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. Read more about our career outcomes, commitment to diversity and campus culture.
Admissions & Preparatory Courses
The PharmD/MBA dual degree program awards both the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. 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. Before applying into the MBA program, please review the Admissions Requirements, MBA Preparatory Courses, GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy and FAQ's.
Diversity
Diversity builds better leaders. At the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, we believe that the opportunities to grow professionally are enhanced when the learning environment includes a variety of perspectives. That’s why the UK MBA program seeks to enroll students with a wide range of backgrounds, along with personal, professional and cultural experiences.
Program Description & Curriculum
Assume leadership responsibility in a variety of healthcare settings.
As the field of health care becomes more complex and more focused on cost-effectiveness, an understanding of accounting, finance, strategic planning and other business functions are crucial for today’s practicing pharmacist. 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.
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 for Professional MBA: $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.
Alumni Spotlight
Ashley Lanham
Program Manager & Quality Network Clinical Pharmacist at Humana
Bradley Browning
Associate Director, Hematology Global Analytics & Insights at AstraZeneca
Joey Mattingly
Associate Professor at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and APhA HOD Speaker-elect
Anthony Marti
Associate Director of Market Access Strategy & Marketing, Cardiology at Novartis
Charlie Lovan
Assistant Scientific Director, US Medical Affairs, Rheumatology at AbbVie
Karly Dancsecs
Manager, Operations and Controlled Substances at West Virginia University of Medicine
Jami Mann
Assistant Director of Pharmacy at UNC Hospitals and Clinics
Lane Slabaugh
CAR-T Market Access Manager at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Jennifer Miles
Vice President, Pharmacy Services at HealthTrust
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
Christopher Carney
Director of MBA Recruitment
Gatton College of Business and Economics
University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
859.257.7645(office) | christopher.carney@uky.edu
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