The role of the pharmacist has expanded from the traditional role of dispensing medications to that of an integral part of the health care team, with an expertise in patient drug therapy. In response to a growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in both pharmacy and population based health care, the School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health Program have developed a dual degree that combines a pharmacy education with a public health focus. This dual degree program offers additional training for pharmacists who seek to be agents of change within the profession and who will assume leadership roles in the pharmacy field and public health at local, state and national levels. Students in the dual Pharm.D./MPH program can also learn to conduct research in organizational- or community-based settings.

The Pharm.D./MPH is a five-year dual degree program offered cooperatively by the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Participants will complete all pharmacy and MPH requirements in a total of five years—one year less than would be required if a student were to complete each degree independently of the other.

Admission Requirements and Application Process
Students who would like to pursue the dual Pharm.D./M.P.H. degree must be accepted by both programs and meet the respective admission requirements for each program. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and obtaining acceptable GRE scores. (GMAT and MCAT scores are also accepted.) International students must submit acceptable TOEFL scores as well. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree.

Students may apply to the dual Pharm.D./M.P.H. degree program in two ways:

1. Students may apply at the time they submit their Pharm.D. application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students, who elect this approach, must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the Pharm.D. and will be offered admission to the M.P.H. program, contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students who are accepted only by one program may choose to attend that program, but will not be eligible for the dual degree.

2. Students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the M.P.H. program during their first year of enrollment in the Pharm.D. prior to the M.P.H. published application deadline. Students, who elect this approach, must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the M.P.H. program will be offered admission to the dual degree if they pass all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. program with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A.

Contact Information
For more information please call the Office of Admission and Student Affairs at (323) 442-1469 or the Department of Preventive Medicine at (626) 457-6676.