Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some FAQs based on the questions we receive. We hope you find them helpful and informative. However, if you find there is a question that is not addressed on your appropriate admissions topic, email us at phstud@ualberta.ca.
How much does the program cost?
An MBA usually costs $25,500. Tuition for PharmD students enrolled in the combined MBA program is approximately $1,600 per course, for each of the 11 core courses and 3 elective courses.
How many students are admitted?
Each class has 80 students, of which 40 per cent are international students. The program may admit up to six pharmacy students in any given year.
How many health care professionals are in each class?
On average, five out of the 80 students are health care professionals.
How long is the program?
The MBA portion of the combined degree is 12 months long (Fall / Winter / Spring / Summer), during which 11 core courses and three electives are completed. This is five courses less than the usual MBA program. There is an orientation in August, and the program starts with a Leadership component.
When can I start the MBA portion of the combined degree?
Students enter the program after their third-year of the PharmD program and become graduate students for a year. Students then return to their pharmacy program pathway to complete their fourth year, and after that graduate with both degrees at the same time.
How does the MBA portion fit into the BSc in Pharmacy program?
Students apply during third-year. Applications can be submitted as early as October, and the sooner the application is received, the sooner a decision is made. It is not possible to take the year in the MBA program after the fourth-year in Pharmacy is completed.
Is the coursework project-based?
It varies from course to course.
What are the admission requirements?
If you already have a degree, admission can be based on that. If not, the admission criteria include a resume, with or without work experience. A statement of intent is also evaluated, and admission is based on a good fit, not just a good GPA. Reference letters are also required.
For admission purposes, if an applicant does not present a degree, what other criteria are looked at for academics?
The last 60 units of course weight are looked at, and the competitive GPA is 3.0 or higher.
Do I need a business background to apply?
No. Students are admitted with a variety of experience & educational backgrounds. In the MBA program, they learn about accounting, statistics, marketing and human resources together.
Do I need to write the GMAT?
Yes. The GMAT includes questions that are quantitative and verbal.
Is a pre-assessment an option?
Yes. Please email Chris Lynch, Director, Recruitment and Admissions, MBA Program at christopher.lynch@ualberta.ca for more information.
When do I have to apply?
Please refer to the School of Business website for application deadlines.
When do I find out if I am admitted?
The application is reviewed upon completion. An interview is conducted (approximately 30 minutes in length), and the decision is usually made 24-48 hours after the interview.
Is funding available?
Every student receives funding one way or another.
How are courses graded?
This is a graduate program, so a passing grade is a C+. Students are carefully selected to succeed in the program, so grades are only curved if they have to be.
What are the consequences for a student in the combined program if the MBA portion is failed?
It is not common to see a student fail in the MBA program. If a student does fail a course, they find a way to make it up. If a student fails two courses, then they will be required to withdraw from the MBA program.