(153) Availability of Dual-Degree Programs as a Factor Influencing Pharmacy School Selection

Objective : To examine whether dual-degree program (DDP) offerings played a role in students’ selection of a Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Methods: In spring 2022, an electronic survey was distributed to students in the first professional year of the PharmD program at 5 schools (Belmont University, Concordia University, Long Island University, Manchester University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). The survey was administered through Qualtrics (Provo, UT) and included questions concerning demographics, the extent to which DDP offerings influenced school selection, interest in specific programs, and ultimate enrollment in DDPs.

Results: The survey was distributed to 395 students; 176 (45%) completed the survey. Thirteen (7%) students reported that the presence of a DDP was the most important factor in their school selection while 66 (38%) reported that it was a factor but not the most important factor. Of these 79 students, 77 (97%) indicated whether they had a specific program in mind when selecting a school; 25 (32%) had a program in mind,14 (18%) wanted to pursue a DDP but did not have a program in mind, and 32 (42%) were unsure whether they would be pursuing a DDP but wanted to keep their options open. Additionally, 6 (8%) students were not interested in pursuing a DDP despite it being a factor in their school selection. Of 173 (98%) respondents, 34 (20%) ultimately enrolled in a DDP, 90 (52%) were not pursuing a DDP, and 49 (28%) were still undecided.

Conclusions: Nearly half of students considered the presence of DDPs to be a factor in their decision to attend their school. Offering such programs may be important for maintaining or increasing a school’s applicant pool.