Dual Degree MPH Program (PharmD/MPH)

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Kentucky offers a unique dual Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. This program is one of a few in the United States designed to enable students to obtain both degrees in an accelerated four-year timeframe, reducing the total credit hours from a potential 206 to 186.

The PharmD/MPH degree aims to prepare students to become effective leaders, practitioners, researchers, and educators in both pharmacy and public health. The College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky provides a wide breadth of training opportunities. No specific accreditation for the MPH component of this dual degree (e.g., CEPH) is mentioned on this page.

Delivery Modes

The PharmD/MPH dual degree program is designed for completion in four years, indicating a full-time, accelerated commitment. As a dual professional degree program involving the Doctor of Pharmacy, it is delivered on-campus.

Curriculum Overview

The dual degree structure allows students to decrease the total credit hours for both degrees from 206 to 186 by efficiently using PharmD elective course time. The MPH component covers fundamental public health principles in the five core areas. Students can specialize in Population Health Policy and Management, focusing on managing public health organizations and developing health policies. The PharmD program's curriculum in areas like pathophysiology and pharmacology enhances the MPH program outcomes.

Admissions Requirements

This is a dual degree program, implying that students must be admitted to both the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Specific admission requirements for the MPH portion are not detailed on this page but would be available through the College of Public Health.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles as practitioners, researchers, and educators in pharmacy and public health. The PharmD program includes several public health-related outcomes enhanced by the MPH degree, such as:

• Providing public health leadership in community and hospital practice.

• Promoting public health through cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and poison prevention programs.

• Promoting public awareness of health and disease through immunization programs.

• Providing a pharmacist role in a natural or man-made disasters.

• Provision of drug information and education materials to the public.

• Provision of education on health-related topics to health professionals and the public.