MBA/PharmD

[JuT]

Out of my curiosity, I know that joint degree is tough and rough. But anyone cares to share the experiences of having a joint degree MBA/PharmD. How is it like taking MBA classes while taking Pharmacy classes with internship, rotation and all? etc... Thanks!

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[cubpanda]

I would hope to hear any experiences as well!

I know most schools (UIC, U of Minnesota) have plans for a PharmD/MBA to be completed in a 5-year program, while U of KY says you can do it in 4. Is the 5-year plan rigid for these schools, or is it possible to complete it in 4?

And, for those that are pursuing dual-degrees, do you feel as if you are a more well-rounded/competitive pharmacy student? :C

 

[68quebec]

to me, pharmD/MBA dual degree is spending extra amount of money for school (unless they are very cheap)

the cheapest MBA degree you can get through online is 6k per year. I won't do it while doing PharmD.

PhD or MPH? it might be a little different story though

 

[chemguy79]

to me, pharmD/MBA dual degree is spending extra amount of money for school (unless they are very cheap)

the cheapest MBA degree you can get through online is 6k per year. I won't do it while doing PharmD.

PhD or MPH? it might be a little different story though

The thing about getting an MBA is deciding how it's going to help you get the career that you want to have. If you think that merely getting an MBA, completing the coursework and expecting that will open doors for you, I think that you will be mistaken and disappointed. However, using the curriculum in your program to your advantage can make you more marketable if you want to go in a specific business oriented route with your career.

From personal experience, having an MBA is helpful if you want to go into a corporate management route within your field. However, most reputable MBA programs require a few years of work experience prior to matriculation. (Since you would be going into a joint program, I don't believe that it is necessary a requirement.)

In addition, I've noticed that the MBA program opens doors through the connections that you make within the program. Therefore, it's a different type of degree that requires someone to actively pursue relationships through corporate internships and demonstrating work ethic as opposed to merely being successful in class. It's a valuable degree, but it requires someone who is ambitious inside and outside of the classroom to make their degree work for them. For instance, Duke's MBA program is well over 65k/year; However, the connections and the incredible internships that the program offers makes that investment worthwhile and can pay off handsomely. On the contrary, East Carolina's MBA program is far less expensive and from what I've seen, it hasn't been nearly as beneficial. The name means a lot with pursuing an MBA, as opposed to pharmacy, so you get what you pay for.

In summary, if you're expecting to merely get said degree and to get a substantial advantage over others with a PharmD, I don't know if that will be the case. You should know what you expect to do with it post-matriculation before spending an extra year of graduate tuition pursuing something that may (or may not) be helpful.

 

[68quebec]

The thing about getting an MBA is deciding how it's going to help you get the career that you want to have. If you think that merely getting an MBA, completing the coursework and expecting that will open doors for you, I think that you will be mistaken and disappointed. However, using the curriculum in your program to your advantage can make you more marketable if you want to go in a specific business oriented route with your career.

From personal experience, having an MBA is helpful if you want to go into a corporate management route within your field. However, most reputable MBA programs require a few years of work experience prior to matriculation. (Since you would be going into a joint program, I don't believe that it is necessary a requirement.)

In addition, I've noticed that the MBA program opens doors through the connections that you make within the program. Therefore, it's a different type of degree that requires someone to actively pursue relationships through corporate internships and demonstrating work ethic as opposed to merely being successful in class. It's a valuable degree, but it requires someone who is ambitious inside and outside of the classroom to make their degree work for them. For instance, Duke's MBA program is well over 65k/year; However, the connections and the incredible internships that the program offers makes that investment worthwhile and can pay off handsomely. On the contrary, East Carolina's MBA program is far less expensive and from what I've seen, it hasn't been nearly as beneficial. The name means a lot with pursuing an MBA, as opposed to pharmacy, so you get what you pay for.

In summary, if you're expecting to merely get said degree and to get a substantial advantage over others with a PharmD, I don't know if that will be the case. You should know what you expect to do with it post-matriculation before spending an extra year of graduate tuition pursuing something that may (or may not) be helpful.

I think you made a great point on this! thx a lot 😉

 

[pharmerjohn]

In addition, I've noticed that the MBA program opens doors through the connections that you make within the program. Therefore, it's a different type of degree that requires someone to actively pursue relationships through corporate internships and demonstrating work ethic as opposed to merely being successful in class. It's a valuable degree, but it requires someone who is ambitious inside and outside of the classroom to make their degree work for them.

I find this especially true, as the degree requires a certain type of personality to take full advantage of it. I know people with MBA's from good schools (one person went to HBS) that are unemployed because they lack the "people-smart" skills to network and use the degree to its full potential. Is it worth it to pursue the dual degree? Maybe. It depends on what kind of personality you have.