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Advanced study in pharmacy and aging studies is available through a dual degree and certificate program co-sponsored by the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Gerontology in the College of Health Professions.

The program allows students to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Certificate in Aging Studies with a minimum of 167 credits rather than the 170 credits necessary if the two degrees were pursued separately. This efficiency lowers the overall cost of tuition while also reducing time to earning both degrees.

Program goals

The objectives of this dual degree and certificate program are to:

  • Prepare graduates to address the complex needs of a diverse aging population using holistic knowledge of the biopsychosocial aging process
  • Provide graduates with an understanding of empirically and theoretically based components contributing to optimal aging using evidence-based, best-practice approaches
  • Prepare graduates to develop skills in comprehensive geriatric care to promote well-being among older adults
  • Prepare graduates with an understanding of the interrelationship between pharmacology and social issues and aging (e.g., family, cultural, community, housing, access to care, policy issues)

Among the many benefits offered by participation in the dual degree and certificate program is the following:

  • Students holding these degrees will be more competitive in obtaining a pharmacy residency or employment caring for older adults in the community, ambulatory care or hospital settings.

The diplomas for this dual degree and certificate program may be awarded simultaneously. Students must complete a separate graduation check out for each program.

Student learning outcomes

See the individual program pages for student learning outcomes.

Advising

The student is assigned an adviser from each program to develop a plan of study. Advisers from each program will provide guidance on course requirements for their respective programs.