Anyone consider dual degrees?

[GreyFox2002]

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I'm noticing that a lot of schools are offering dual degree programs, particularly PharmD/PhD and PharmD/MBA. Anyone else out there looking into these programs? In the 2 schools I've applied to so far, one has offered the PhD and the other the MBA. I've decided to mention these dual degree programs in my personal statements/essays because I think it would show the admissions committees that I'm a dedicated student with a passion for the profession. Anyone hear agree? And yes I really am considering dual degrees if accepted.

 

[evilolive]

I thought about going for a dual PhD/PharmD but it's way too much work.

 

[ADN1226]

I also wanted to do the PharmD/PhD program butttttttt i thought about the summer where I went for months without results and it drove me insane... so I doubt that I cut out for the PhD world.

 

[flillia]

I think I'm going to try for my school's PharmD/MBA but I'm not sure.

I can't find much info online about how well the graduates do and my school doesn't know because their dual program is only a few years old and has no graduates yet.

I've always loved business (it was my third favorite (behind chem and bio) subject in high school!) but I can't think of many things to do with a PharmD/MBA combo besides opening my own pharmacy which seems impossible given the chain-mentality that is dominant now.

The only other thing I can think of that I could do with it is pharmacy department manager etc, but is a MBA helpful when trying to be promoted up the chain in chain retail?

On a purely random note, does anyone happen to know the approx salaries for the various "rungs" of the pharmacy corporate ladder are?

 

[sle3pyguii]

I was also considering joint degrees. Since I'm applying in 2008, I still have time to think about it. USC has an PharmD/MBA, PharmD/JD, PharmD/MPH, and some others, so I want to get into USC.

 

[genesis09]

I know at UIC you can apply to some of the joint programs after you are accepted to PharmD. They have joint with PhD, MBA, and several others.

 

[bootymuncher]

Yea..I'm applying to UIC and UMich and they both offer PharmD/PhD programs. However, does anyone know how much harder it is to get into these programs considering getting a PhD is an additional workload? What do they look for in their candidates for the dual degrees? Anyone out there in a dual degree program? Can you tell me a little bit about admission?

 

[dgroulx]

UF offers PharmD with MBA, PhD, MPH and JD

Go to the link:
http://www.cop.ufl.edu/root4/education.htm

Then click on each individual degree pdf file to see what each degree involves. Even if you're not planning on going to UF, it will give you some idea.

 

[FaBpHaRm2Be]

Hey everyone, I am considering getting a Pharm.D/MPH, preferably at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. I will be applying for Fall 2008 admission.

 

[Da Alchemist]

what are the advantages of having dual?

 

[G0T2PS]

I also hear that PharmD itself would already overwork you... so unless you're very pure about your aspirations... I'm not so sure if the time invested in dual programs is worth it.

A PharmD/PhD is least useful and waste too much resource. One should just go straight to PhD if research is your primary interest or PharmD if pharmacy practice is what you want to do. Together, the two just doesn't add up the way 2 action potential adds up in wave summation. Sure, knowing both may enhance your knowledge in one or the other but considering the time... I don't feel is justified. I think it indicates more that one is indecisive.. esp. with pharmacy shortage please leave the pharmacy seat for those who want to become a pharmacist.

I think MBA or MPH is better.. since they will add to your experience as pharmacist. MBA would help you if you see yourself in management position but that opportunity would still be offered for people without MBA anyways as long as you have experience and drive. MPH would also make one a better pharmacist on an appreciative level for the world. I think if I had to choose it would be the MPH.

 

[YooperPharm]

I'm planning on applying to UMICH for the fall of '08 and am planning on applying to get into the dual degree program that they offer w/ a Pharm D/Ph. D. Anybody else planning on applying to Michigan for Fall of '08?

 

[eddie269]

Having an economics background, I always wanted to do an MBA. However, the MBA is the ONLY professional degree I know where it's not vital to obtain in order to do the work (vs pharmacy, law, medicine, etc).

There are numerous articles that debate whether a MBA is even necessary in today's world. It seems like experience in the field of study could take place of a MBA. And only MBA's from certain institutions (i.e. Stanford and Harvward) seem to impress employers (from what the article said).

With that being said, my initial thought of getting a PharmD/MBA is long gone when I did my research and realized the extra year/work/tuition of school would not be necessary in the world of pharmacy. I figure you can only use it as leverage for a SMALL increase in pay when you get hired as a manager (or district manager) of a company.

Now with that being said, I have a very biased opinion on economics as a major to begin with. So why would I even advocate going a few more years for a MBA? (my biggest regret was not doing a science major and minoring in econ. BLAH)

 

[pion]

...is a MBA helpful when trying to be promoted up the chain in chain retail?

On a purely random note, does anyone happen to know the approx salaries for the various "rungs" of the pharmacy corporate ladder are?

I too am interested in these questions. Anyone know?

 

[eddie269]

At WAGs, I think my pharmacy manager usually makes around $10k/yr more than her regular staff pharmacists. They also get a nice bonus if their pharmacy meets certain sales and waiting time goals.

Not sure about anything else.

 

[npage148]

A PharmD/PhD is least useful and waste too much resource. One should just go straight to PhD if research is your primary interest or PharmD if pharmacy practice is what you want to do. Together, the two just doesn't add up the way 2 action potential adds up in wave summation. Sure, knowing both may enhance your knowledge in one or the other but considering the time... I don't feel is justified. I think it indicates more that one is indecisive.. esp. with pharmacy shortage please leave the pharmacy seat for those who want to become a pharmacist.

This is what I am doing. Im finishing up my PharmD in may and then conitnueing with the PhD portion. It is not a waste at all. You learn from both sides of the pill so to say. You use your pharmD education on how a medication is utlilzed in the clinical setting and you understand the development side as well. How does it show you a indecisive? If anything, it shows your dedication to education and learning. Passing up a 100K a year pill jockey job to do something that is more engaging and thinking intensive. I am not saying retail is bad but will you really be happy doing it doing it in 30 years? Sure its lots of money but what good is if you are unhappy earning it. As for clinical stuff, I thought a bout a residency but Im not in love with the clinical aspect. I enjoyed outpatient clinic work but inpatient was not my cup of tea. I much rather do bench research and work pharmacy per diem