Union Graduate College/Albany College of Pharmacy Combined Programs:
PharmD/ MBA in Healthcare Management
PharmD/ MS in Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Management

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Union Graduate College (UGC) and Albany College of Pharmacy (ACP) offer two combined programs that allow students to complete an MS in Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Management with a PharmD or an MBA in Healthcare Management with a PharmD. The combined programs significantly reduce the time and expense of obtaining the two degrees when compared to completing the programs independently.

The PharmD is a six year program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The PharmD program integrates a liberal arts core with pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. The MBA degree prepares students for analytical, managerial and executive-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry and more broadly, the healthcare industry. The MS in Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Management degree is designed for future clinicians who wish to better understand the health care industry and the environment in which it exists or who aspire to clinically-related leadership roles.

The MS in Clinical Leadership in Healthcare Management is a twelve course degree program. Four course requirements are met through course substitutions. The remaining eight courses are completed on a part-time basis with UGC over a three year period (years 4-6 at ACP). The MBA in Healthcare Management is a 20 course degree program. Seven course requirements are met through course substitutions. The remaining 13 courses are usually completed on a part-time basis over a three year period (years 4-6 at ACP). Combined PharmD/MBA candidates usually take summer MBA courses at UGC. The MBA program also requires an administrative internship. Selected PharmD practicums can be applied to the internship requirement.

Admission Procedure and Requirements

• Submit an application through the ACP Office of the Associate Dean of Graduate Education following the completion of the fall semester of the junior year at ACP.
• Meet with the combined Program Advisor at Union Graduate College. Contact John Huppertz at huppertj@union.edu or call at 518-388-8738.
• Generally an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is required to be considered for admission.
• Students with an ACP GPA of 3.2 by start of the 3rd year at ACP can waive the GMAT requirement.
• Candidates may take up to three UGC courses for credit toward the MBA or MS degree before completing the UGC application process.
• Application materials can be found on-line at www.uniongraduatecollege.edu
• Application materials include
  • Application form
  • Essay
  • Three recommendations
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  • GMAT- a score of 500 minimum (GMAT only required for MBA)

Requirements Once Accepted into the Combined Program Once accepted into a combined program, students must maintain a cumulative overall GPA at ACP of 3.0 or higher. If the GPA at ACP falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, the student may be removed from the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations Students will be full-time ACP students through the end of the sixth year. Tuition for the first UGC course taken will normally be covered through the Hudson Mohawk Consortium but is subject to the “Cross Registration Guidelines” in the Consortium Agreement. Tuition for additional UGC courses will be payable directly to UGC. Tuition for UGC courses may be included in student loan requests if the course qualifies as an elective at ACP.

Contact Information ACP students interested in either the PharmD/MS or the PharmD/MBA should first consult with their ACP academic advisor.

Further information about the program and the application process can be obtained from:
Angela Dominelli, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Associate Dean of Academic and Professional Affairs
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Administration
Albany College of Pharmacy
106 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
518.694.7333
518.694.7202
Email: dominela@acp.edu

After speaking with an ACP academic advisor, students may contact UGC.
Admissions questions are directed to:
Rhonda Sheehan
Union Graduate College
807 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
Tel: 518-388-6238
Fax: 518-388-6686
Email: sheehanr@union.edu


Academic questions pertaining to the MS or MBA component of the combined degree are directed to:
John Huppertz, PhD
Union Graduate College
807 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12308
Tel: 518-388-8738
Fax: 518-388-6686
Email: huppertj@union.edu