The collaboration between the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy (EMSOP) and the School of Public Health (SPH) at Rutgers University reflects a shared recognition that addressing health outcomes, policy, and economics requires expertise that spans both clinical sciences and population health. Pharmacy contributes strengths in pharmaceutical outcomes (e.g., pharmacoeconomics), clinical research, and therapeutic evaluation, while public health offers expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and health systems.

This partnership supports multiple educational pathways, including the Master of Science in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (MS-HOPE), the PharmD/MS-HOPE Dual-Degree Program, and the Certificate in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics. Each of these programs expands access to specialized training, prepares graduates for leadership in research and policy, and responds to workforce demands for professionals who address pressing challenges in health care financing, outcomes research, and policy development.

Program Descriptions

MS-HOPE: The MS-HOPE program is jointly offered by the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and the School of Public Health. Since its launch, the program has produced professionals trained to conduct and evaluate research in health economics, patient outcomes and clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness analysis, health technology assessment, and health policy. The curriculum requires 40 credits, including 10 credits of public health core courses, 12 credits of statistical and epidemiological methodology, 6 credits of health economics and outcomes research, 6 elective credits, and a 6-credit capstone project. The program also fosters collaborative research, training, and service while engaging with industry, government, and academic partners. Please refer to the HOPE website and SPH catalog for admissions and curriculum requirements.

PharmD/MS-HOPE: The PharmD/MS-HOPE dual-degree program is a specialized pathway within the MS-HOPE program that allows students to complete the PharmD and MSHOPE degrees in less time than if pursued independently, while receiving integrated training in clinical sciences, health policy, and outcomes research. Except where otherwise specified, the academic structure, policies, and requirements of the dual-degree program follow those of the MS-HOPE program.

HOPE Certificate: The Certificate in Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics introduces students to foundational concepts in health economics, outcomes, and research (HEOR). It is particularly well-suited for students exploring HEOR career paths in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, health insurance, and government health agencies. See the SPH catalog and website for a full description of the program, admissions policies, and curricular requirements.

Pharmacy students interested in the dual degree program should contact Associate Professor Chintan Dave, HOPE Program Director (cdave@ifh.rutgers.edu) for in-depth information about the HOPE programs and requirements, and contact EMSOP Associate Dean, Minakshi Lahiri (Minakshi.lahiri@rutgers.edu) or Associate Dean, Laura Sclafani (laura.sclafani@pharmacy.rutgers.edu) for and overview and registration information.