St. Joseph’s University is considering merging with University of the Sciences over the next several months, writes Michael Tanenbaum for phillyvoice.com.

St. Joseph’s University has signed a letter of intent to explore the merger, announced St. Joe’s President Mark C. Reed in a Wednesday letter to faculty and staff.

“Consistent with our strategic plan, Saint Joseph’s is committed to partnering with other institutions to enhance our academic portfolio and strengthen the educational experience we offer our students,” Reed wrote. “It remains ever important as the state of higher education continues to change at a rapid pace and in significant ways.”

The merger would bring the USciences into St. Joseph’s University.

St. Joseph’s University is a private Jesuit university along City Line Avenue in Philadelphia and Lower Merion. It has about 6,780 students.

University of the Sciences is along Woodland Avenue near 42^nd Street. It was founded in 1821, known as the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. It has about 2,375 students.

The merger would be an opportunity for St. Joseph’s to expand its health science curriculum.

In return, St. Joseph’s offers liberal arts and business education to USciences students.

Read more about the merger at phillyvoice.com.