Dual MPH/PharmD Program

Program Highlights

The PharmD/MPH combined degree program at the University of Iowa is designed for students admitted to the UI PharmD program who wish to gain special expertise in public health, particularly concerning pharmacotherapy, health promotion, disease prevention, and medication safety. This dual degree addresses the intersection of public health and pharmacy, covering areas such as disease spread and treatment, community health, immunology, preparedness, genetics, managed care, and protection of special populations.

Delivery Modes

The program is structured for full-time students. The MPH component incorporates online learning, with several core courses offered online (e.g., Introduction to Public Health, Epidemiology I: Principles, Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Global Environmental Health). Some courses, like Introduction to Biostatistics, offer both online and face-to-face options. The PharmD component is typically on-campus, making the overall combined degree experience a blend of on-campus and online learning.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health portion of the combined degree requires a total of 42 semester hours (s.h.). This includes:

• 18 s.h. of MPH Core courses (e.g., Intro to the US Healthcare System, Intro to Public Health, Intro to Biostatistics, Epidemiology I: Principles, Intro to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Global Environmental Health).

• 9 s.h. of MPH Required Electives, selected in consultation with an advisor. Students identify five competencies and complete corresponding coursework.

• 12 s.h. from required PharmD courses that also count towards the MPH degree.

• 3 s.h. for an MPH Practicum (CPH:7800).

The MPH coursework is integrated into the PharmD program, typically spanning the first three years of PharmD studies, with both degrees conferred together.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the PharmD/MPH combined degree program requires the following:

• Prior admission to the University of Iowa PharmD degree program.

• A minimum of 120 hours of undergraduate coursework towards an undergraduate degree.

• A cumulative undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• Completion of one semester each of college algebra and biology.

Candidates may be reviewed for both degrees concurrently; however, acceptance into the PharmD program is a prerequisite for final acceptance into the MPH component of the combined degree. For detailed PharmD admission information, refer to the UI Graduate Admissions website .

Career and Practical Experience

Graduates of the PharmD/MPH program are prepared for a variety of roles. They will be able to:

• Serve as public health professionals with strong competency in pharmacotherapy issues.

• Act as pharmacists specializing in healthcare issues within public health settings.

• Occupy management positions in healthcare pharmacies or buildings.

• Work as drug use review specialists in managed care programs.

• Serve as community pharmacists involved in community-based prevention programs.

Employment opportunities for dual degree holders include:

• Public and private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers.

• Private practice.

• Insurance and managed care organizations.

• Local, county, state, or federal government.

• Public health governmental agencies (e.g., CDC, HRSA, NIH, FDA).

• Colleges and universities.

The program includes a required 3 s.h. MPH Practicum (CPH:7800), providing practical public health experience.