Faculty Q&A: Hybrid Dual Degree Offers Best of Both Worlds

In August, West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and the College of Business and Economics announced a dual hybrid degree, called the Pharm.D/MBA.

The Pharm.D/MBA Program is a combined program geared toward students interested in becoming managers, and administrators in health care or pharmaceutical organizations. The curriculum is built around business administration principles and managerial practices coupled with therapeutic knowledge and expertise in medication management.

Opportunities for the joint degree graduates include leadership positions in hospitals and health systems, pharmacy benefit management companies, government organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, chain pharmacy corporations, and owning, franchising, or operating an independent pharmacy.

Mary K. Stamatakis, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy gives a closer look at the blended program.

Q: What audience is interested in the Pharm.D/MBA program?

Stamatakis: “Students who are currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program have voiced a strong interest in the program. These are students who are interested in pursuing a career in business or management or who see the program as a way to increase their competiveness for positions in the workforce.”

Q: How is the online component beneficial to students?

Stamatakis: “The online (MBA) program began in August of 2010 and has become a popular option for our students.

“The online program is desirable to PharmD students because the PharmD program is a full-time, day program and the online program provides greater flexibility for students compared to the evening program.”