Dual PharmD/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers a dual Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. This program is designed to prepare pharmacy students to integrate a public health framework into their practice, strengthening the public health system. A key focus of the program is on health equity and disparities. Graduates are equipped to align pharmacy functions with essential health services critical to public health.

The provided context does not explicitly mention accreditation by bodies such as CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) for the MPH program component.

Delivery Modes

The MPH component of the dual degree is delivered in an asynchronous online format, offering flexibility for Pharm.D. students.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Public Health (MPH) component requires 33 credit hours. Students will gain skills and knowledge in core public health areas (health services administration, biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, environmental health sciences) and interdisciplinary/cross-cutting areas (e.g., diversity, culture, system thinking, interprofessional leadership, program planning). The curriculum structure is as follows:

• Foundational Course (3 credits): PUBH 501 – Foundations of Public Health (double-counted with Pharm.D. course PHCY 700, Introduction to Health Care and Population Health).

• Required Core Courses (15 credits):

  • PUBH 515 – Health Care Systems and Policy

  • PUBH 502 – Epidemiology

  • PUBH 505 – Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health

  • PUBH 510 – Environmental Health

  • PUBH 513 – Biostatistics

• Required Interdisciplinary/Cross-Cutting Courses (15 credits):

  • PUBH 530 – Health Disparities and Public Health

  • PUBH 523 – Community Needs Assessment

  • PUBH 525 – Program Planning and Implementation

  • PUBH 595 – Public Health Internship

  • PUBH 599 – Capstone

A total of 12 credit hours from the Pharm.D. program are applied towards the MPH degree. This includes the 3-credit PUBH 501 course (double-counted) and an additional 9 credit hours of electives from the Pharm.D. program.

The program includes a Public Health Internship (PUBH 595) and culminates with an MPH capstone project (PUBH 599), which is typically completed the summer following completion of the Pharm.D. program.

Admissions Requirements

This dual degree program is designed for students currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at the University of Saint Joseph. Specific admission requirements for the MPH component for these students are integrated into their Pharm.D. progression; detailed prerequisites beyond Pharm.D. enrollment are not specified in the provided context.

Career & Practical Experience

The Pharm.D./MPH dual degree provides graduates with an advantage in careers related to population health. Potential career paths include roles in:

• Public health emergencies

• Local, county, state, or federal government agencies (e.g., department of health, correctional facilities)

• Vaccinations and community health initiatives

• Academic careers in pharmacy, public health, and relevant healthcare fields

Practical experience is gained through the Public Health Internship (PUBH 595).