In response to the growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in pharmacy, business and finance, the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics and the College of Pharmacy offers a dual degree program awarding both a Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. The PharmD/MBA dual degree program is designed to provide students with the necessary educational foundation to practice as a pharmacist, but also assume leadership and managerial responsibility in a variety of health care settings.
Admissions & Preparatory Courses
Students interested in the PharmD/MBA dual degree program must apply independently to both colleges and meet the admission requirements of each. Current Pharmacy students at the University of Kentucky are eligible only if no more than one full-time semester has been completed. Please review the College of Pharmacy website for new updates or information.
Program Description & Curriculum
Assume leadership responsibility in a variety of healthcare settings.
The PharmD/MBA is highly desirable for persons seeking careers in institutional practice settings, the pharmaceutical industry, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit management organizations, retail and academics. This dual degree is coupled with courses in the Professional MBA or the Professional MBA (For Leaders in Healthcare) program.
Program Overview
Dual Degree Program with the Professional MBA or the Leaders in Healthcare MBA
Year 1: Pharmacy courses as scheduled. Submit graduate school application to the MBA program and satisfy the MBA Admissions Requirements by the communicated deadlines.
Year 2: Pharmacy courses as scheduled + 12 credits of Professional MBA courses (6 credits in Fall and Spring semesters).
Year 3: Pharmacy courses as scheduled + 12 credits of Professional MBA courses (6 credits in Fall and Spring semesters).
Year 4: APPE Rotations + 6 credits of Professional MBA courses (3 credits in Fall and Spring semesters).
Program Fee: $7,500 ($250 per credit hour)
Please note:
- Candidates can use their PCAT scores in lieu of the GMAT/GRE graduate test requirement.
- For the PharmD/MBA dual degree program, the MBA Admissions Committee reserves a certain number of seats each year into the Professional MBA and Professional MBA (For Leaders in Healthcare) programs. Admissions decisions are considered on a rolling admissions, so it's strongly recommended to apply early.
- From the perspective of the MBA program, approved PharmD courses serve as MBA electives. From the College of Pharmacy perspective, the MBA coursework satisfies six hours of required electives, but only if the student remains in good standing in both programs and satisfies all degree requirements.
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Contact Us
College of Pharmacy
Dr. Karen Blumenschein
College of Pharmacy
University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
859.257.5778 (office) | kblum1@email.uky.edu
Gatton College of Business and Economics
Karl Gustafson
MBA Academic Director, Lecturer, Project Connect Leader
Gatton College of Business and Economics
University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
859.323.4134 (office) | karl.gustafson@uky.edu