in pharmacy but later institutedseparate curricula in three other areas: bacteriology, biology, and chemistry.In 1921, the name of the institution was changed to Philadelphia Collegeof Pharmacy and Science, with state authorization to grant not only thebaccalaureate degree, but also the master’s and doctorate in all four disciplines.As the world of science continuously made advancements throughout thedecades, the college evolved and expanded its curriculum to prepare studentsfor the new wave of scientific breakthroughs. The college also enhanced the roleof the humanities and social sciences in its science-based curricula. Primarilya commuter campus in its early days, the institution began to transform intoone in which residential life and extracurricular activities played a larger rolein student development.Today, the University continues to build on the founders’ esteemed reputation and isnow home to 31 degree-granting programs and 27 minors. Its nearly 2,800students have enrolled in premier programs in the health sciences, ranging acrosspharmacy to pre-med to physical therapy to healthcare business and health policy.At USciences, students can study almost the entire range of health sciences.