Concurrent Pharm.D. / MPH Program

Overview

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) Generalist concurrent degree program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) integrates pharmacy education with public health training to prepare students for careers that span both fields. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who want to expand their impact beyond individual patient care and contribute to population health initiatives, healthcare policy, and public health interventions.

Through this concurrent degree program, students gain expertise in healthcare at a population level, medication-related public health initiatives, and policy development. Graduates will be uniquely positioned to work in epidemiology, health policy, healthcare administration, pharmaceutical industry roles, and community health. Completing both degrees concurrently saves students time compared to pursuing them separately.

Why Public Health?

Public health plays a critical role in improving community health outcomes, preventing disease, and addressing healthcare disparities. A PharmD/MPH degree enhances a pharmacist’s ability to make a broader impact by integrating clinical knowledge with public health strategies.

• Expanded Career Opportunities: With expertise in both pharmacy and public health, graduates can pursue roles in government agencies, public health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and healthcare policy development.
• Leadership in Healthcare Policy & Management: The MPH equips students with skills in epidemiology, health promotion, and policy development, enabling them to advocate for health equity and improve healthcare systems.
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: Understanding public health principles enhances pharmacists’ ability to work with healthcare teams, government agencies, and community organizations to design and implement effective health interventions.
• Addressing Health Disparities: Pharmacists with an MPH background are equipped to develop strategies to improve medication access, manage chronic disease programs, and design public health campaigns that benefit diverse populations

MPH Generalist Program Overview

The MPH Generalist curriculum provides a broad foundation in public health principles, with courses in:

• Epidemiology & Biostatistics – Understanding disease patterns and data analysis in healthcare.
• Health Policy & Management – Learning how healthcare policies shape practice and patient outcomes.
• Environmental & Social Health Sciences – Examining the role of environmental factors and social determinants in health.
• Public Health Leadership & Communication – Building skills to advocate for community health and influence health policies.
• Applied Public Health Practice – Engaging in hands-on public health experiences through internships and research projects.

Starting in Year 2 of the PharmD program, students will take 1-2 public health courses per semester, completing MPH coursework by the end of Year 4. Public health courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously, allowing students to integrate them seamlessly into their pharmacy studies

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the PharmD+MPH concurrent degree program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in the PharmD program at MUSC and have completed the first year with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Submit an official transcript.
• Provide one letter of recommendation.
• Submit a personal statement explaining how an MPH will support career goals.
• Provide a resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences.

Applications are accepted between April – June 1 each year. For more information about applying to the MPH program, contact: mphadmissions@musc.edu