title: Pharmacy students' perspectives on a PharmD/MPH dual degree program at a large metropolitan school of pharmacy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students' perceptions of a PharmD and master of public health (MPH) dual degree program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A seven-item survey instrument was developed and distributed to students at a large metropolitan school of pharmacy during scheduled class time in April 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 611 students enrolled in the PharmD program, 447 (73%) responded. Of those who responded, 72.3% were either "very likely" or "likely" to consider enrolling in such a PharmD/MPH dual degree program, and 77.4% believed that it would be attractive to future students. The most commonly identified potential limitations to pursuing the dual degree were time commitment (19.9%), increased workload and stress (11.2%), and tuition cost (10.3%). The most notable advantages documented were increased job opportunities for public health-related pharmacy positions (26.9%), increased ability to serve patients and the community (13.4%), and increased marketability for future jobs (8.7%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PharmD student participants demonstrated overall positive attitudes and interest towards a PharmD/MPH dual degree program.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Temple University . Philadelphia, PA ( United States ). carol.holtzman@temple.edu.
authors.forename: Carol W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Holtzman
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Temple University . Philadelphia, PA ( United States ).
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Sifontis
keywords: Attitude; Education, Pharmacy; Program Development; Schools, Pharmacy; Students, Pharmacy; Students, Public Health; United States