Graduate students to pursue dual degree in pharmacy and business

August 7, 2012 | Pharmacy | MBA |

The Harding University College of Pharmacy as of 2010 offers the opportunity for graduate students to receive both a degree in pharmacy and a Masters in Business Administration.

The four-year pharmacy program consists of three years including a combination of didactic instruction, early pharmacy practice experiences and the final year completely of advanced pharmacy practice experiences. In addition, students pursuing an M.B.A. degree as well as a Pharm.D. are required to take ten extra classes. Director of Business Professional Studies, Glen Metheny, said that pharmacy students are able to pursue either the traditional 36-hour or the concentration 42-hour M.B.A.

“The pursuit of an M.B.A. helps prepare them for the financial aspect of running a business as well as the organizational and personnel aspect of a business,” Metheny said.

According to Rebekah Hearn, a student working toward receiving both degrees, the process is difficult and requires a great deal of time and organization to complete the process.

“I have realized that I am a lifelong learner, and I enjoy school,” Hearn said. “The dual degree program is definitely made for those who are interested in expanding their knowledge base.”

Hearn explained that the dual degree program allows her to take M.B.A. courses as electives in pharmacy school.Two of the classes offered in the pharmacy program count for both programs. All pharmacy students take three total electives, and those pursuing the dual degree can choose to take an M.B.A. course during the elective semesters. Therefore, seven of the ten classes must be completed during the summer.

Hearn, as well as most other students in the program, has chosen this opportunity in pursuit of one day owning and operating her own pharmacy.

“Hopefully through owning my own pharmacy, I will be able to be available to patients who may need medication counseling in the pharmacy setting,” Hearn said. “At the end of the day, I want to be someone who helps others.”

The choice to obtain both degrees can be made upon being accepted into the College of Pharmacy, and the admissions process is comparable.

According to Dr. Julie Hixson-Wallace, approximately 20 students have chosen to pursue this opportunity through either joint or concurrent courses. Students who have achieved both degrees will be attractive for jobs after graduation and will be equipped with the spiritual, scientific and business knowledge to maintain their own pharmacy.