Dual MPH/PharmD Program

Program Highlights & Focus

Shenandoah University's Master of Public Health (MPH) can be pursued as part of a dual Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)/MPH degree program. This integrated program aims to graduate highly qualified health professionals equipped with competencies for the evolving healthcare system, enabling them to address challenging population health issues.

A key focus of the public health component is on rural and underserved populations, providing students with specialized training in public health challenges pertinent to these communities. The dual degree prepares graduates for a wide array of positions in both pharmacy and public health.

Program Structure & Delivery

The PharmD/MPH dual degree is designed to be completed in five years, offering a time and cost-efficient pathway by pursuing both degrees concurrently.

Students typically complete most of the MPH coursework after their fourth year in the PharmD program. At this stage, the remaining MPH coursework can be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis, offering flexibility to students.

Curriculum & Core Competencies

The dual degree program allows for up to 19 credits to overlap between the PharmD and MPH curricula, aligning with the requirements and accreditation standards of both programs.

Core MPH coursework includes:

• PH 501 History and Philosophy of Public Health

• PH 510 Biostatistics

• PH 515 Principles of Epidemiology

• PH 525 Program Planning and Implementation

• PH 505 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health

• PH 520 Public Health Policy and Management

• PH 530 Fundamentals of Program Evaluation

• PH 540 Rural Health Systems

• PH 550 Public Health Leadership and Professionalism

• PH 535 Health Communications

• PH 545 Public Health Perspectives on Chronic Disease

The MPH curriculum culminates in an Applied Practice Experience (PH 700) and an Integrated Learning Experience (PH 701). The Applied Practice Experience may potentially be fulfilled through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations, subject to approval.

Admissions

The PharmD/MPH dual degree program is intended for students currently enrolled in or applying to Shenandoah University's School of Pharmacy.

Current PharmD students should apply for the dual degree no later than the spring semester of their first year. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for both programs for satisfactory progression and graduation.

Prospective students should refer to the Graduate Public Health Admissions site for detailed application requirements.

Career Outcomes & Practical Experience

Graduates with a PharmD/MPH are prepared for roles such as Public Health Pharmacists, engaging in advanced pharmacy practice, health policy development, emergency and humanitarian response, and public health leadership.

Practical experience is integrated through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). Specific APPE rotations may fulfill the MPH Applied Practice Experience (PH 700) requirements if they address necessary public health competencies, with approval from the MPH advisor.