Oregon State University’s College of Pharmacy will relocate its Pharm.D. program primarily to Oregon Health & Science University’s Portland campus in 2026, expanding a long-established partnership that will create more opportunities for students.
The transition will begin in fall 2026. College of Pharmacy Dean David Bearden said the move is one that will build upon decades of partnership with OHSU,
“Since becoming dean, one of my top priorities has been looking ahead to shape a strong vision and mission for our college,” Bearden said. “And my vision is clear. I want to propel the College of Pharmacy from excellence to eminence, from good to great. Not just within Oregon, but as the example of leadership in pharmacy education across the West Coast and beyond.”
For the last 25 years, third-year Pharm.D. students have trained in Portland at OHSU. After OSU launched a Portland-based cohort in 2021, a growing majority of pharmacy students are based in the area. Additionally, nearly 40% of OSU Pharmacy faculty already teach in the Portland area. As the transition takes place, some labs and clinical work will remain at the Corvallis campus.
OSU and OHSU jointly award the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which currently enrolls around 250 students. The partnership offers both institutions various academic, research and clinical connections within a shared space.
“It’s a unified student experience,” Bearden said. “It brings Pharm.D. and graduate students together with our faculty on campus to foster stronger connections, mentorship and support. Second, it enhances our research and clinical collaborations, and expands our work alongside OHSU academic medical center and healthcare partners. This transition is a natural evolution for the college.”
Marie Chisholm-Burns, OHSU executive vice president and provost, says co-locating the two programs fortifies the program’s academic excellence in preparing Oregon’s future pharmacists and researchers.
“Being fully located together in Portland strengthens our already strong partnership with OSU,” Chisholm-Burns said. “This move encourages collaboration and creates opportunities where students exchange ideas in the classroom, and faculty share their discoveries in clinical and research settings at a world-class academic and medical center.”
Bearden and Chisholm-Burns said bringing student cohorts together on the Portland campus will increase efficiencies in mentorship, networking, academic support and professional opportunities. Not only will it enhance collaboration, but will reduce the logistical barriers of being split between cities, and the intention is to spark continued innovation for both institutions.
“This transition is about opportunity,” Bearden said. “Opportunity to strengthen our educational programs, to expand student resources and position OSU College of Pharmacy as a leader.”
By Theresa Hogue
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