WashU to Absorb UHSP Pharmacy School, Expand Health Sciences

The integration will strengthen pharmacy education and interdisciplinary research in St. Louis.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) have announced an agreement where WashU will assume control of UHSP, integrating its 162-year-old Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program as WashU's 10th academic school. The move will enable WashU to expand its health sciences portfolio and strengthen interdisciplinary connections across medicine, public health, and the life sciences.

Why it matters

This integration represents a significant investment by WashU in advancing health sciences education, research, and clinical collaboration. It will help position St. Louis as a national hub for healthcare education, bioscience research, and innovation, supporting the regional workforce and deepening connections across the city's academic and clinical institutions.

The details

Under the agreement, UHSP's central PharmD program will become the WashU St. Louis College of Pharmacy, while other UHSP programs will continue through the 2026-27 academic year before potentially transitioning to WashU. The integration builds on decades of collaboration between the two institutions and will enable WashU to expand its academic offerings and interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and the life sciences.

  • The agreement was announced on February 25, 2026.
  • UHSP programs will continue through the end of the 2026-27 academic year, with some transitioning to WashU.
  • The PharmD program will become part of WashU starting in the 2027-28 academic year, subject to regulatory approvals.

The players

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)

A leading research university in St. Louis, Missouri, known for its strengths in medicine, public health, and the life sciences.

University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP)

A 162-year-old institution and the first college of pharmacy founded west of the Mississippi River, with a central Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

Andrew D. Martin

Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis.

Brian Seiz

President of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.

David H. Perlmutter, MD

Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean of WashU Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“This moment reflects the best of who we are as an institution - thoughtful, mission-driven and committed to strengthening health sciences education for the long term.”

— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor (WashU)

“This acquisition builds upon the 162-year history of St. Louis College of Pharmacy. STLCOP was the first college of pharmacy to be founded west of the Mississippi River and through Washington University's stewardship, we believe students will continue to be on the forefront of pharmaceutical and pharmacy practice innovation, research and service to patients.”

— Brian Seiz, President (UHSP)

“At WashU Medicine, we often talk about the virtuous cycle of academic medicine, where research, education and clinical care strengthen one another in service of better health. Integrating a pharmacy school deepens that cycle.”

— David H. Perlmutter, MD, Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean of WashU Medicine (WashU)

What’s next

The agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals, and WashU and UHSP are committed to a transparent and thoughtful transition process with ongoing engagement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners.

The takeaway

This integration strengthens St. Louis' position as a national leader in health sciences education, research, and innovation. By aligning pharmacy education with WashU's interdisciplinary expertise, it creates new opportunities to advance discovery, improve patient care, and address community health needs.