M.S. + MBA Option Student Profiles: Real Careers, Real Outcomes
Discover how working professionals across pharmacy, healthcare, consulting and the pharmaceutical industry are advancing their careers through the online M.S. + MBA option at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s online graduate program.
These student and alumni profiles highlight how combining pharmaceutical outcomes expertise with business leadership training prepares graduates for roles in market access, managed care, medical affairs, policy and executive leadership.
Student Backgrounds
Students in the online M.S. + MBA concurrent degrees program come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, with many bringing experience in health care, pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, managed care, consulting and health policy. This concurrent degrees option is designed for working professionals who aspire to healthcare leadership and executive roles, but it also attracts individuals from non‑clinical fields who are seeking to pivot into high‑impact careers in healthcare and life sciences.
What unites M.S. + MBA students is a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and influencing decision‑making at the organizational and system level. By earning an online M.S. + MBA, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, economic and business factors that shape the health system, while differentiating themselves with the strategic leadership skills employers seek.
Student Profiles
Clinical Pharmacist
D.G., Pharm.D.
Current Role: Clinical Pharmacist at a national pharmacy benefit management organization
Professional Background: Responsible for reviewing care management plans and prior authorizations within a large pharmacy benefit management company.
Why M.S. + MBA: To prepare for advancement into leadership while also pursuing a future role as an adjunct professor.
Career Goal: Move into a leadership position within a pharmacy organization while contributing to academic instruction.
Health Care Analyst
M.W.
Current Role: Health Care Analyst at a global consulting company focused on health policy
Professional Background: Works in health policy consulting, supporting analysis and strategy for healthcare organizations.
Why M.S. + MBA: To expand leadership capabilities and business skills in order to move into a management role.
Career Goal: Advance into healthcare management with broader strategic and leadership responsibilities.
Corporate Pharmaceutical Professional
R.S.
Current Role: Pharmaceutical Sales Professional at a corporate pharmaceutical company
Professional Background: Holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and has worked in pharmaceutical sales for three years.
Why M.S. + MBA: To transition from sales into a corporate headquarters role with greater responsibility.
Career Goal: Take on increasing responsibility in commercialization and new product development within a major pharmaceutical company.
Physician
P.S., M.D.
Current Role: Physician in an accountable care organization
Professional Background: Balances patient care responsibilities with quality improvement and value‑based care delivery initiatives.
Why M.S. + MBA: To gain the combined clinical, policy and business training needed to lead healthcare innovation.
Career Goal: Lead her organization toward more effective healthcare delivery models.
Frequently Asked Questions About the M.S. + MBA Concurrent Degrees Program
Who is the M.S. + MBA option designed for?
This option is designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles in pharmacy, healthcare, managed care, consulting, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Is the M.S. + MBA option fully online?
Yes. Both degrees are completed online, allowing students to continue working while advancing their education.
What careers do M.S. + MBA graduates pursue?
Graduates move into roles such as market access leader, health care consultant, medical affairs director, managed care executive and pharmaceutical policy strategist.
Do I need a business background?
No. Many students enter with clinical or health‑focused backgrounds and develop business expertise through the MBA curriculum.
Alumni Spotlight
In this video, alumnus Mike Steelman describes how the M.S. + MBA program helped him advance into a global leadership role.
Mike Steelman, M.S., MBA, Pharmacoeconomics Track
Vice President of Market Access, TherapeuticsMD