Doctor of Pharmacy & Master of Public Health – Generalist
book_2 Learning Mode: ResidentialProgram Overview
The Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health - Generalist (Pharm.D., MPH) program at 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 program, students gain expertise in health care at a population level, medication-related public health initiatives, and policy development. This program prepares graduates for careers in epidemiology, health policy, healthcare administration, the pharmaceutical industry, and community health. Completing this program saves students time compared to pursuing each degree program 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
About the MPH Curriculum
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.
Your path to admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Be actively enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program of the MUSC College of Pharmacy
- Have completed the first year of the Pharm.D. program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice.
Application Process
Applications are accepted between April and June 1 each year. For more information about applying to the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, send your inquiries to mphadmissions@musc.edu.
Application Requirements
- MPH Application: Applicants must submit an MUSC application to the MPH program.
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who have had close contact with them during their undergraduate, graduate, clinical, or research training. Recommendations are requested and submitted through the MUSC online application.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words, that (1) describes their motivation for pursuing an MPH degree and, in particular, their motivation for pursuing their chosen concentration, (2) describes their background and how their interests and experiences make them ideally suited for participation in the MPH degree program within their chosen concentration, (3) outlines their main achievements or successes in their professional or academic development and highlights any special experiences or training in their chosen MPH concentration, and (4) describes their career plans and long-term goals in the field of public health and how obtaining an MPH degree within their chosen concentration will help them meet their long-term plans and goals and answering the question, "Why do you feel that MUSC is a good fit for you personally and academically?"
- Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences.
International Applicants
International applicants may apply. For more information on the DPHS admissions process overviewing applications, visas, and fees, please view our DPHS International Student Admissions handout (PDF).
MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process.