Pharm D and MBA Dual Degree Program
Doctor of Pharmacy students at VCU have the unique opportunity to pursue the Master of Business Administration program simultaneously with their pharmacy studies. The Pharm D/MBA program seeks to prepare pharmacists for careers that encompass pharmacy and business theories and principles. The program is designed to take advantage of efficiencies in both the Pharm D and MBA programs, by allowing students in the combined program to complete the requirements of both programs in as much as one year less than by enrolling in the two programs separately. Both degrees area awarded at the same graduation ceremony.
Pharm D students interested in pursuing the dual degree program apply to the MBA program during their first year of study in the School of Pharmacy. Applicants must be enrolled students in the Pharm D program, have demonstrated a good academic record and have successfully completed the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Timely and accurate advising is key to the successful completion of the dual degree program. Each student is assigned an academic advisor from the School of Pharmacy and from the School of Business. The advisors will work closely with the students to be sure that the appropriate courses are taken and completed as required to continue in good academic standing in the program.
Curriculum
Pharm D Program
Pharmacy students will take all required course of the Pharm.D. program unless otherwise waived from a course by the appropriate School of Pharmacy representative. All questions concerning coursework for the Pharm.D. portion of the program should be directed to the student's academic advisor from the School of Pharmacy. (The School of Pharmacy has agreed to use the MGMT 641 Organizational Leadership and Project Team Management as a substitute for the required PHAR 627 Principles of Pharmacy Practice Management course.)
MBA Program
In order to satisfy the requirements of the technology-focused MBA program, each pharmacy student will be expected to complete seven business foundation courses, nine required courses, and three elective courses.
Foundation Courses
Students can receive waivers from business foundation courses based on previous documented educational experience. Decisions regarding the waiver of courses are made at the time of admission. Foundation courses that have not been waived can be taken during the first two years in the pharmacy program, including summer session(s).
Required Courses
Students can receive waivers from business foundation courses based on previous documented educational experience. Decisions regarding the waiver of courses are made at the time of admission. Foundation courses that have not been waived can be taken during the first two years in the pharmacy program, including summer session(s).
Cohort Classes
First Semester Cohort Courses |
Credits |
||
INFO 661 |
Information Systems for Managers |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 641 |
Organizational Leadership and Project Team Management |
3 hours | |
|
Total First Semester Cohort Credits: |
|
6 hours |
Second Semester Cohort Courses |
Credits |
||
MGMT 675 |
Operations Management |
3 hours |
|
INFO 664 |
Emerging Issues in Information Technology |
3 hours |
|
|
Total Second Semester Cohort Credits: |
|
6 hours |
Remaining Core Courses |
Credits |
||
ACCT 608 |
Managerial Accounting |
3 hours |
|
ECON 610 |
Managerial Economics |
3 hours |
|
FIRE 621 |
Cases in Financial Management |
3 hours |
|
MRBL 671 |
Marketing Management |
3 hours |
|
MGMT 642 |
Business Policy (to be taken in last semester of study) |
3 hours | |
|
Total Required Core Credits: |
|
15 hours |
Electives
Students are required to take three elective courses to complete the MBA. Students in the combined Pharm D/MBA program may use elective courses taken at the 600-level from the School of Pharmacy to satisfy MBA elective requirements. Students may also opt to complete six credit hours of combined business and pharmacy course work to satisfy two MBA elective requirements. The six hours would be comprised of a one credit business guided study with a five credit advanced pharmacy practice experience in pharmacy management.
Financial Assistance and Student Tuition
For financial aid and student accounting purposes, students in the Pharm D/MBA. dual degree program will be considered Pharm D students for years 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the five year program. Students will be considered MBA students during year 4 of the combined degree program. The program to which a student is classified in the given academic year will determine a student's eligibility for financial aid as well a tuition and fee assessment.