Dual Degree Programs
Set yourself apart by earning a dual degree. Students in the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences entry level PharmD program are welcome to apply to also pursue a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree in addition to their PharmD degree.
No matter what path you choose with pharmacy, a PharmD/MBA degree will help you understand the field of healthcare as it becomes more complex and focused on cost-effectiveness, finance, communication, and strategic planning. Earn your MBA through the CU Denver Business School.
University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences entry-level PharmD students are welcome to apply to pursue a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree in addition to their PharmD degree. The dual PharmD/MBA offers pharmacy students interested in managerial and business careers a chance to set themselves apart.
Career opportunities with a PharmD/MBA include:
- Healthcare administration
- Director of pharmacy operations
- Product development, strategy, and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry
- Strategy and other managerial roles with healthcare payer organizations
- Managerial roles with state and federal healthcare agencies
- Director position with pharmaceutical distributors and wholesalers
- Entrepreneurial roles
PharmD/MBA Dual Degree Program Overview:
A student can apply in the second (P2) or fourth (P4) year of pharmacy school. A student applying in the P2 year will take a one year leave of absence to complete coursework at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, and then re-enter the PharmD program as a P3 student. A student applying in the P4 year will engage in coursework for their MBA after completing their PharmD degree.
To be considered for these programs, a student must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (Note that CU Pharmacy students are able to obtain a bachelor’s degree if they did not earn one prior to acceptance to the PharmD Program. For information regarding this program, please go to the following URL: BSMS Application)
- Have a cumulative GPA (including required and elective coursework) of at least 3.0 in the courses of the pharmacy program at the end of the first professional year (for P2 applicant) or third professional (P3) year (for P4 applicant)
- Be in good academic standing and have no professional or conduct violations
In the application process, a student will select a type of MBA. Please note that the MBA Health Administration (MBAH) is highly competitive and has limited student places.
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An application to the PharmD/MBA program includes:
- Submitting an email to the CU Denver Business School indicating that you are applying to the PharmD/MBA dual degree
- Application fee
- On-line application for graduate admission
- In-state tuition classification form
- Essay question responses
- Resume
- PCAT, MCAT, GRE scores (or equivalent)
- Official copies of undergraduate and professional program transcripts
- Two current letters of recommendation
- A letter from the CU Pharmacy Office of Student Services (OSS) indicating that you are in good standing (academic professional conduct)
After receiving 12 credits of PharmD coursework towards the dual degree program, a student will be required to complete 35 credits of MBA coursework. If interested, please email Cindy.Obryant@cuanschutz.edu.
The role of the pharmacist continues to expand and pharmacists are now an integral part of the healthcare team. The PharmD/MPH degree is in response to that expanding role. It is offered in partnership with the Colorado School of Public Health.
University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences entry-level PharmD students are welcome to apply to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in addition to their PharmD degree.
PharmD/MPH Dual Degree Program Overview:
A student can apply in the second (P2) or fourth (P4) year of pharmacy school. A student applying in the P2 year will take a one year leave of absence to complete coursework at the Colorado School of Public Health, and then re-enter the PharmD program as a P3 student. A student applying in the P4 year will engage in coursework for their MPH after completing their PharmD degree.
To be considered for this program, a student must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (Note that SSPPS PharmD students are able to obtain a bachelor’s degree if they did not earn one prior to acceptance to the Pharm. D. Program. For information regarding this program, please go to the following URL: BSMS Application)
- Have a cumulative GPA (including required and elective coursework) of at least 3.0 in the courses of the pharmacy program at the end of the first professional year (for P2 applicant) or third professional (P3) year (for P4 applicant)
- Be in good academic standing and have no professional or conduct violations at the SSPPS
In the application process, a student will select an area of focus for the MPH.
The deadline for applications is in January, check back here for deadline updates.
An application to the PharmD/MPH program includes:
- Completion of an online program application - contact admissions.CSPH@ucdenver.edu to apply
- Application fee
- A statement of interest
- Official copies of undergraduate and professional program transcripts
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Two current letters of recommendation specifically related to the student’s interest and capacity for success in the PharmD/MPH program
- A letter from the CU Pharmacy Office of Student Services (OSS) indicating that the student is in good standing (academic and professional conduct)
After receiving 9 credits of PharmD coursework towards the dual degree program, a student will be required to complete 36 credits of MPH coursework. If interested, please email Cindy.Obryant@cuanschutz.edu.