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PharmD/MBA

Why a PharmD/MBA?

An MBA is an inarguable asset to a pharmacist, who are able to enter into management positions within pharmacy settings, creating efficient, effective care delivery systems from day one. After establishing your studies in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, you will enter the MBA program in the fourth year of your graduate education, earning a complete MBA as you finish your PharmD and becoming integrated into the Carlson School's prestigious network of business leaders, academics and alumni. PharmD/MBA students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the unique experiences offered through the Carlson School's Medical Industry Leadership Institute, which brings together graduate students from across the University of Minnesota to work on healthcare industry problems from the organizational to the political realms.

Program Specifics

The PharmD/MBA Dual Degree Program was developed for students who have already been enrolled in the University of Minnesota PharmD Program (Twin Cities or Duluth campus). This program serves students who wish to earn an MBA degree as well as their PharmD. Students apply to the Full-Time MBA Program during the fall semester of their third year in the College of Pharmacy, but do not begin the MBA Program until the fourth year of this five-year dual degree program.

Both degrees are completed in five years. To complete in this time frame students will carry a very demanding course load. Students must be in good standing academically and not on probation. After acceptance into the dual degree program, students meet with both their PharmD and MBA advisors to be sure that their study plan satisfies requirements for both degrees. The dual degree PharmD/MBA enables students to complete the two degrees in a shorter time frame than they would if the degrees were pursued separately.

Please see the PHARMD/MBA grid for curriculum information: PharmD - MBA Dual Degree Grid (pdf).