Thomas Jefferson, Philadelphia universities to merge

A Philadelphia medical school is merging with a liberal arts university known for its design programs in a move officials say will help them improve course offerings.

Officials with Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University announced the preliminary merger decision Thursday.

School leaders said the merger will help them offer programs focused on “real-world” problems, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The deal could help give Philadelphia University students a better shot at Jefferson’s medical school, which traces its roots to 1824. Jefferson would nearly double the number of its students and add to its academic programs.

During the three-year transition period, Philadelphia University’s name won’t change, but “eventually it will be clear” it is part of Jefferson.

Philadelphia University was formerly known as Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences. It changed its name in 1999.