PharmD-MBA FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (PharmD-MBA)

Below are Frequently Asked Questions about the Combined PharmD-MBA program. Please contact the Pharmacy Program Coordinator for any additional questions or information. 

Why is the Combined PharmD-MBA program relevant?

As the complexity of healthcare delivery increases, the need for pharmacists who also have management training and expertise will continue to grow. The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is the new standard in pharmacy education, combining in-class, laboratory, and experiential components to ensure that graduates have the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed as front line healthcare providers. The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree is widely recognized as the premier degree in business worldwide; MBA graduates work in both the public and private sectors, and are able to blend their professional experience with additional knowledge and skills in business management.

Do pharmacists need an MBA?

Many pharmacists are able to practice effectively without additional degrees. For those individuals who are involved in administration, management, business ownership, or other managerial activities, however, additional training in business can be a distinct asset. Pharmacists with MBAs are found in both the public and private sectors, working in government, academia, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, consulting companies, and their own private practices. The additional knowledge and skills acquired through an MBA program can provide pharmacists with unique advantages and opportunities across different sectors.

If I can get an MBA after I graduate, why do it at the same time as my Pharmacy degree?

For most students, the greatest value in a combined degree program is the opportunity to complete two degrees together in less time than it would take to receive both degrees separately. In the case of the Combined PharmD-MBA degree, it would take a total of six (6) academic years to complete the two degrees separately. Under the combined degree model, it will only take five (5) academic years to complete (though the combined degree model requires two (2) additional summer terms of clinical rotations/work).

Students with a strong and clear focus for their future academic and career plans may benefit from the opportunity to enroll within a combined degree program to save time and consolidate their learning experience.

Who is eligible to apply for the Combined PharmD-MBA program?

This program is only offered to students who have completed at least one 4-year degree (e.g. BSc, BA, BComm, BEng) PRIOR to enrolling in Pharmacy. Students who have not yet completed a degree from an accredited university are not eligible to apply. This is a University of Toronto/Rotman School of Management requirement and is not negotiable.

How and when do I apply for admission to the Combined PharmD-MBA program?

• Each September, an information session will be held for all Year 2 students in the PharmD program who are interested in learning more about the Combined PharmD-MBA program. This session will describe admission requirements, outline application processes, and explain the opportunities presented by the Combined program.
• After attending the information session, interested students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Pharmacy Coordinator for the program, Professor Zubin Austin to discuss the program and begin planning.
• During Year 2, interested students must complete ALL admission requirements for the FULL-TIME MBA program offered by the Rotman School of Management by the posted deadlines. Please visit the How to Apply section of the Rotman website for more information.
• Rotman School of Management has five different admission rounds with five different deadlines. Pharmacy students must apply by the ROUND 1 or ROUND 2 deadlines to be considered for admission to the Full-Time MBA program. Please visit the Rotman School of Management website for information regarding admission requirements (which includes reference letters, two (2) written essays, one (1) video essay, etc.), GMAT and GRE scores, and other required elements of the application process.
• Please review this information carefully and ensure you meet all requirements as late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. You are fully responsible for your entire application, including the payment of all fees. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible but no later than the deadline for Round 2 to ensure you will be considered for admission to this program.

What happens after I have applied?

The Rotman School of Management will consider all applications on their own merit; there are no specific seats reserved for or allocated to Pharmacy students. Pharmacy applicants compete with all other applicants in that application cycle/round for admission to the MBA program. The Rotman School of Management MBA is a highly desired and very competitive program – high academic standards are expected, and students who gain entry are generally very high performers. Pharmacists have historically done well in MBA programs, and have been very competitive for admission in various programs across Canada. As a result, your background, education, and interests as a pharmacist should generally align well with Rotman School of Management requirements.

What happens after I’m accepted to the Rotman School of Management Full-Time MBA program?

Once you receive notification of acceptance to the Full-Time MBA program, please inform the Pharmacy Coordinator of the Combined PharmD-MBA program, Professor Zubin Austin. Professor Austin will direct you to defer acceptance into the Full-Time MBA program for one academic year to allow you to complete the PharmD degree requirements for Year 3, prior to enrolling in the MBA program in Year 4. Your notification of acceptance, followed by your deferral, secures you a spot in the MBA class for the following year.

You must notify the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy of your acceptance into the MBA program (and deferral of admission for one year) no later than April 15 to ensure entry into the Combined PharmD-MBA program.

I’ve been accepted into the MBA and deferred for a year – what happens next?

After notifying the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy of your acceptance to the Rotman School of Management MBA program, you will be automatically transferred to the PharmD program’s Discovery Stream. The Discovery Stream is a unique component of the PharmD program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy that offers students the opportunity to explore interest areas and professional development through approved Discovery Stream programs like the MBA.

Please refer to the Program Overview section for additional details on program structure and requirements. 

What if I fail or miss something in the Combined PharmD-MBA program?

Students in the Combined PharmD-MBA program must ensure they are ready and able to meet the rigorous academic demands of two challenging programs. The very tight and inflexible timelines of this program means there are no opportunities for remediation or supplemental/make-up examinations or course work. In the event an examination or assignment is failed or missed, the student may be required to drop out of the Combined program (but will still have the opportunity to complete PharmD requirements if they have not yet been fulfilled).

Is there financial aid available for students in the Combined PharmD-MBA program?

The tuition fee differential between the PharmD and MBA programs is significant. The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is currently exploring opportunities for bursaries, scholarships, or other forms of financial aid for students in the Combined PharmD-MBA program. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for any financial aid or awards programs administered at the Rotman School of Management once they have been accepted to the MBA program. 

What is the cost of the Combined PharmD-MBA program?

The cost of the Combined PharmD-MBA is significant, but the advantages of completing these two world-class programs concurrently are worth the additional investment. The tuition fee differential between the PharmD and MBA programs is considerable. As a result, the Faculty is currently exploring opportunities for bursaries, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid for students participating in this program. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for any financial aid or awards programs administered at the Rotman School of Management once they have been accepted to the MBA program.

• Click here for estimated fees and expenses from the Rotman School of Management
• Tuition for the PharmD program 2019-2020 academic year is $18,060.00 CDN for domestic students

This information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure full and current understanding of relevant policies and procedures for the Combined PharmD-MBA Program.