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Dual Degree Master of Science in Economics
The PharmD / MS Economics program allows students to complete both the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master of Economics in 4 years using a time efficient approach and decreasing the number of credit hours necessary from 188 to 174.
Ensuring optimal health care resource allocation is one of the most critical challenges in health care today. Strong analytical skills in concert with clinical knowledge are necessary to ensure that resources are being utilized in an efficient manner within the health care sector. Individuals grounded in both economic analysis and clinical skills provide an increasingly important and unique interface between practitioners and managers. The dual degree is thought to be highly desirable for persons seeking careers in government, the pharmaceutical industry, institutional settings, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit management organizations, and academics.
To be admitted, an applicant is required to meet the independent admission standards of the College of Pharmacy, The Department of Economics, and The Graduate School. Pharmacy students who do not hold an awarded bachelor's degree must have at least 90 hours of undergraduate credit to apply to the Graduate School. All applicants must meet the minimum grade point average requirements of the Graduate School for admission and successfully complete the GRE examination. Recommended minimal undergraduate preparation for the MS in Economics includes: six hours of intermediate economic theory; six hours of statistics; and six hours of calculus. For additional information about the PharmD / MS Economics program contact Karen Blumenschein
M.S. Economics/Pharm.D. Advantages
The Pharm.D./M.S. Economics program of study affects the total number of minimum required hours and calendar years required as follows:
| M.S. and Pharm.D. Pursued Sequentially | Credit Hours | Calendar Years |
| Total hours required in M.S. program (30) | 30 | 1.5 |
| Total credit hours required in Pharm.D. program 106 required didactic + 8 elective + 44 clerkship) | 158 | 4 |
| Total | 188 | 5.5 Calendar Years |
| Dual Program | Credit Hours | Calendar Years |
| Total M.S. hours required in dual degree program (24 required) | 24 | |
| Total Pharm.D. credit hours required in joint program (106 required didactic + 44 clerkship) | 150 | |
| Total | 183 | 4 Calendar Years |
This dual program of study may be completed in 4 years plus one summer.
From the perspective of the M.S. program, approved Pharm.D. courses serve as 6 hours of M.S. elective course work. From the College of Pharmacy perspective, the M.S. coursework satisfies 8 hours of required electives.
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