Dec 04, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

Pharm.D./M.B.A. Dual Degree


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Dual Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration Degrees

The PharmD/MBA is a dual degree program offered cooperatively by Belmont University College of Pharmacy and The Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business. The program provides a unique opportunity to get a cutting-edge education in pharmacy and business in the nation’s healthcare capital, Nashville, Tennessee. Graduates are prepared for roles as executives and managers in the pharmaceutical industry and in health care delivery systems that provide pharmacy services to patients. The innovative dual degree format allows enrolled students to:

  • Complete all the requirements for both degrees within four years.
  • Complete both degrees at a significant tuition savings from enrolling in each program separately.
  • Benefit from Belmont’s signature personal interaction with experienced, highly regarded faculty in both programs.

Admissions

Applicants must meet minimum requirements for admission to both the PharmD program and the MBA program. Applicants who are offered admission to the PharmD/MBA program must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete all prerequisites (for both programs) prior to fall enrollment. Applicants must have a reasonable plan to meet these requirements at the time of application. Prerequisites for the PharmD are listed on the College of Pharmacy website. Prerequisites for the MBA are listed on the Massey Graduate School of Business website.

MBA prerequisites can also be satisfied through the Summer Business Institute (SBI). The SBI is a Belmont-specific 10-credit, summer-based prerequisite accelerated program designed specifically for individuals who did not major in business as undergraduates. Completion of the Summer Business Institute satisfies all Massey prerequisite course requirements.

Acceptance to the PharmD program does not guarantee admission to the MBA program. Each review is conducted on an independent basis, and the annual deadline each year is March 1. However, given the competitive nature of this program, early applications are strongly recommended.

Progression

The PharmD/MBA dual degree program provides opportunity for students to complete both degrees simultaneously with four full years of study, including summers. If at some point in the programs’ progression, a student decides not to complete either degree, assuming the individuals is in good academic standing for that program, he/she would be allowed to complete one degree program without the other.

In the event that an individual student’s program progression is delayed such that a timeline of more than four years for completion would be required, the program coordinators would work with the University Registrar’s office on the timing and completion of both degrees. Additional tuition and fees could accrue for students taking longer than scheduled to complete the two degrees.

Click here for a complete listing of the PharmD MBA dual degree curriculum. 

Tuition

Students pursuing the PharmD / MBA option benefit from an overall tuition savings compared to completing each degree program separately. This is accomplished primarily via the cross-listed courses that count toward both programs when a student is dual-enrolled.. For a more detailed analysis of potential tuition-savings, contact either of the dual degree program coordinators. 

The dual PharmD/MBA degree program is jointly coordinated by the Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Erin Behnen, and the Associate Dean of the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business, Dr. Jennifer Fowler.

Summer Prior to Enrollment


Summer Business Institute (if MBA prerequisites are needed)

First Year - Fall


Semester Total: 18 Hours

First Year - Spring


Semester Total: 19 Hours

Third Year - Fall


Semester Total: 18 Hours

Fourth Year - Summer, Fall & Spring


Pharmacy students begin their fourth academic year immediately after the end of the third year spring term.

Semesters Total: 47 Hours

Total Required for Program: 171 Hours


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